Warnings Against the Hurricane Party
The following story is fiction based on fact: A massive category 5 hurricane was headed for the shores North of Miami. State troopers were busy warning people to take shelter inland. But several college students stayed for a "hurricane party!" They stocked up on beer and ice and were ready to party hearty. They mocked those warning them and prepared for a wild ride party. But things turned horrible when the front of the hurricane came slamming ashore. Their boastful shouts at the sea to "Bring it on!" turned to frantic calls for help. But it was too late. The next day they were all found- dead.
Now read Prov.1:20-33. Note here that wisdom is personified as the woman of wisdom. (She will appear again calling out at the end of this big section of Proverbs in chapters 8-9.)
Many have a hard time with the woman of wisdom (or God) laughing at their calamity (1:26-27). She had earlier asked, "How long will you mockers delight in your mockery?" 1:22. Now she says, "I will mock when calamity overtakes you...like a storm" 1:26-27. Here's my take on such. The loving heart of God never laughs heartlessly at people. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ez.18:23). In the book of Jonah, we saw God's compassion on display for even the wicked Ninevites. Also He was grieved, not glad, when He destroyed the wicked in the flood. His laughter at the wicked (also pictured in Ps.2:4; 37:13; 59:8) appears to be a figure of speech for His truth and justice being vindicated. His wise warnings were proven true. Ignoring them, and now the gospel call to salvation, only leads to certain disaster. Here's a powerful cross reference-"How shall we escape if we ignore such a great a salvation?" Heb.2:3.
The passage ends, "but whoever listen to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." 1:33. Of course this is not an earthly promise we can claim, because this is a proverb. Even the most godly, including our Lord, suffered terribly here. But we can spare ourselves from God's judgment by heeding such warnings. And when our Lord returns, we will forever live in safety without fear of harm.
1.-What's one thing that strikes you about what you've read here today?
2.-Pick one verse from Prov.1:20-33 or any cross references that you may choose and enrich us with it. Also jot it down on your MP3 card.
Announcements
Wow! Your testimonies yesterday regarding your dad were powerful! Thank you! They all are well worth going back to read, if you haven't done so yet. It's helped me to get to know you better and respect you more. Congrats, we had almost 100% participation. It seemed only Ismael was MIA. Please encourage him. Thanks!
Thanks for your prayers for Roger's wife Julie. She came through the surgery fine.
Thanks to all of you who are faithfully putting your points on the board. This is vital for me being able to give honor to whom honor is due. And this Sunday's meeting will include that.
1. In Prov. 1:20-33 we read how man has rejected God's teachings and warnings choosing to do the opposite which in turn has brought destruction to their lives. This passage is so true today in our society which considers that things that are wrong to be right and lives their lives in that sinful manner.
ReplyDeleteMore than ever we need to preach the good news to this self destructing society that desperately needs a Savior that can bring them hope in the middle of their despair. Let's continue to be a good testimony and reach people for Christ.
2. Prov. 1:33 "but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."
Preach it Riger:-)) it's our great commission to help the Lord bring these people to understand salvation and enhance his Kingdom
DeleteBrother Roger, you have a great heart and personality that displays the character of our Lord. Glad you're wife's operation went well. Wishing her a full and speedy recovery :-)
DeleteThank you once again for your prayers. My wife is doing really well recuperating at home. Also I thank God for his close presence during this time.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Good to hear Roger.
DeleteGood words Roger and so glad that your wife is doing well!
ReplyDelete1. First of all. I read through all the stories yesterday. Thank you everyone for being transparent and vulnerable. But just want to say that no matter if you had a great rolemodel of a dad or not, we have a good good Father in Heaven who truly loves us. And as we are reading through Proverbs wants to guide us and teach us and lead us to a wise path in life. So thank you. Definitely encouraged by yesterday.
ReplyDelete2. Looking at commentary for Prov. 1:26-27.
"Is God mean spirited here? - God is not the speaker wisdom is. Those who reject Gods loving and generous offer of wisdom will find wisdom mocking them when judgement falls upon them. It will be as if wisdom says, "how can you be so stupid?" True wisdom begins with reverence for God, so the greatest folly in rejecting wisdom is rejecting God."
Amen Eddie. I know that it was God that got me through my life so far and will keep doing so until the day He calls me to Heaven. Your a good Christian. Keep up the good works.
