WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.700 This summer we've been kind of working through, or we're starting to really, just go through some of the wisdom that God has for us in the book of Proverbs. 00:00:10.339 --> 00:00:15.120 And we want to learn from the Lord what he has for us there. 00:00:15.259 --> 00:00:19.859 So this morning we're in Proverbs chapter 1, verse 20. 00:00:20.780 --> 00:00:23.400 Proverbs chapter 1, verse 20. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.399 Out in the open, wisdom calls aloud. 00:00:34.259 --> 00:00:36.560 She raises her voice in the public square. 00:00:37.320 --> 00:00:39.539 On top of the wall, she cries out. 00:00:40.359 --> 00:00:42.600 At the city gates, she makes her speech. 00:00:43.719 --> 00:00:47.700 How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? 00:00:48.420 --> 00:00:53.439 How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? 00:00:54.420 --> 00:00:55.879 Repent at my rebuke. 00:00:56.980 --> 00:00:59.420 Then I will pour out my thoughts to you. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:02.060 I will make known to you my teachings. 00:01:03.259 --> 00:01:09.120 But since you refuse to listen when I call, and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, 00:01:09.120 --> 00:01:13.079 since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, 00:01:13.579 --> 00:01:17.260 I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you. 00:01:17.819 --> 00:01:23.019 I will mock when calamity overtakes you, when calamity overtakes you like a storm, 00:01:23.859 --> 00:01:26.579 when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, 00:01:27.180 --> 00:01:29.379 when distress and trouble overwhelm you. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:33.480 Then they will call to me, but I will not answer. 00:01:33.939 --> 00:01:36.400 They will look for me, but will not find me, 00:01:36.819 --> 00:01:41.420 since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. 00:01:42.120 --> 00:01:46.340 Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, 00:01:46.840 --> 00:01:51.060 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. 00:01:51.060 --> 00:01:54.859 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, 00:01:55.240 --> 00:01:58.420 and the complacency of fools will destroy them. 00:01:58.879 --> 00:02:06.060 But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease without fear of harm. 00:02:06.060 --> 00:02:13.159 These are profound words and sobering words. 00:02:13.640 --> 00:02:20.840 Even after a quick read-through, I think we can all sense that there's a depth of riches and wisdom in these words. 00:02:20.960 --> 00:02:22.500 There's much that we can learn from them, 00:02:22.500 --> 00:02:26.060 but we won't get that from just a quick read-through. 00:02:26.060 --> 00:02:32.259 These are the kinds of words that we need to meditate on deeply and reflect on, 00:02:32.840 --> 00:02:36.360 and pray and ask the Lord for wisdom as we do. 00:02:36.780 --> 00:02:38.199 And so let's do that. 00:02:38.280 --> 00:02:39.120 Let's pray together. 00:02:39.120 --> 00:02:46.560 Lord, in these moments, as we reflect on these words, we ask, would you speak to us? 00:02:47.500 --> 00:02:55.240 We ask, would you open our minds and our hearts that we would hear what you say to us? 00:02:55.879 --> 00:02:59.719 Would you make it plain to each one of us in all of our different situations, 00:02:59.900 --> 00:03:07.020 just what area of our lives this applies to most and the places where we need to hear it most? 00:03:07.020 --> 00:03:11.219 We ask this in your name. Amen. 00:03:14.219 --> 00:03:16.100 So here we are in Proverbs. 00:03:17.439 --> 00:03:19.680 And with this passage that we've just read, 00:03:19.740 --> 00:03:24.300 the first thing that we notice is that these words of Solomon are not like most words in the Bible. 00:03:25.160 --> 00:03:26.840 They're kind of in a class all their own. 00:03:27.180 --> 00:03:28.180 They're Proverbs. 00:03:28.840 --> 00:03:30.939 They're sayings of the wise. 00:03:31.920 --> 00:03:34.580 And so we have to read them a little bit differently. 00:03:34.580 --> 00:03:37.860 We have to read them as Proverbs. 00:03:38.780 --> 00:03:44.960 A proverb is, you could describe it as a true principle that generally holds sway, 00:03:45.060 --> 00:03:46.820 or usually holds sway. 00:03:47.800 --> 00:03:51.680 We mustn't press the Proverbs too hard so that we, you know, 00:03:51.800 --> 00:03:54.140 expect them to be like laws of the universe, 00:03:54.780 --> 00:03:56.500 or like mathematical formulas, 00:03:56.960 --> 00:03:59.680 which always hold sway without exception. 00:03:59.680 --> 00:04:06.040 They're things that are true and generally or usually hold sway. 00:04:06.120 --> 00:04:09.700 And we can see that in the passage that we've got this morning. 00:04:10.360 --> 00:04:11.680 Proverbs 1 verse 33. 00:04:12.800 --> 00:04:18.399 But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease without fear of harm. 00:04:19.879 --> 00:04:23.860 And of course, I think we know that there are some exceptions to this. 00:04:23.860 --> 00:04:25.819 This is the general, the usual. 00:04:26.300 --> 00:04:31.840 Those who listen to wisdom will reap the reward, the benefit of it. 00:04:32.340 --> 00:04:35.259 Live in safety, be at ease, have no fear of harm. 00:04:36.280 --> 00:04:38.860 But of course, there are exceptions sometimes. 00:04:39.020 --> 00:04:40.759 The righteous do suffer at times. 00:04:41.740 --> 00:04:45.340 Even the wisest and godliest of people face persecution at times. 00:04:45.800 --> 00:04:46.439 It's a proverb. 00:04:47.360 --> 00:04:48.699 It's not a divine decree. 00:04:48.699 --> 00:04:52.599 It's a true saying which generally holds sway. 00:04:53.519 --> 00:04:55.659 But not always, without exception. 00:04:56.659 --> 00:05:00.420 The second thing that we notice is that these words of Solomon are quite clever. 00:05:01.180 --> 00:05:02.459 They're quite creative. 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:05.939 And this is common too with the sayings of the wise. 00:05:07.379 --> 00:05:12.459 They're often said in a way that's beautiful, that's memorable. 00:05:12.459 --> 00:05:20.279 They use all kinds of literary devices which get her attention to state the principles of wisdom. 00:05:21.019 --> 00:05:22.519 And we definitely see that here. 00:05:22.759 --> 00:05:24.859 Solomon personifies wisdom. 