January 30, 2023
Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
*C H O F Ministry Bible Study Reading:
Proverbs 1:20–33
**C H O F Ministry Focal Verse:
Proverbs 1:28 - They will look for me but will not find me.
Recently, one of our vehicles required new tires. We checked the extended warranty, fully anticipating that it had merely passed its expiration date (as in the past). To our surprise and happiness, there were still two months left on the warranty, so we could get the tires for no additional charge!
Most guarantees, discounts, and promotions have a time limit. You might not realize that the same holds for the teachings of the Bible. The ability to acquire knowledge and insight will inevitably be lost if we neglect to seek them as we should (see Day 24). Or, to use the metaphor of today's reading, if we keep saying no to knowledge when it offers itself to us, we won't be able to discover it when we need it (v. 28).
Passages 20–23 contain a stern censure for not responding to the invitation extended by wisdom. Those considered "simple" have chosen to accept ignorance and folly rather than learning. They are required to make amends for this sin, but they have not yet done so. Verses 24–27 describe their rejection. Instead of accepting wisdom's invitation, one invites disaster. When this occurs, wisdom will laugh because foolish people will reap what they have sown—"they will taste the fruit of their ways" (v. 31). While not particularly "pleasant," this is biblically just. They had several chances, but they ignored and despised them.
In verses 28–33, the results are discussed in greater detail. Fools will come to their senses in the end and alter their minds, but by then, it will be too late. They made a crucial error when they neglected to prioritize reverence for God. Instead of enjoying the tranquility and security that was available to them (v. 33), "the complacency of fools will harm them" (v. 32). This is a rather ominous caution.
Since God is so gracious and compassionate, we take His blessings for granted. The takeaway is simple: Put on the apron of reverence for God and a hunger for knowledge before it's too late!
*Beloved, if you’re interested in learning more on this subject, you can find it in the book of Proverbs, chapter 8. As we obtain insight through God's principles, we should take some time to meditate and pray about this chapter.
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, one of the ways we show our respect for You, Lord, is by rejecting conceit, arrogance, bad morals, and slanderous language (Prov. 8:13). One of the earliest things you did was to create wisdom, even before any of your other mighty acts (v. 22). In Jesus’ Name, Amen.