DeleteBrother Eddie, likewise, thanks for sharing your story so candidly and for the sharing the study commentary :-)
DeleteGlad to see you digging like that Eddie. I would differ with the commentary because wisdom the speaker is God's wisdom- Prov.8 also makes this clear. Also note similar cross references clearly referring to God laughing at such in Ps.2:4; 37:13; 59:8. It's a challenging interpretive issue. Keep up the good work!
Delete1.Proverbs 1:22 ESV “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? This verse caught my eye. The word simple stuck out to me. It shows that a sinful life is easy to turn to. A life holy and pleasing to god is something we have to work for to achieve. Most likely to are sinful nature and this sinful world. The hard work is definitely worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteBrother James, yes it's worth it "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-47
DeleteGreat thoughts there James!
DeleteWell said James. Some of the greater things in life need hard work and perseverance.
DeleteThanks brother James, that's true how simple it can be as long as you work hard for it.
DeleteGood morning everyone, this verse is really what sticks out to me.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 1:22-23
“How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?How long will mockers delight in mockeryand fools hate knowledge?
Repent at my rebuke!Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,I will make known to you my teachings.
For a very long time I played around with those thoughts and while I was sitting alone and drink I would blame God for not helping me at all, not knowing that the people that were being put in my life was the answer, I didn't die. Thank god, but I did go through very tough times. After some time I started realizing that these people that I was meeting was God speaking to me through them and I was wondering why this was until I had a spiritual experience and then after that I knew what I was supposed to be listening to. That's all of you and the people that surround me. Ultimately God has spoken to Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ through the holt spirit and the Holy Spirit through you guys. That's an awesome conduit of faith.
Did it
DeleteGlad you made a turn around bro. May god continue to bless you and give you understanding. Glad your on the blog bro!
DeleteBrother Guillermo, beautiful story of God's saving grace. To God be all the glory, honor and praise forever and ever, amen!!!
DeleteI like your conduit of faith analogy Guillermo!
DeleteGlad to see God working in your life, may you continue to persevere and be a great example to others. I pray that others continue to see more of Jesus in you.
Delete1. In this passage, fools do not heed the warnings and they are doomed for destruction. They reject wisdom and guidance from the Lord-- in a storm, etc. but the real issue is that God has spoken to us about Salvation and this is an eternity decision. We have heard his voice and heeded his warning, but so many people of ignorance, or foolishness have avoided his voice of Salvation-- what a shame to rebel against our creator. But what an opportunity to love these people and help our Father to share his word and open their hearts. For us to help the Lord bring them to Salvation as we in M3 plant the seeds.
ReplyDelete2. Whoever listens to me will live in safetyand be at ease , without fear of harm" Proverbs 1:33
Brother Jack, I believe you have the heart and gift of evangelism! "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." John 9:4
DeleteBeautiful Jack!
DeleteGlad to see that your on fire for the Lord Jack. May God continue to bless you with the love you have for others.
DeleteProverbs 1:24 "But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, 25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke,' This reminds me of a story once told to me. A man who was faithful to God sat in his house watching the news on T.V. A emergency broad cast came on. It stated "If you are viewing or listening to this emergency broad cast then you are in the path of a hurricane and flood that will over take your houses. Flee to the northern part of the State to remain safe." The man stated God will keep me safe and he was not living his house,. While he was sitting in his house water started coming into it. He went to the second floor of the house with his transistor radio. The radio announcer warned everyone that can hear the transmission they need to go to the northern part of the State to be safe. The man stated God will keep me safe and he will not live his house unattendant. The water level started coming up to his second floor of his house. He decided to go on the roof. A man came by in a boat and told him to get into the boat because the water were raising and he might drown. The man stated God will keep me safe and he will not live his house unattendant. The man in the boat pleaded with him but the man would not leave his house. As expected the man drowned. When the man meet with God in heaven he asked God why didn't you warn me that I would die. God stated I did I sent you three messengers and you did not heed the warnings. With that stated heed the warnings commonly know as your conscience. If it's stating your doing wrong then stop. If it's stated to speak God's word then speak. Let God's will be done in your life's.
ReplyDeleteGreat example mike! This definitely talks to me. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteBrother Mike, thanks for sharing that story, really drives the point home! God bless :-)
DeleteI've always liked that story Mike. Thanks for sharing it with all!
