Proverbs 1:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,

NIV: But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,

NASB: Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention;

CSB: Since I called out and you refused, extended my hand and no one paid attention,

NLT: 'I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.

KJV: Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

NKJV: Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,

Verse 23 encouraged those who will listen to wisdom. Wisdom is pictured as a woman shouting out her message in a crowded, public place. This is an offer being made to anyone and everyone. And, all people are being given the opportunity to hear it. Nobody is being left with an excuse to say, "I didn't know." To those who listen, God will give wisdom (James 1:5). This single verse explains the rewards for those who respond.

Verse 24 quickly reverts from this positive turn. This verse introduces the fate of those who pass by and do not listen. Note, according to the context of this passage, there are only two possible responses to wisdom. The imagery Solomon uses means all people are being exposed to this offer. A person can only choose between listening to wisdom and ignoring "her." There is no way anyone can claim they were unaware of this offer (Romans 1:18–20). Here Solomon sets the stage for the consequences that are coming to those who are enticed by sin and do not listen to wisdom.

Proverbs 1:20–33 concludes the first chapter of Proverbs with the dire consequences of the behaviors defined in the previous section. Also, in this segment is the first personification of wisdom as a female. Throughout Proverbs, Solomon likens wisdom to a woman crying out. The theme is that she is not hiding but is out in the open for all to hear, even though she often goes overlooked.

Proverbs Chapter 1 provides a clear description of the purpose of the book. It is stated plainly who wrote the book, the lineage of Solomon, and to whom he was writing. Solomon gives four distinct purpose statements in the opening verses. The essence of these is to explain why he is writing the book as well as the source of his inspiration. Solomon concludes with a warning against sinfulness and a personal plea for his children to act wisely.

Proverbs Chapter 1 is clearly born out of Solomon’s life history. Solomon held himself back from no earthly pleasure, he had everything he could ever desire, and in the end he saw the foolishness of his actions. Chapter 1 is Solomon’s reflection on his own life, how he had all the wisdom of God available to him, and yet chose to follow after foolish desires. Other chapters detail the advice which this experience allows Solomon to give.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 5/5/2024 2:17:58 PM