00:05:25.419 --> 00:05:30.919 He speaks about wisdom as if it were a person who is standing on the street corners, 00:05:31.539 --> 00:05:34.519 calling out to people passing by in the city. 00:05:35.620 --> 00:05:36.560 Verse 20. 00:05:38.060 --> 00:05:41.240 Out in the open, wisdom calls aloud. 00:05:41.240 --> 00:05:44.780 She raises her voice in the public square. 00:05:46.100 --> 00:05:48.319 On top of the wall, she cries out. 00:05:49.180 --> 00:05:52.160 At the city gate, she makes her speech. 00:05:52.879 --> 00:05:57.019 So even at the outset here, it's pretty obvious that to get to the wisdom in here, 00:05:57.079 --> 00:06:01.300 we're going to have to do some interpretation, some reflecting, some thinking. 00:06:02.160 --> 00:06:03.960 What do you mean, Solomon? 00:06:03.959 --> 00:06:11.259 In what sense does wisdom call out to us like this woman in the streets? 00:06:11.899 --> 00:06:13.599 We're going to come back to this question. 00:06:14.599 --> 00:06:19.419 But before we do, we want to take time to listen to what wisdom has to say. 00:06:19.420 --> 00:06:29.920 All of what follows in verse 22 to verse 33 are the words of lady wisdom as she calls out on the streets. 00:06:30.879 --> 00:06:32.340 What does she have to say? 00:06:33.280 --> 00:06:35.080 We want to listen to her words. 00:06:35.379 --> 00:06:39.300 What's going on in this little picture that Solomon is painting for us? 00:06:39.300 --> 00:06:43.400 Well, it begins, as we just read, with Solomon. 00:06:44.360 --> 00:06:44.819 Sorry. 00:06:45.120 --> 00:06:48.560 It begins with this woman calling out to people. 00:06:49.660 --> 00:06:51.699 Wisdom calling out to people. 00:06:52.060 --> 00:06:54.439 And the picture we get here is of a bustling city. 00:06:55.439 --> 00:06:57.740 And there she stands out in the open, 00:06:57.740 --> 00:07:01.660 in public, on the street corners, by the gates, 00:07:01.740 --> 00:07:03.340 where everybody is passing by. 00:07:03.680 --> 00:07:10.000 And she's calling out loud to the people who are passing by and speaking to them. 00:07:10.800 --> 00:07:14.800 And the rest of this section, 22 to 33, is what she's saying. 00:07:14.900 --> 00:07:19.900 Her speech begins with this rhetorical question in verse 22. 00:07:21.019 --> 00:07:26.420 How long will you, who are simple, love your simple ways? 00:07:26.420 --> 00:07:33.259 How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? 00:07:34.560 --> 00:07:38.720 So we get a bit of a sense just who wisdom is calling out to. 00:07:39.840 --> 00:07:41.800 She's calling out to those who are simple, 00:07:42.319 --> 00:07:44.639 which, as we talked about last Sunday, 00:07:44.759 --> 00:07:47.480 doesn't refer to simple the way we tend to think of it. 00:07:47.740 --> 00:07:51.000 In Proverbs, it refers to a person who lacks discernment 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:54.960 and who is kind of bent or inclined towards evil. 00:07:56.420 --> 00:07:59.640 And she's calling out to those who are mockers, 00:08:00.020 --> 00:08:05.460 to those who make light and make fun of her and her words. 00:08:06.680 --> 00:08:10.879 She's calling out to those who are fools, who are foolish, 00:08:11.540 --> 00:08:14.680 those who by their attitude and living show contempt 00:08:14.680 --> 00:08:17.520 for what is true wisdom and knowledge. 00:08:17.519 --> 00:08:23.000 And her call is a question. 00:08:24.359 --> 00:08:29.199 How long will you, who are simple, love your simple ways? 00:08:29.279 --> 00:08:30.199 How long? 00:08:31.699 --> 00:08:35.579 The picture we get is that they're not just like this some of the time, 00:08:35.639 --> 00:08:36.840 the people passing by, 00:08:37.199 --> 00:08:39.980 but that this is the continual pattern of their lives, 00:08:39.980 --> 00:08:44.500 living in ways that show that they lack discernment, 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:47.220 doing foolish things, 00:08:47.700 --> 00:08:51.759 having an attitude that makes little of what is true knowledge and wisdom. 00:08:51.759 --> 00:09:01.939 And embedded in all of this is a hint at why they continually live like this. 00:09:03.179 --> 00:09:05.980 We might wonder, why don't they learn from their mistakes? 00:09:07.200 --> 00:09:08.980 Why don't they change their ways? 00:09:09.620 --> 00:09:13.519 Why don't they see that how they're thinking and how they're living just isn't working? 00:09:14.080 --> 00:09:15.299 And change. 00:09:15.299 --> 00:09:20.579 How come they're not becoming wise with each poor choice that they make? 00:09:21.759 --> 00:09:24.519 Well, the reason, or at least a hint of the reason, 00:09:24.740 --> 00:09:27.219 is stated by Solomon, 00:09:27.399 --> 00:09:30.459 because they love their simple ways. 00:09:31.859 --> 00:09:36.179 The problem is not that they lack true discernment and are ignorant. 00:09:37.399 --> 00:09:42.359 It's that they love the kind of living that goes with that mentality. 00:09:42.360 --> 00:09:45.539 Let's have an example from real life. 00:09:46.580 --> 00:09:51.919 Consider the person who spends every cent that they have coming in, 00:09:52.360 --> 00:09:55.379 and then a little bit more borrowed on the credit card, 00:09:55.580 --> 00:09:58.440 month after month after month after month, 00:09:58.700 --> 00:10:00.840 buying stuff that they don't really need. 00:10:02.480 --> 00:10:05.740 It's an example of foolish living. 00:10:06.840 --> 00:10:09.700 And the problem is not that they don't realize what they're doing. 00:10:10.200 --> 00:10:11.240 Of course they do. 00:10:11.240 --> 00:10:17.019 The problem is that they love to have more new stuff. 00:10:17.139 --> 00:10:20.100 Whatever catches their eye, they just have to have it now. 00:10:22.360 --> 00:10:27.320 And I'm not wanting to pick on any of you who may have made some choices like that. 00:10:27.419 --> 00:10:30.720 I have made my share of mistakes with finances as well. 00:10:30.720 --> 00:10:37.460 But wisdom is also speaking to mockers. 00:10:39.460 --> 00:10:43.580 These people sometimes hear her call and mock. 00:10:43.580 --> 00:10:48.000 As it pertains to this one area of finances. 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:54.200 You can kind of imagine that family who is spending more than they're making 00:10:54.200 --> 00:10:58.560 and buying all this stuff to impress people around them. 00:10:58.559 --> 00:11:06.739 They look at that other family who's driving that old used car and living in that cheaper house, 00:11:06.859 --> 00:11:11.079 spending less than they make, denying themselves some of the pleasures of life. 00:11:11.080 --> 00:11:13.900 And if not outwardly, then inwardly. 