Delete1. "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near." Isaiah 55:6
ReplyDelete2. "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." Proverbs 1:27-28
Yes Robert. I also think of how Is.66:4 relates to this tough passage.
DeleteProv.1:22 How long O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scuffing and fools hate knowledge? I read James Schmidt blog and
ReplyDeleteagree with him 100% precinct so just want to say thank you for that Amen!
No problem bro! Just sharing what gods showing me.
DeleteIsn't it great too be a part of such an iron sharpening iron, encouraging band of brothers?!
DeleteJohn great to see active in God's word. You are a great example of someone seeking God's will.
DeleteProverbs 1:33
ReplyDelete"but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”I think we need to listen to the Lord more I fail in that area. Being more sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
James 1:19 NIV
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
Brother George, I do too all too often. God bless you my brother :-)
DeleteAmen George, all good virtues we should abide by.
DeleteGood cross ref. George!
Delete1.-What's one thing that strikes you about what you've read here today?
ReplyDeleteThat living in foolishness and in disobedience to God will bring about life changing consequences. Galatians 6:7 "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."
2.-Pick one verse from Prov.1:20-33 or any cross references that you may choose and enrich us with. Proverbs 1:29 "since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord." God is definitely telling us through proverbs and throughout the whole Bible, that He offers us the knowledge and wisdom on how to live a peaceful, and prosperous life. For those who choose to reject him are living in no fear of Him and will ultimately fall into a life of despair. Lord father, let not stubbornness and pride ensnare me, may I always stay in your favor and always seek your council. Thank you Lord for for all my brothers of M3, for their sharing of themselves and for their lifting and encouraging wisdom. Ephesians 5:15 "Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." NASB
Thanks Armando for the wise words.
DeleteThanks for your appreciative prayers for us Armando!
DeletePeople should not wait till they need GOD to seek him, or I should call out to him. "Oh GOD why me?" Or "please GOD help me"
ReplyDeleteI need him all the time. But sometimes I forget to seek him, but that is one of my prayers that I say all day oh Lord help me.
DeleteYes, Ricardo, Psalm 32:9 comes to mind.
DeleteProverbs 1:20-21 NIV
ReplyDeleteOut in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech:
Before Christ most of my life's choices were off of conscience, morals and sort of speak good ethics sad to say they were not the best. But praise God that he has rescued of such ways through Christ. And now it is the holy spirit that guides me, discern things and teaches me a glimpse of God infinite wisdom Proverbs 1:23 NIV
Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.
In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3
ReplyDeleteAlso very powerful testimonies yesterday my brothers.
DeleteGood words Ismael and I really like your cross ref from Col.2:3.
Delete“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
ReplyDeleteHow long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?
(Proverbs 1:22 ESV)
I like this one because I realize those that grow up not trying to learn about others and things around them, become blind with what truly is out there. we have to be able to open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, our mouth to speak, and our mind to gain knowledge. I do not know everything but I am here to learn and pass on what I learn from God to others.
That speaks of your teachability Andre. You will be one of wisdom's favorite pupils:)
Delete1) Proverbs 1:32 > “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
ReplyDeleteGod's Word warns of the danger of having one of these two mindsets. The first refers to intentionally straying from what has been revealed to be the right and best path of life. The wayward are enticed to follow a contrary way that leads to separation from God and His blessings and leads to death. Those that become complacent, have been deceived by temporary contentment and comforts found in life. They want to stay in their happy place and don't want to venture from the false security they have become attached to. They reject the true shelter of God offered in Christ Jesus. And so calamity will overtake them like a storm. Disaster will sweep over them like a whirlwind. Distress and trouble will overwhelm them and they will be destroyed.
2) Did It.
Thank you for sharing that wonderful wisdom of yours brother David. I like how you eloquently explained it.
DeleteVery well said Dave.
DeleteWhen I read through todays blog one thing that got to me is that how loving God is that he give us warnings. Now I know things happen without warning at times. The great thing we need to remember is there God is always there. Not only that, but we have a band of brothers in M3 that are here for each other. I was warned so many times by my parents not to do something but I didn't listen. I regret not listening. God warns us because he loves us. It's not that he wants to be mean to us or even scare us. Thank you God for always being there for us. Love you Lord.
