Proverbs 1:20-33
Discussion Questions
● Have you ever been warned by someone of a potential problem or danger? (Think about this question in relation to driving, working, relationships, or money.) Did you heed the warning? Why?
● Does it matter who gives the warning? Why?
Verses 1:20-23, “20 Wisdom calls out in the street; she makes her voice heard in the public squares. 21 She cries out above the commotion; she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:22 “How long, inexperienced ones, will you love ignorance? How long will you mockers enjoy mocking
and you fools hate knowledge? 23 If you respond to my warning, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words.”
Questions to Ponder
● Wisdom is personified in this passage. Who is wisdom personified as? Why might wisdom be personified as a woman (Lady Wisdom) in light of the whole chapter of Proverbs 1?
● What is Wisdom doing in verses 20-21? Where is she doing it? Is it significant where and how Wisdom is calling out? Why?
● Who are the three types of people Lady Wisdom addresses in verse 22? What is her question to them? Why might some people love ignorance and hate knowledge?
● Why might Wisdom seek out these three types of people?
● In verse 23 what does Lady Wisdom say she is trying to do? What will Wisdom do if these three types of people respond to her?
Verses 1:24-28, “24 Since I called out and you refused, extended my hand and no one paid attention, 25 since you neglected all my counsel
and did not accept my correction, 26 I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity.
I will mock when terror strikes you, 27 when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when trouble and stress overcome you. 28 Then they will call me, but I won’t answer; they will search for me, but won’t find me.”
Questions to Ponder
● How did Lady Wisdom pursue these individuals in verses 24-25?
● What happens to these people that Wisdom pursued in verses 26-27?
● (Verse 26) How does Wisdom respond to these individuals when they encounter troubles?
● (Verse 28) Why might these individuals suddenly start pursuing Wisdom now?What is their motivation for searching for Wisdom now? Why can’t Wisdom be found now?
Verses 1:29-33, “29 Because they hated knowledge, didn’t choose to fear the Lord, 30 were not interested in my counsel, and rejected all my correction, 31 they will eat the fruit of their way and be glutted with their own schemes. 32 For the apostasy of the inexperienced will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. 33 But whoever listens to me will live securely and be undisturbed by the dread of danger.”
Questions to Ponder
● In verses 29-30, who were these mockers and fools ultimately rejecting? What were they rejecting from God? Why was this unwise?
● In verses 31-32, what results from rejecting Wisdom’s correction and counsel?
● In contrast, what are the benefits of listening to Lady Wisdom described inverse 33? Why does listening to Wisdom provide these benefits?
Concluding Thoughts and Questions
● What steps are you taking to grow in your knowledge of God and His Word?
● Have you personally responded to Wisdom’s call to you? Why or why not?
● How do you respond to God’s correction and counsel?