#1288. Proverbs 1:24-33 – The consequences of ignoring wisdom (18/6/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
Today, from Proverbs 1:24-33, we see that ignoring God’s wisdom destroys lives and certain consequences cannot be avoided or undone.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
“But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you— when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” (Proverbs 1:24-33)
Here, wisdom is warning us of the consequences that will fall on those who refuse to listen to her.
Firstly, it’s important to notice that wisdom speaking is not God speaking - she is not God but she is the governing principles of God’s wisdom personified. This is why she says, making herself distinct from God, “they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord.” Wisdom is to be thought of rather like the laws of gravity; gravity is a fact. If you jump off a building, you will hit the ground rather hard! However, gravity is not God but a law created by God. Likewise, wisdom is the laws of life that God has created that, if ignored, will lead us to hitting the ground rather hard!
This section warns and promises that there will be harsh consequences for those who refuse to listen to the voice of wisdom. As I write, I’m reminded of the life of David and his greatest mistake. We are told, beginning in 2 Samuel 11, that instead of going to war with the other men, David stayed at home and this led him into temptation and the sin of adultery with Bathsheba and, consequently, the murdering of her husband! This was a grave example of foolishness. However, the point that I want to make is that, regardless of his sorrow and repentance, there were inevitable and unavoidable consequences. The child they conceived dies. Following this, David is forced to flee because of the treachery of his son Absalom - and it goes on! The point being that no one is excluded from the consequences of foolishness - Ignoring God’s wisdom destroys lives and certain consequences cannot be avoided or undone.
Let’s pray together
“Father, give me a soft heart that doesn’t refuse your wisdom. I thank you that there is always reconciliation available for those who repent. However, help me to avoid the pain and hurt - for myself and others - that attend foolishness. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
Week #2. Proverbs 1:20–2:8 — Wisdom calls to us, so how will we respond?
1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?
2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.
3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?
4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.
5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?
Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
6. Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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