The last section in Proverbs 1 shows a different side of wisdom. There are those who ignore wisdom, they pay no attention and they do the opposite of wisdom's instruction. True wisdom, and of course God's wisdom, never intends to hurt, but to help. Sometimes we wish we could do something even though it is sin, but we must remember that it is for our good. in v26 we see that wisdom laughs, this seems like God laughs at the misfortunes of others, however, that is not correct. God does not laugh out of malice or cruelty, instead this is showing how utterly ridiculous it is to ignore wisdom. It is foolish to ignore the advice of God. There is a time when men will be judged for not heeding to God and His wisdom. On Judgment Day many will want to repent and turn from their wicked ways, but it will be too late. We know that God will not always strive with man (Genesis 6:3). So God will judge and at that time there will be no turning back. Those people hated wisdom and knowledge, and they did not fear God, completely ignoring Him.
   There is a blessing however, for those who do heed to the voice of Wisdom. Salvation belongs to those who are wise. Those who listen to the wisdom of God and fear Him will be safe, without fear of any evil. We can have the confidence in knowing that God is with us because we have listened to Wisdom.
   Are you ignoring the wisdom that God has sent your way? Have you not listened intently to the Gospel message and accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? Today is the day of salvation, and you listen to the wisdom of God and dwell safely with Him, without fear!
    - Assistant Pastor Rick Mitton

   Proverbs 1:20-23 "Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you."
   We know that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, from v7. We also have seen through our study that listening to our parents is a mark of wisdom, and last week we saw that there are people we should avoid in order to be ethical and upright. Now we see that to get wisdom is not a secret formula. Wisdom cries out to all of us. Wisdom is not a hidden gem where we must search and hope to find it. Instead it is easily found, wisdom sticks out like a sore thumb. We will see correlation between wisdom and Jesus Christ when we reach chapter 8, here though, we see that we are to search for wisdom. When we tie that in with v7 we realize that in order to search out wisdom we must fear God.
   Many of us live our lives with the motto "Ignorance is bliss". Being ignorant is not always a good thing. If I have a child playing with the electrical socket, it is not going to be blissful if I am purposefully ignoring this fact. In fact it would be unloving as a father to be ignorant of such things. Wisdom is something in which we must search for. God has given us His Word, and for His children He has given His Spirit, so we can be wise.
   Are you searching for wisdom today? Do you long for it? God can give us the wisdom, all we need is to ask for it!
   - Assistant Pastor Rick Mitton