00:11:14.580 --> 00:11:16.920 They're thinking, oh, look at their house. 00:11:17.700 --> 00:11:18.700 Look at their car. 00:11:18.700 --> 00:11:20.700 They're thinking, oh, look at their house. 00:11:20.700 --> 00:11:26.940 Taking pride and joy in the fact that they have what others do not. 00:11:26.940 --> 00:11:33.240 All the while ignoring the reality of this massive amount of debt and interest payments 00:11:33.240 --> 00:11:40.700 that someday will catch up with them if they keep on spending more than they're making. 00:11:42.400 --> 00:11:48.580 True wisdom and knowledge, of course, would lead you to live on less than you make. 00:11:49.420 --> 00:11:52.480 But a fool hates and despises that notion 00:11:52.480 --> 00:11:56.120 because they want to have everything good that they see right now. 00:11:56.940 --> 00:12:00.900 And even if they're not able to afford it. 00:12:01.920 --> 00:12:06.840 That's just one example of the kind of mindset that wisdom is calling out to 00:12:06.840 --> 00:12:09.340 as it pertains to personal finances. 00:12:09.460 --> 00:12:12.900 But, of course, we could apply these words to all different areas of life, 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:14.000 not just finances. 00:12:14.620 --> 00:12:17.120 All kinds of foolish attitudes and choices. 00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:20.540 We could apply it to relationships. 00:12:21.640 --> 00:12:26.700 We could apply it to foolish decisions, attitudes that we carry about work. 00:12:26.940 --> 00:12:28.580 About career planning. 00:12:29.500 --> 00:12:31.440 About moral decisions. 00:12:32.440 --> 00:12:35.700 About leisure, recreation, sport, entertainment. 00:12:36.340 --> 00:12:38.960 How we conduct ourselves in society. 00:12:39.460 --> 00:12:41.660 How seriously we take the laws of the land. 00:12:42.680 --> 00:12:44.340 We could apply these words to parenting. 00:12:44.340 --> 00:12:47.519 And most certainly and most importantly, 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:51.139 these words apply to our relationship with God. 00:12:52.820 --> 00:12:57.440 How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? 00:12:59.060 --> 00:13:03.600 The problem is not just that we lack wisdom or are ignorant to wisdom. 00:13:03.800 --> 00:13:06.620 The problem is that we don't like what she has to say. 00:13:06.620 --> 00:13:12.360 Because what she has to say doesn't fit with the way we love to live. 00:13:13.919 --> 00:13:15.740 It's not an understanding problem. 00:13:15.980 --> 00:13:17.419 It's a heart problem. 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:22.919 We continue to make foolish choices as a pattern of life. 00:13:23.019 --> 00:13:23.980 Not because we're stupid. 00:13:24.899 --> 00:13:26.379 But because we want to. 00:13:26.379 --> 00:13:31.139 And here is wisdom calling out to us. 00:13:31.700 --> 00:13:34.279 How long will you go on living like this? 00:13:35.120 --> 00:13:39.240 How many times do you want to go on this roller coaster ride again and again. 00:13:39.360 --> 00:13:42.299 Round and round before you realize that it's taking you nowhere. 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:43.879 And eventually it's going to make you sick. 00:13:43.879 --> 00:13:48.840 Verse 23. 00:13:49.840 --> 00:13:50.960 Wisdom says, 00:13:51.539 --> 00:13:53.700 Repent at my rebuke. 00:13:54.799 --> 00:13:57.500 Then I will pour out my thoughts to you. 00:13:58.299 --> 00:14:00.620 I will make known to you my teachings. 00:14:02.240 --> 00:14:07.059 Turn and acknowledge the foolishness of your ways. 00:14:08.399 --> 00:14:10.879 Listen to the rebuke of wisdom. 00:14:10.879 --> 00:14:10.960 Listen. 00:14:13.439 --> 00:14:17.639 Really stop and listen to what she has to say. 00:14:19.000 --> 00:14:20.840 And then you'll be ready to change. 00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:23.399 You'll be ready to grow wise. 00:14:23.559 --> 00:14:25.639 I'll pour out my thoughts to you. 00:14:26.779 --> 00:14:29.860 I'll make known to you my teachings. 00:14:30.100 --> 00:14:31.820 Do you want the spirit of wisdom? 00:14:33.019 --> 00:14:34.580 The teachings of wisdom? 00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:37.639 It starts with repenting. 00:14:37.639 --> 00:14:43.279 Which in this context means acknowledging the foolishness of our ways. 00:14:44.519 --> 00:14:46.580 And stopping to really listen. 00:14:47.419 --> 00:14:49.500 And take to heart what wisdom has to say. 00:14:51.139 --> 00:14:52.819 But the story goes on here. 00:14:54.080 --> 00:14:56.199 The picture here is already painted. 00:14:57.980 --> 00:15:03.840 In Solomon's parable here, the response of most people is already decided. 00:15:03.840 --> 00:15:07.139 Verse 24. 00:15:09.360 --> 00:15:12.460 But since you refuse to listen when I call. 00:15:13.379 --> 00:15:16.060 And no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand. 00:15:16.399 --> 00:15:19.280 Since you disregard all my advice. 00:15:19.860 --> 00:15:22.200 And do not accept my rebuke. 00:15:23.780 --> 00:15:28.720 He continues on down in verse 29 with more descriptions of how they responded. 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:33.840 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. 00:15:35.120 --> 00:15:37.879 Since they would not accept my advice. 00:15:38.440 --> 00:15:41.580 And spurned my rebuke. 00:15:44.279 --> 00:15:47.440 We'll get to the consequence in a moment. 00:15:48.139 --> 00:15:53.279 But let's first reflect on just how the majority of people respond to lady wisdom. 00:15:53.279 --> 00:15:55.620 As she calls out in the streets in this parable. 00:15:55.620 --> 00:16:00.740 The picture that we get here is that they just pass her by. 00:16:02.340 --> 00:16:03.639 And ignore her. 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:16.000 They do not accept her advice. 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:18.980 They spurn her rebuke. 00:16:19.100 --> 00:16:20.639 They refuse to listen. 00:16:21.960 --> 00:16:22.600 Verse 24. 00:16:22.600 --> 00:16:24.440 No one pays attention. 00:16:25.620 --> 00:16:29.039 Wisdom is calling out to them. 00:16:29.120 --> 00:16:30.220 Excuse me, mister. 00:16:30.960 --> 00:16:32.019 Excuse me, madam. 00:16:32.720 --> 00:16:34.019 Stretching out her hand. 00:16:34.679 --> 00:16:36.039 And they just go right on by. 