ReplyDeleteGreat observation Vince. To quote you- one thing that got to me is that how loving God is that he give us warnings
DeleteWhat strikes me while reading this is that it needs to be understood that this is a Proverb. Everything is true in what the Proverb says, but it is telling us in metaphors. Like in the Hurricane blog we just read, I don't believe that God is laughing at those heartlessly who disobey him, but the metaphors are stating that if we disobey the Lord, we will not live eternally in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteExcellent Chuy!
DeleteGood point Chuy!
DeleteProverbs 1:23 Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.
ReplyDeleteI thank God that He brought me to my senses. God gave me discernment at the right time. I was in a path of destruction and was on my way to repeating generational cycles. Thank you Jesus for laying down your life for us, when it should have been us. Thank you for showing us the narrow path.
Citizen Way - "Should've Been Me" Official Lyric Video
https://youtu.be/-xlNwDpPoWs
I'm thankful that He turned both of us around. "It Should've Been Me" Thanks!
DeleteCYCLE BREAKERS! LEGACY MAKERS! You are a great example of that Sam.
Delete1. What strikes me the most is that these foolish kids would want to have a party during a hurricane and risk there lives. How crazy is that?
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 1:28-30 “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.
I went to a mens treatment center tonight and shared my testimony with them and let them know that there is a way out. With God all things are possible! Thats why i have so many points on the scoreboard today ;)
DeletePhil! Way to be salt and light. May you continue to chase after God own heart.
Delete1. I completely agree with what Pastor Dave said regarding the imagery of Wisdom laughing at the calamity that befalls the wicked. It brought to mind this verse which shows God's heart on the matter. Ezekiel 18:32 "For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!"
ReplyDelete2. Proverbs 1:31 “they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.” This is pretty much the "you reap what you sow" principle. We have to be careful to sow that which will bring about blessings not punishment.
Amen to that! "we have to be careful to sow that which will bring about blessings not punishment."
Delete1
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of 2 Peter 3, where he is speaking about scoffers. The people that ask “where is this coming that was promised?” The scoffers that wold say there is no threat; there is no storm to mighty to mighty to overtake my fortress; God will not make His return. (all as example)
In all things to show disbelief toward God is to show lack of wisdom, which can lead to criticism and mocking all of which are lies
2
vv 23
If you turn at my reproof,
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
I will make my words known to you.
Great cross reference Gary.
Delete1 – What strikes me about today’s reading is that God is calling out to us and warning us that there will be consequences to our actions. I wonder if this sound harsh to get the attention of the people who we’re listening to other warning. It’s like dealing with a room full of children, some may not respond when asked to do something nicely so you may have to be more severe to get some of their attention.
ReplyDelete2 - Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. Proverbs 1:23
I agree George. Anther cross reference verse is Job 4:8 "As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble, reap it." -- Yes, there are always consequences to our actions, so let us sow to the Spirit and reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Delete1. Prov. 1:30-31 states, "They would not accept my counsel, They spurned all my reproof. So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way And be satiated with their own devices." -- The way of wisdom and the way of fools each works according to it's nature! A person's actions both manifest the state of the heart and also shape it further in the way a person will walk. Those who refuse to listen to Wisdom's reproof walk in a way that leads to destruction and they eat their own fruit of it. A man reaps what he sows!
ReplyDelete2. Cross reference is Galations 6:7 that states, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows"
but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” (Proverbs 1:33 NIV)
ReplyDeleteThe safety and peace of living under God's activated protection is very beautiful. I always have an image of God's loving hand over my life and over my house and over my wife and kids, wherever we go. Grace is not only the outpouring of love and blessings, but also protection. So, not only receiving, but also precenting.
1.-God give warning after warning to live a righteous life that honors him. He wants to save us from ourselves to be manly men. God does not want to destroy us but give us eternal life. Amen.
ReplyDelete2.-Prov.1:23 Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.
God wants us to stop sinning and repent and turn to God divine word of truth. God wants us to know his word that give us peace and wise to live for him in eternity. did it
1) What provokes my thoughts is that the Lords justice and truth being vindicated can look very different depending on the recipient. For the repentant party that seeks to trust in God's mercy we see the Gospel. For the austere arrogant person we see eternal suffering.
ReplyDelete2)Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.] Sometimes wisdom comes with a sting, accept the pain and gain the benefit.