What wisdom has to say

Solomon wants us to understand that as long as we are doing the talking, we can’t hear what Wisdom would like to say.
 
Verses 21-33 of the first chapter of Proverbs is called “Wisdoms’ Rebuke.” It pictures Wisdom calling out from the “top of the wall” and the “city gates” to the mockers and fools who refuse to listen to her advice. In v. 23 she exhorts, “Repent at my rebuke” and adds that if they do, she will “pour out her thoughts” and “make them wise.” Context describes the rebels as simple minded, unwilling to listen, and rejecting all correction. When disaster strikes and they call for help, God will “laugh” at them (v. 26) and leave them to “eat the bitter fruit of living their own way” (v. 31 NLT). Not a hopeful picture.
       At the heart of their problem is an unwillingness, and to some extent their inability, to hear the clear voice of wisdom. They had ample time to listen and learn but they decided to do it their way. Richard (you wouldn’t know him) was like that for some fifty years of his life. When God got him straightened out and I asked him what it was the brought about the change, he answered, “My way wasn’t working, so, I tried God’s way.” In biblical language, he “repented,” he turned 180 degrees and headed in the opposite direction. Solomon describes the result of such a change: It allows God to pour out his thoughts and make known his wisdom. It’s important to realize that it is not up to us to somehow “gain” knowledge because God is ready to give it. The only thing that keeps us in the dark is our unwillingness to allow Wisdom to speak.
       As long as we are doing the talking, enjoying center stage, we can’t hear what God has to say. Enamored with our own insights it’s difficult, if not impossible, to hear the truth. To repent is to realize our insignificance and step aside. God, who is eternal and omniscient, is the source of all wisdom. And the good news is that he wants to share it with us. By faith in Christ we become children of God and this relationship grants us contact with the source of all knowledge.