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:46.620 Verse 29, I think, holds one of the keys to understanding this parable. 00:16:46.620 --> 00:16:53.820 Since they did not choose to fear the Lord. 00:16:53.820 --> 00:16:54.860 Says Solomon. 00:16:57.259 --> 00:17:00.139 He uses this phrase in parallel. 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:04.359 As kind of a synonym of all the different ways that they treat wisdom. 00:17:04.559 --> 00:17:06.640 Since they did not choose to fear the Lord. 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:08.720 I think this is the key to this little parable. 00:17:09.519 --> 00:17:12.779 This is really what this parable is all about. 00:17:12.779 --> 00:17:17.960 Who is it who is calling out in the open to people? 00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:20.960 Offering a gracious rebuke? 00:17:21.579 --> 00:17:26.639 Calling people to stop and acknowledge the foolishness of their ways and listen? 00:17:27.639 --> 00:17:32.579 Who is it that's offering to make the simple and the foolish wise? 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:35.119 And pour out his spirit of wisdom? 00:17:35.439 --> 00:17:36.919 And make known his teachings? 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:40.819 Who is it that they ignore and refuse to listen to? 00:17:41.859 --> 00:17:46.099 Who is it that stretches out his hand and offers advice? 00:17:47.799 --> 00:17:49.359 This verse gives us the key. 00:17:49.359 --> 00:17:53.919 And yet they do not choose to fear. 00:17:54.799 --> 00:17:56.619 To take seriously his words. 00:17:57.339 --> 00:17:58.299 To regard. 00:17:58.579 --> 00:17:59.299 To respect him. 00:17:59.379 --> 00:18:00.159 It's the Lord. 00:18:01.059 --> 00:18:01.500 Yahweh. 00:18:02.539 --> 00:18:02.979 God. 00:18:10.919 --> 00:18:12.379 Now please don't misunderstand me. 00:18:12.399 --> 00:18:14.319 I'm not saying that the Lord is a woman. 00:18:14.539 --> 00:18:17.299 I mean there's kind of all kinds of ways you could construe this here. 00:18:17.299 --> 00:18:23.099 But we probably do well if we just think of this as a mini parable. 00:18:24.299 --> 00:18:24.759 Wisdom. 00:18:24.859 --> 00:18:25.480 Lady wisdom. 00:18:25.639 --> 00:18:26.700 Calling out in the streets. 00:18:26.919 --> 00:18:31.059 It represents how the Lord calls out to people. 00:18:31.480 --> 00:18:33.019 With his words of wisdom. 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:35.200 And how they respond. 00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:37.960 Yahweh. 00:18:38.079 --> 00:18:38.480 The Lord. 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:39.940 The creator of our universe. 00:18:40.379 --> 00:18:42.119 The all wise God. 00:18:42.240 --> 00:18:45.220 Calls out and speaks in the open to people. 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:46.480 And yet on the whole. 00:18:47.100 --> 00:18:51.339 The majority of us treats him like the person that we might find in the mall. 00:18:51.420 --> 00:18:52.860 At one of those little kiosks. 00:18:53.319 --> 00:18:56.759 Trying to sell you another skin care product. 00:18:58.079 --> 00:19:00.559 We treat him like the telemarketer on the phone. 00:19:00.660 --> 00:19:02.960 That's calling from some far off country. 00:19:05.420 --> 00:19:05.900 Oh. 00:19:06.079 --> 00:19:06.920 Don't want to hear that. 00:19:07.420 --> 00:19:07.799 Click. 00:19:09.559 --> 00:19:10.000 Ignore. 00:19:11.559 --> 00:19:12.620 Pay no attention. 00:19:12.619 --> 00:19:17.559 But the big difference is that deep down inside we all know. 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:19.500 That he. 00:19:19.679 --> 00:19:20.119 The Lord. 00:19:20.479 --> 00:19:22.059 Is not like either of those. 00:19:22.559 --> 00:19:24.479 And that what he has to say is right. 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:26.279 It's true. 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:30.359 So what are the consequences of all these people. 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:32.459 Passing by wisdom. 00:19:33.659 --> 00:19:34.639 Some simply. 00:19:35.319 --> 00:19:35.919 Ignoring. 00:19:36.179 --> 00:19:37.779 Some verbally refusing. 00:19:38.339 --> 00:19:39.239 Some even mocking. 00:19:39.240 --> 00:19:43.259 But none of them accepting or taking seriously what she has to say. 00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:44.339 What are the consequences? 00:19:45.400 --> 00:19:48.680 What comes next in the parable that Solomon is telling? 00:19:49.019 --> 00:19:52.279 Let's read from verse 24 down to 32. 00:19:52.279 --> 00:19:55.920 But since you refuse to listen when I call. 00:19:56.440 --> 00:19:59.319 And no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand. 00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:03.559 Since you disregard all my advice. 00:20:04.379 --> 00:20:06.480 And do not accept my rebuke. 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:11.879 I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you. 00:20:11.880 --> 00:20:15.040 I will mock when calamity overtakes you. 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:18.000 When calamity overtakes you like a storm. 00:20:18.620 --> 00:20:21.220 When disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind. 00:20:21.340 --> 00:20:23.800 When distress and trouble overwhelm you. 00:20:24.860 --> 00:20:26.460 Then they will call to me. 00:20:26.900 --> 00:20:28.220 But I will not answer. 00:20:28.820 --> 00:20:29.900 They will look for me. 00:20:30.380 --> 00:20:31.940 But will not find me. 00:20:33.040 --> 00:20:34.400 Since they hated knowledge. 00:20:34.540 --> 00:20:36.180 And did not choose to fear the Lord. 00:20:37.180 --> 00:20:39.240 Since they would not accept my advice. 00:20:39.360 --> 00:20:40.560 And spurned my rebuke. 00:20:40.559 --> 00:20:42.720 They will eat the fruit of their ways. 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:46.000 And be filled with the fruit of their schemes. 00:20:46.599 --> 00:20:49.059 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them. 00:20:49.839 --> 00:20:53.519 And the complacency of fools will destroy them. 00:20:54.359 --> 00:20:57.740 So what are the consequences of ignoring wisdom? 00:20:59.179 --> 00:21:02.079 Eventually the tables will be turned. 00:21:02.500 --> 00:21:03.339 Those who mocked. 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:05.000 Those who made light of wisdom. 