Don’t Turn From Wisdom

For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” [Proverbs 1:32–33 ESV]

“The simple” does not mean one who isn’t exotic or glamorous and extravagant. Neither does it refer to one’s intellectual prowess. The word translated as ‘simple’ in the verse above means silly (that is, seducible); which means — to attract or lead (someone) away from proper behaviour or thinking. Thus, it refers to those without a proper moral conviction founded on the word of God, who are easily swayed to unrighteousness.

It is crucial for us to listen to Wisdom in order to stay away from apostasy. For us, as believers, apostasy means to renounce or reject Christ after having had a relationship with Him as your Lord and saviour. This means declaring independence from the faith you once belonged to. What we see in the text is pretty straightforward. The failure to heed to the wisdom of God leaves a man open to the seduction of the world, which leads to his death. Remember, death means separation from God.

Anytime we heed the instructions of Wisdom, we are like the plant that is receiving sunshine and water in the right proportion. Our roots can only grow better and go deeper. As we listen to wisdom, we dwell in the presence of the LORD and are secured against any enticement of the evil one. Indeed, a great disaster awaits the simple. The LORD offers ease, without dread of disaster, but it is only available to those who listen to wisdom.

Do not be complacent with your lack of wisdom [see Jeremiah 48:11–12]. Have the posture of humility, always eager to know the wisdom of the LORD, and most importantly, heed to it. We all want to enjoy our lives and be at peace; wisdom offers exactly that. If there is anything you have to turn away from, never let it be wisdom.