The Wake-Up Call: Proverbs 1:22

There might be times when someone close to you is doing something that you know is a wrong move and you feel like shaking them to pieces and say, “What are you thinking?” That’s pretty much what’s happening in Proverbs 1:22. It’s like Wisdom herself is standing on a street corner, looking at the crowd, and can’t believe what she’s seeing.

“How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?” (Proverbs 1:22, KJV)

Wisdom’s talking to three types of people here:

1. The “simple ones”
2. The “scorners”
3. The “fools”

The “simple ones” aren’t necessarily dumb. They’re more like that friend who keeps dating the wrong people and never learns. You want to grab them by the shoulders and say, “Come on! Can’t you see what’s happening here?” That’s Wisdom’s frustration with the simple ones. They’re not idiots, they’re just… well, simple. They haven’t figured out how to use their noggins yet.

Dig deeper into Hebrew words of the Bible such as the word “simple” (peti). 52 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know

Next up, we’ve got the “scorners.” These are the eye-rollers, the mockers, the ones who think they’re too cool for school. You know the type – they’ve always got a snarky comment ready. They’re not just ignorant; they’re proud of it. They’re the ones who’d rather make fun of good advice than actually listen to it.

And last, we’ve got the “fools.” According to the Bible, being a fool isn’t about your IQ. It’s about your attitude. These are the people who don’t just ignore wisdom – they flat-out hate it. It’s like they’re allergic to good decisions. They see knowledge coming their way and run in the opposite direction.

The kicker? Wisdom’s asking “How long?” It’s like she’s tapping her foot, waiting for these folks to wake up and smell the coffee. But here’s the thing – it’s not just frustration. It’s an invitation. Wisdom’s saying, “Come on, people! There’s a better way!”

So why don’t they change?

Well, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The verse gives us a clue: the scorners actually enjoy their scorning, and the fools hate knowledge. It’s not that they can’t change; it’s that they don’t want to. They’re digging their heels in, like a toddler refusing to put on their shoes.

We’re not just talking about a lack of information here. We’re talking about a heart problem. It’s like what Paul said in Romans 8:7 – the human mind is basically at war with God.

Battlefield of the Mind (Spiritual Growth Series): Winning the Battle in Your Mind Available to Purchase here >>>

So what’s the takeaway?

For starters, it’s a wake-up call. Which category do you fall into? Are you the simple one, bumbling through life? The scorner, always ready with a sarcastic comment? Or the fool, running away from wisdom like it’s on fire?

The good news is, you don’t have to stay there. Wisdom’s call is an invitation to change. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being willing to learn and grow.

Here’s the deal: God’s way of living is out there. It’s in His Word, it’s in the world around us, it’s in the lives of people who follow Him. But knowing it’s there isn’t enough. We’ve got to want it. We’ve got to be willing to humble ourselves and admit we don’t have all the answers.

So here’s your challenge: Next time you’re about to make a decision, big or small, stop for a second.

Ask yourself:

• Am I being simple here?
• Am I scoffing at good advice?
• Am I running away from wisdom? 

Then take a deep breath, and choose wisdom. Trust me, Wisdom will be glad you did.

Remember, it’s not about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being willing to learn, to grow, and to change. That’s where true wisdom begins.

Discover more about growing in wisdom with this resource:

Wisdom from Women in the Bible: Giants of the Faith Speak into Our Lives