00:21:05.940 --> 00:21:07.879 Will themselves become a mockery. 00:21:07.880 --> 00:21:11.320 Those who laughed at her in the streets. 00:21:11.320 --> 00:21:14.380 Will themselves become a laughing stock. 00:21:15.380 --> 00:21:16.860 And when will this happen? 00:21:17.900 --> 00:21:20.420 On the day that disaster strikes. 00:21:21.580 --> 00:21:22.780 The day of trouble. 00:21:23.660 --> 00:21:24.660 The day of calamity. 00:21:24.800 --> 00:21:26.760 Solomon uses five statements here. 00:21:27.040 --> 00:21:28.840 In verses 26 and 27. 00:21:28.940 --> 00:21:30.120 All in a row in parallel. 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:32.159 To emphasize just how certain. 00:21:32.159 --> 00:21:34.159 And how devastating things will be. 00:21:34.279 --> 00:21:35.779 For those who ignore wisdom. 00:21:36.339 --> 00:21:38.619 For those who ignore the Lord God. 00:21:39.379 --> 00:21:40.579 And his words. 00:21:41.719 --> 00:21:43.000 And when it comes. 00:21:43.559 --> 00:21:45.139 That day of disaster. 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:46.099 It will come quickly. 00:21:46.559 --> 00:21:47.939 With little to no warning. 00:21:48.500 --> 00:21:49.639 Like a storm. 00:21:49.899 --> 00:21:51.559 Blowing in seemingly out of nowhere. 00:21:51.679 --> 00:21:52.519 Like a whirlwind. 00:21:52.619 --> 00:21:53.819 Like a tornado. 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:55.439 Just whipping in out of nowhere. 00:21:55.440 --> 00:21:58.340 There will come a day. 00:21:58.340 --> 00:22:00.180 When the tables will be turned. 00:22:01.180 --> 00:22:03.200 And we've seen these kind of moments. 00:22:03.299 --> 00:22:05.620 I mean not like the ultimate judgment day. 00:22:06.140 --> 00:22:08.740 But we've seen and we've felt these kind of moments. 00:22:08.740 --> 00:22:11.799 Where the tables have been turned. 00:22:12.580 --> 00:22:13.880 When it comes to wisdom. 00:22:13.880 --> 00:22:16.279 Maybe you've experienced the same thing as I have. 00:22:16.360 --> 00:22:18.240 When you're driving along the highway. 00:22:18.980 --> 00:22:21.640 And there's some icy patches on the road. 00:22:21.640 --> 00:22:26.180 And so you're driving below the speed limit. 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:28.780 And all of a sudden. 00:22:28.880 --> 00:22:29.480 Out of nowhere. 00:22:29.620 --> 00:22:31.280 This guy comes ripping up. 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.660 Beside you. 00:22:32.780 --> 00:22:34.840 And he's going well over the speed limit. 00:22:37.080 --> 00:22:38.420 And you think to yourself. 00:22:39.120 --> 00:22:40.360 What an idiot. 00:22:42.140 --> 00:22:43.380 And then minutes later. 00:22:43.540 --> 00:22:45.480 You see that very same truck. 00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:47.060 Half buried in snow. 00:22:47.620 --> 00:22:48.340 In the ditch. 00:22:48.339 --> 00:22:53.599 Wisdom versus foolishness. 00:22:54.659 --> 00:22:56.500 And you kind of chuckle to yourself. 00:22:57.720 --> 00:22:58.179 Wisdom. 00:22:59.459 --> 00:22:59.899 Always. 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:01.659 Has the last laugh. 00:23:03.799 --> 00:23:05.879 Maybe some of you have been that guy in the truck. 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:07.740 Hopefully not. 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:11.559 The point is not here that God takes pleasure. 00:23:11.659 --> 00:23:12.659 When people are ruined. 00:23:13.480 --> 00:23:15.539 Or that he laughs at them with like a. 00:23:15.639 --> 00:23:17.699 A delight when disaster strikes. 00:23:17.700 --> 00:23:18.019 No. 00:23:18.160 --> 00:23:18.640 He doesn't. 00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:19.900 We know that from other scriptures. 00:23:20.100 --> 00:23:22.640 The point is that someday the tables will be turned. 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:25.980 And wisdom will have the last laugh. 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:32.100 God's words of wisdom will be vindicated so clearly in the sight of all. 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:35.580 That those who disregarded him will be put to shame. 00:23:36.360 --> 00:23:37.600 For having done so. 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:40.440 They will be seen as the fools that they have been. 00:23:40.980 --> 00:23:41.759 And that they are. 00:23:41.759 --> 00:23:45.180 Verse 31. 00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:47.279 Tells us. 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:49.379 That in that moment. 00:23:49.859 --> 00:23:50.700 They are getting. 00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:52.680 What they deserve. 00:23:57.180 --> 00:23:58.779 Verse 31 says this. 00:24:01.339 --> 00:24:03.299 Since they would not accept my advice. 00:24:03.400 --> 00:24:04.420 And spurn my rebuke. 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:07.140 They will eat the fruit of their ways. 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:09.720 And be filled with the fruit of their schemes. 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:13.420 They will face the consequences. 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:15.360 Which naturally arise. 00:24:16.079 --> 00:24:17.120 From foolish. 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:18.600 And sinful behavior. 00:24:20.360 --> 00:24:21.160 And we can. 00:24:21.259 --> 00:24:22.720 We can all apply these words. 00:24:22.720 --> 00:24:23.839 In the ultimate sense. 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:25.539 To the final judgment of God. 00:24:27.120 --> 00:24:28.640 To the final consequence. 00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:30.579 Of ultimately rejecting him. 00:24:31.039 --> 00:24:32.819 But we can also apply these words. 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:34.240 To everyday situations. 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:35.460 And decisions. 00:24:36.460 --> 00:24:37.720 To which God has spoken. 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:38.180 If you. 00:24:38.360 --> 00:24:40.140 Let's go back to finances for a moment. 00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:41.900 If you ignore God's wisdom. 00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:44.100 Regarding finances. 00:24:44.440 --> 00:24:45.400 And pursuing wealth. 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.680 Spoken of throughout his word. 