Proverbs 1:20-33
Wisdom has set itself the task of educating its sons, in other words its followers. But it is at the same time no less directed to those outside, inviting them to become disciples too. God has not given His Word only for the instruction of believers; it is also the gospel of His grace which shows the unconverted the way of salvation. Look for wisdom — and thereby see the Lord Jesus — search diligently for souls, wherever they have gone astray. We know, perhaps because we have been there ourselves before our conversion, "the chief place of concourse", those noisy places where the world intoxicates the soul. Wisdom cries aloud to make its voice heard above all this hubbub (cf. John 7:37; John 12:44). And this Word, which God causes to be proclaimed everywhere, has a double effect: salvation for some, condemnation for others (cf. Acts 17:32-34). For those, many alas!, who refuse to listen, the same voice which today loudly proclaims the urgent appeals of grace, will one day become scornful and terrible (v. 26). Then it will be too late (cf. v. 28 with Amos 8:12). Those who listen, however, will live in safety, without fear of evil (v. 33). They will be in the good of the promise in v. 23: "I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you".