Proverbs 1:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof,

NIV: Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,

NASB: They did not accept my advice, They disdainfully rejected every rebuke from me.

CSB: were not interested in my counsel, and rejected all my correction,

NLT: They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them.

KJV: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

NKJV: They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.

Here, the depths of our rejection of wisdom is explored. Solomon has described wisdom as a woman in a crowded, public place, shouting out for everyone to hear. The only way to avoid hearing her words is to purposefully ignore them. In other words, ignorance is always a choice, in one sense or another. God gives us enough to begin our search (Romans 1:18–20), and promises to give us what we need when we seek Him (Matthew 7:7).

When we refuse to listen to wisdom, or refuse to start with the "fear of the Lord," it is as if wisdom was dead to us. We ignore her as if she was not even there. We pass by her and follow foolish pursuits. We fall into the trap of sin. Even those who know Christ as their Savior are still subject to the consequences of their choices. Cause and effect still apply, and the best way to avoid the risks of chance is to take advice coming from a godly perspective.

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 5/4/2024 3:43:41 AM