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:49.120 And you continue to spend more than you make. 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:51.299 And borrow as much as you can. 00:24:51.400 --> 00:24:53.000 And spend more than you have. 00:24:53.400 --> 00:24:54.259 Save nothing. 00:24:54.380 --> 00:24:55.180 Invest nothing. 00:24:55.579 --> 00:24:56.240 Borrow more. 00:24:56.420 --> 00:24:57.140 Spend more. 00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:59.839 You will find yourself. 00:25:00.539 --> 00:25:01.620 As the Bible says. 00:25:01.759 --> 00:25:03.039 A slave to the lender. 00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:04.460 To the banks. 00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:07.299 And if you continue on with that. 00:25:07.720 --> 00:25:08.640 There will come a day. 00:25:08.740 --> 00:25:10.000 When you will wind up in the midst. 00:25:10.460 --> 00:25:11.779 Of financial disaster. 00:25:12.640 --> 00:25:13.360 And ruin. 00:25:14.960 --> 00:25:16.400 And all the consequences. 00:25:16.400 --> 00:25:18.100 That some ripple off. 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:19.480 Into the future of your life. 00:25:19.840 --> 00:25:20.880 That go with that. 00:25:21.240 --> 00:25:22.140 That's the fruit. 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:23.620 That's what naturally comes. 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:25.779 From making foolish choices. 00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:26.720 With your finances. 00:25:27.019 --> 00:25:28.559 And Solomon says. 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.680 The Lord says. 00:25:29.840 --> 00:25:31.200 You will eat that fruit. 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:34.120 And suddenly that guy. 00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:35.319 Who lived with contentment. 00:25:35.400 --> 00:25:36.360 Below his means. 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:39.840 And managed his money well. 00:25:39.920 --> 00:25:41.400 Will be seen for the wise steward. 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.120 That he is. 00:25:43.400 --> 00:25:44.200 And again. 00:25:44.819 --> 00:25:46.660 This isn't just about finances. 00:25:46.880 --> 00:25:48.059 But you could apply these words. 00:25:48.140 --> 00:25:49.779 To all kinds of areas in life. 00:25:50.840 --> 00:25:51.680 You reap. 00:25:51.900 --> 00:25:52.640 What you sow. 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:55.200 You'll. 00:25:55.519 --> 00:25:56.519 Eat the fruit. 00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:57.259 That comes. 00:25:57.380 --> 00:25:58.200 From the decisions. 00:25:59.299 --> 00:26:00.259 That you make. 00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:01.240 Whether good or bad. 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:03.299 Whether in finances. 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:04.339 Relationships. 00:26:04.480 --> 00:26:04.879 Marriage. 00:26:05.519 --> 00:26:06.039 Parenting. 00:26:06.339 --> 00:26:06.680 Work. 00:26:07.660 --> 00:26:08.339 And of course. 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:08.960 Ultimately. 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:10.359 In the most important aspect. 00:26:10.359 --> 00:26:10.980 Of your life. 00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:12.039 Your relationship with. 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:12.879 God. 00:26:14.099 --> 00:26:14.500 Listening. 00:26:15.079 --> 00:26:15.779 To wisdom. 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:17.400 Listening to the Lord. 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:18.160 And his words. 00:26:18.259 --> 00:26:18.960 Makes all. 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:20.019 The difference. 00:26:20.599 --> 00:26:21.240 In life. 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:23.839 And there will come a day. 00:26:24.359 --> 00:26:25.299 When it is. 00:26:25.799 --> 00:26:26.339 Too late. 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:28.059 A day of regret. 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:30.259 Verse 28. 00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:33.480 Then. 00:26:33.720 --> 00:26:34.879 They will call to me. 00:26:35.440 --> 00:26:36.759 But I will not answer. 00:26:37.759 --> 00:26:39.019 They will look for me. 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:40.899 But will not find me. 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:42.559 Do you feel the sting of regret. 00:26:42.700 --> 00:26:43.379 In those words. 00:26:48.500 --> 00:26:49.879 A day when we must face. 00:26:49.960 --> 00:26:50.679 The consequences. 00:26:50.679 --> 00:26:52.159 Of our own foolish decisions. 00:26:52.839 --> 00:26:53.759 And God will not. 00:26:53.839 --> 00:26:54.480 Bail us out. 00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:56.740 He is. 00:26:56.900 --> 00:26:57.460 Now. 00:26:57.779 --> 00:26:58.220 Today. 00:26:58.640 --> 00:26:59.860 Giving us the opportunity. 00:26:59.860 --> 00:27:00.860 To listen. 00:27:01.640 --> 00:27:02.700 To repent. 00:27:03.259 --> 00:27:03.480 To. 00:27:04.180 --> 00:27:04.680 Fear him. 00:27:04.860 --> 00:27:06.160 To believe his words. 00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:07.120 To trust him. 00:27:07.259 --> 00:27:07.740 To find. 00:27:08.099 --> 00:27:09.039 As we read earlier. 00:27:09.380 --> 00:27:09.900 Life. 00:27:10.220 --> 00:27:11.000 And safety. 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:11.960 And peace. 00:27:12.140 --> 00:27:12.819 And forgiveness. 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:13.720 And wisdom. 00:27:13.720 --> 00:27:13.839 Wisdom. 00:27:15.039 --> 00:27:16.079 But eventually. 00:27:16.079 --> 00:27:17.339 The window of opportunity. 00:27:17.339 --> 00:27:18.360 Will be closed. 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:20.579 And you will face. 00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:22.440 The ultimate consequences. 00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:23.420 Of your choices. 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:24.700 Metaphorically speaking. 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:26.220 You'll go back to that spot. 00:27:26.220 --> 00:27:27.279 On the street corner. 00:27:27.460 --> 00:27:29.339 Where you heard wisdom calling. 