Proverbs 1:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you,

NIV: I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you--

NASB: I will also laugh at your disaster; I will mock when your dread comes,

CSB: I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity. I will mock when terror strikes you,

NLT: So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you —

KJV: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

NKJV: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes,

The main consequence of ignoring wisdom is not that bad things might happen. The main consequence is that bad things are assured to happen. Once we have made a poor choice, it is too late to appeal for wisdom. Wisdom is the right action, based in knowledge. Calamity—or disaster—comes from the wrong action based in selfish desire.

In this passage, Solomon has personified wisdom as a woman. This verse explains one reason why: once the opportunity to act wisely has passed by, wisdom laughs and mocks. Few things are as humiliating or shaming as being ridiculed and taunted. In that day, when women were often considered of lesser status, it would have been especially humiliating to imagine a woman jeering publicly at a man. Imagery aside, the spiritual application works both for men and women. The sense of "mocking" here has more to do with remembering the advice that was ignored. There is a reason why we, as human beings, find it so irritating to hear someone else tell us, "I told you so!"

Rather than being pursued, wisdom was ignored, and the consequences are nobody's fault but our own. This applies both to Christian believers and non-believers alike. Actions have consequences. A person can have a saving relationship with Christ and still fail to listen to wisdom. The same aftermath is waiting for anyone who acts foolishly, Christian or not.

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.