Scripture Nugget 6.1.2017
Scripture Read Proverbs 1
Nugget Proverbs 1:20-33
“Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. At the busiest corner she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: ‘How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused, have stretched out my hand and no one heeded, and because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when panic strikes you, when panic strikes like a storm, and your calamity come like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear the of the LORD, would have none of my counsel, and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way and be sated with their own devices. For waywardness kills the simple, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.’”
Devotional Thought: In God’s providence we have a choice to make and are able to make that choice. God’s gives us the ability and the freedom to choose. God also provides the facts to use in making that choice. Choosing the way described here by Woman Wisdom is a personification of grace. How I/you respond is critical! Choosing to turn one’s back on God causes panic, calamity and distress; continually living in such brings destruction and death. “But those who listen ... will be secure and will at ease, without dread of disaster.” Those who listen and respond by choosing to follow God (the teaching and advice of Woman Wisdom) partake in good fruit and produce good fruit. The others produce rotten fruit, the fruit of their hard hearts. “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)