00:27:30.799 --> 00:27:32.420 I'm ready to listen now. 00:27:33.620 --> 00:27:34.819 And she'll be gone. 00:27:35.600 --> 00:27:36.640 And you'll be left. 00:27:36.700 --> 00:27:38.079 To what you've brought upon yourself. 00:27:38.700 --> 00:27:39.799 And to regret. 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:39.879 Yet. 00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:43.139 These are sobering. 00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:44.099 Words. 00:27:45.220 --> 00:27:46.279 Yet they are a gracious. 00:27:46.619 --> 00:27:47.139 Warning. 00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:48.639 From Solomon. 00:27:49.159 --> 00:27:50.000 And from God. 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:52.059 Perhaps these words. 00:27:52.059 --> 00:27:53.139 Are the jolt we need. 00:27:53.220 --> 00:27:54.500 To wake up from the slumber. 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:55.419 Of foolishness. 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:56.899 That we've slipped into. 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:59.399 If not in the big. 00:27:59.899 --> 00:28:01.099 Picture of our lives. 00:28:01.220 --> 00:28:02.299 Maybe in an area. 00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:02.879 Or two. 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:03.720 Of our lives. 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:07.139 The consequences. 00:28:07.139 --> 00:28:08.339 Of ignoring God. 00:28:08.339 --> 00:28:10.980 And his wisdom. 00:28:11.720 --> 00:28:12.819 Are devastating. 00:28:13.759 --> 00:28:15.259 And it's of the utmost importance. 00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:15.699 In life. 00:28:15.740 --> 00:28:16.099 For us. 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:17.379 To listen to him. 00:28:18.279 --> 00:28:19.579 To humble ourselves. 00:28:19.579 --> 00:28:20.299 Before him. 00:28:20.299 --> 00:28:21.199 And acknowledge. 00:28:21.619 --> 00:28:22.539 Our foolishness. 00:28:22.799 --> 00:28:23.779 And our sin. 00:28:25.399 --> 00:28:26.399 And listen to. 00:28:26.659 --> 00:28:27.579 What he has to say. 00:28:27.659 --> 00:28:28.679 Not just with our heads. 00:28:28.759 --> 00:28:29.619 But with our hearts. 00:28:31.639 --> 00:28:32.959 So how do we do that? 00:28:35.119 --> 00:28:35.579 If. 00:28:36.079 --> 00:28:36.480 Wisdom. 00:28:36.480 --> 00:28:37.120 Wisdom. 00:28:37.120 --> 00:28:37.319 Speaks. 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:38.360 In the city streets. 00:28:38.920 --> 00:28:39.960 In this parable. 00:28:40.079 --> 00:28:41.480 How does it speak to us today. 00:28:41.480 --> 00:28:42.380 In our culture. 00:28:42.700 --> 00:28:43.799 And in our lives. 00:28:44.900 --> 00:28:45.759 Well we've already. 00:28:46.339 --> 00:28:47.799 Traced the source of wisdom. 00:28:48.160 --> 00:28:48.620 To God. 00:28:49.480 --> 00:28:50.900 This parable is about him. 00:28:51.160 --> 00:28:52.180 Speaking to us. 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:53.200 And how we respond. 00:28:54.839 --> 00:28:56.099 And so how do we get. 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:57.339 His words of wisdom. 00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:57.960 Today. 00:28:57.960 --> 00:28:59.900 In our. 00:29:00.220 --> 00:29:01.000 Corner of the world. 00:29:01.079 --> 00:29:02.140 In a very real sense. 00:29:02.259 --> 00:29:03.360 Just like in this parable. 00:29:03.359 --> 00:29:04.579 God. 00:29:05.240 --> 00:29:05.839 Calls. 00:29:06.119 --> 00:29:06.559 Wisdom. 00:29:06.859 --> 00:29:08.039 Calls out to us. 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:09.159 In the open. 00:29:11.399 --> 00:29:12.500 God's words of wisdom. 00:29:12.500 --> 00:29:13.240 Are not written. 00:29:13.419 --> 00:29:14.099 Just on one. 00:29:15.000 --> 00:29:15.500 Scroll. 00:29:15.639 --> 00:29:16.179 That's buried. 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:16.439 In a. 00:29:16.639 --> 00:29:17.819 In a cave somewhere. 00:29:18.079 --> 00:29:19.819 That nobody has access to. 00:29:19.959 --> 00:29:20.139 In. 00:29:20.479 --> 00:29:21.199 In our days. 00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:22.339 His words of wisdom. 00:29:22.339 --> 00:29:22.679 Are. 00:29:23.079 --> 00:29:23.899 Very much. 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:24.819 Out in the open. 00:29:26.099 --> 00:29:27.219 We have them. 00:29:28.000 --> 00:29:28.879 Preserved for us. 00:29:28.939 --> 00:29:30.479 There are millions of copies. 00:29:31.199 --> 00:29:31.859 Of the words. 00:29:31.959 --> 00:29:32.839 That he has spoken. 00:29:32.839 --> 00:29:35.599 The Bible is the most. 00:29:36.019 --> 00:29:36.699 Published book. 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:37.439 Of all time. 00:29:38.579 --> 00:29:39.899 Guinness Book of World Records. 00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:40.519 Estimates. 00:29:40.619 --> 00:29:41.339 That it's got over. 00:29:41.599 --> 00:29:41.939 Five. 00:29:42.240 --> 00:29:42.679 Billion. 00:29:43.139 --> 00:29:43.699 Copies. 00:29:44.119 --> 00:29:44.679 That's five. 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:45.220 Thousand. 00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:45.559 Million. 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:46.279 Copies. 00:29:46.919 --> 00:29:47.399 Published. 00:29:48.179 --> 00:29:49.419 Since the first one. 00:29:50.879 --> 00:29:51.740 His words. 00:29:51.939 --> 00:29:52.500 Are available. 00:29:52.740 --> 00:29:53.339 To us. 00:29:55.439 --> 00:29:55.919 Probably. 00:29:56.240 --> 00:29:57.179 Every single one of us. 00:29:57.259 --> 00:29:58.299 Has one of these. 00:29:59.240 --> 00:30:00.339 Sitting on our shelf. 00:30:00.439 --> 00:30:00.899 At home. 00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:02.500 Or sitting on the nightstand. 00:30:02.839 --> 00:30:05.539 The question is. 00:30:06.220 --> 00:30:06.939 Do we stop. 00:30:07.439 --> 00:30:08.119 To listen. 00:30:08.379 --> 00:30:08.799 To them. 00:30:10.220 --> 00:30:10.939 Or do we. 00:30:11.439 --> 00:30:12.599 Just pass them by. 00:30:12.699 --> 00:30:13.500 And go on our way. 00:30:14.019 --> 00:30:15.119 And pay no attention. 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:17.099 I've got more important things. 00:30:17.179 --> 00:30:17.779 To attend to. 00:30:17.959 --> 00:30:18.299 Today. 