.1:20-33.

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Wisdom addresses the people (Prov 1:20-33)

To help people see what he is saying about wisdom, the writer tries to give illustrations that anyone can understand. He does not discuss wisdom as an abstract principle, but pictures it as being in the form of a person (i.e. personified).

He speaks of wisdom as if it were a dignified and well respected woman who stands in the streets and market places of the town and speaks openly and plainly to those who pass by (Prov 1:20-21).

The woman addresses her words largely to three classes of people - the simple, the scoffers and the fools. The simple are those who are irresponsible and easily influenced. The scoffers (or mockers) are those who are arrogantly confident in their own ability and scornful of the opinions of others. The fools are those who have no interest in right thinking or right behaviour.

They are not people whose mental ability is below average, but normal intelligent people who are lazy or careless in their attitude to what is worthwhile and what is not (Prov 1:22).

Those who refuse to listen to the voice of wisdom and go their own way will finally meet disaster.

As they recall the wisdom that they ignored, that wisdom seems now to mock them (Prov 1:23-27).

Wisdom’s words are proved to be true, but they are now of no use. It is too late for wisdom to help, and now they will suffer the consequences (Prov 1:28-31).

To ignore God’s wisdom brings ruin; to seek it brings security (Prov 1:32-33).