00:30:18.699 --> 00:30:19.819 Things that I love. 00:30:20.359 --> 00:30:20.639 More. 00:30:23.179 --> 00:30:23.480 Or. 00:30:24.579 --> 00:30:25.599 Maybe we do stop. 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.939 Maybe we do pick it up. 00:30:27.439 --> 00:30:28.500 And read a little bit. 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:29.480 But maybe we do it. 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:30.059 Kind of the way. 00:30:30.059 --> 00:30:30.539 That we would. 00:30:30.740 --> 00:30:31.759 Have a conversation. 00:30:32.119 --> 00:30:33.140 With that person. 00:30:33.299 --> 00:30:34.099 At the kiosk. 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:34.619 In the mall. 00:30:35.099 --> 00:30:36.140 We don't want to be rude. 00:30:36.839 --> 00:30:38.359 We want to say hello. 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.200 And acknowledge. 00:30:40.619 --> 00:30:42.240 But we're looking for the chance. 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:43.599 To get out of this conversation. 00:30:44.279 --> 00:30:45.119 We're just there. 00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:46.180 To be polite. 00:30:46.180 --> 00:30:50.960 That won't do us any good. 00:30:52.640 --> 00:30:55.039 Wisdom is calling for our attention. 00:30:55.680 --> 00:30:56.580 Right here. 00:30:57.539 --> 00:30:59.380 God is calling for our attention. 00:31:00.380 --> 00:31:02.740 And he offers us something wonderful. 00:31:04.700 --> 00:31:05.539 Wisdom. 00:31:05.880 --> 00:31:06.660 Which leads. 00:31:07.220 --> 00:31:07.840 To safety. 00:31:08.779 --> 00:31:09.400 Protection. 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:10.299 Life. 00:31:10.640 --> 00:31:11.259 Salvation. 00:31:11.980 --> 00:31:12.880 Great blessing. 00:31:12.880 --> 00:31:13.880 Words. 00:31:15.040 --> 00:31:16.160 Which in some cases. 00:31:16.360 --> 00:31:17.860 Will avert the day of disaster. 00:31:18.460 --> 00:31:20.920 In many areas of our lives. 00:31:21.200 --> 00:31:22.800 And bring prosperity instead. 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:25.460 And words. 00:31:26.160 --> 00:31:26.720 Which. 00:31:27.700 --> 00:31:29.480 In the day when disaster must come. 00:31:30.040 --> 00:31:31.020 Trouble must come. 00:31:31.820 --> 00:31:33.460 Will carry us through the storm. 00:31:34.300 --> 00:31:35.920 Like an anchor for the soul. 00:31:37.740 --> 00:31:38.620 In here. 00:31:38.740 --> 00:31:39.660 God has given us. 00:31:39.900 --> 00:31:41.560 The ultimate words of wisdom. 00:31:41.560 --> 00:31:42.720 Which will prepare us. 00:31:42.880 --> 00:31:45.000 And see us through the ultimate day. 00:31:45.160 --> 00:31:45.940 Of disaster. 00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:48.160 Which is coming on the world. 00:31:49.280 --> 00:31:50.880 The day when Christ returns. 00:31:51.000 --> 00:31:51.500 To judge. 00:31:52.600 --> 00:31:54.020 To save his people. 00:31:54.860 --> 00:31:56.000 And to punish the wicked. 00:31:57.960 --> 00:31:59.480 Is that how you see this book? 00:32:01.080 --> 00:32:02.140 For us today. 00:32:02.280 --> 00:32:03.300 In our corner of the world. 00:32:03.460 --> 00:32:06.220 This is how wisdom calls out to us. 00:32:08.460 --> 00:32:10.080 My hope and my prayer is that. 00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:11.560 All of us. 00:32:11.860 --> 00:32:12.740 In humility. 00:32:12.740 --> 00:32:14.420 Would bow before the Lord. 00:32:14.420 --> 00:32:15.019 In his word. 00:32:15.019 --> 00:32:15.220 In his word. 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:16.720 Every day. 00:32:17.720 --> 00:32:19.480 And acknowledge the ways. 00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:21.539 That we have been foolish. 00:32:21.940 --> 00:32:23.059 That we have been sinful. 00:32:24.200 --> 00:32:26.640 Acknowledge that we have loved those ways. 00:32:27.019 --> 00:32:27.660 Sometimes. 00:32:29.339 --> 00:32:30.839 The good news is this. 00:32:30.940 --> 00:32:31.620 Through Jesus. 00:32:31.880 --> 00:32:32.519 God's son. 00:32:32.620 --> 00:32:33.599 There is forgiveness. 00:32:33.920 --> 00:32:35.240 And this promise. 00:32:35.480 --> 00:32:36.759 That we read here. 00:32:37.200 --> 00:32:37.700 Stands. 00:32:37.700 --> 00:32:38.900 Whoever listens to me. 00:32:38.900 --> 00:32:41.840 Whoever listens to me. 00:32:41.940 --> 00:32:43.019 Will live in safety. 00:32:43.019 --> 00:32:43.880 And be at ease. 00:32:44.080 --> 00:32:45.840 Without fear of harm. 00:32:45.980 --> 00:32:49.160 Maybe not in the immediate sense of those words. 00:32:50.160 --> 00:32:52.980 But for sure in the ultimate sense. 00:32:54.860 --> 00:32:56.160 Eternal life. 00:32:57.559 --> 00:32:59.440 Whoever has ears to hear. 00:32:59.440 --> 00:32:59.940 Let him hear. 00:32:59.940 --> 00:33:00.440 Let him hear. 00:33:00.440 --> 00:33:01.980 Let him hear. 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:04.680 Let's pray. 00:33:11.120 --> 00:33:11.880 Father in heaven. 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:13.299 We thank you that you have. 00:33:14.580 --> 00:33:15.640 Spoken to us. 00:33:16.440 --> 00:33:17.779 And we ask that you would. 00:33:18.600 --> 00:33:20.519 Forgive us for the foolishness. 00:33:20.680 --> 00:33:21.500 Of our ways. 00:33:21.940 --> 00:33:22.920 Lord you know what that is. 00:33:22.980 --> 00:33:23.920 In each of our lives. 00:33:23.980 --> 00:33:25.180 You know what that is in my life. 00:33:25.180 --> 00:33:28.360 We offer that up to you again. 00:33:28.440 --> 00:33:28.960 And admit. 00:33:29.759 --> 00:33:31.200 That we have done those things. 00:33:31.320 --> 00:33:32.600 We have thought those ways. 00:33:33.019 --> 00:33:34.759 And we ask that you would forgive us. 00:33:35.240 --> 00:33:36.420 That you would cleanse us. 00:33:37.000 --> 00:33:38.180 And that you would help us. 00:33:38.259 --> 00:33:39.259 To truly listen. 00:33:40.180 --> 00:33:41.500 To what you have to say. 00:33:41.580 --> 00:33:42.460 For those things. 00:33:42.640 --> 00:33:43.940 Those areas of our lives. 00:33:45.259 --> 00:33:46.299 Make us wise. 00:33:47.360 --> 00:33:47.820 Lead us. 00:33:48.299 --> 00:33:48.680 On. 00:33:49.720 --> 00:33:51.620 The road that leads to peace. 00:33:51.860 --> 00:33:52.460 And safety. 00:33:52.920 --> 00:33:53.480 And life. 00:33:55.180 --> 00:33:56.580 And make us a blessing. 00:33:56.779 --> 00:33:57.480 Because of that. 00:33:57.840 --> 00:33:59.539 To all the people around us. 00:34:00.560 --> 00:34:02.140 We ask in Jesus name. 00:34:03.440 --> 00:34:03.820 Amen.