24 Because I have called, and you have refused;
I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention; 25 but you have ignored all my counsel,
and wanted none of my reproof; 26 I also will laugh at your disaster.
I will mock when calamity overtakes you; 27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind;
when distress and anguish come on you. 28 Then will they call on me, but I will not answer.
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me; 29 because they hated knowledge,
and didn’t choose the fear of Yahweh. 30 They wanted none of my counsel.
They despised all my reproof. 31 Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way,
and be filled with their own schemes.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 1:24-31
Commentary on Proverbs 1:20-33
(Read Proverbs 1:20-33)
Solomon, having showed how dangerous it is to hearken to the temptations of Satan, here declares how dangerous it is not to hearken to the calls of God. Christ himself is Wisdom, is Wisdoms. Three sorts of persons are here called by Him: 1. Simple ones. Sinners are fond of their simple notions of good and evil, their simple prejudices against the ways of God, and flatter themselves in their wickedness. 2. Scorners. Proud, jovial people, that make a jest of every thing. Scoffers at religion, that run down every thing sacred and serious. 3. Fools. Those are the worst of fools that hate to be taught, and have a rooted dislike to serious godliness. The precept is plain; Turn you at my reproof. We do not make a right use of reproofs, if we do not turn from evil to that which is good. The promises are very encouraging. Men cannot turn by any power of their own; but God answers, Behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto you. Special grace is needful to sincere conversion. But that grace shall never be denied to any who seek it. The love of Christ, and the promises mingled with his reproofs, surely should have the attention of every one. It may well be asked, how long men mean to proceed in such a perilous path, when the uncertainty of life and the consequences of dying without Christ are considered? Now sinners live at ease, and set sorrow at defiance; but their calamity will come. Now God is ready to hear their prayers; but then they shall cry in vain. Are we yet despisers of wisdom? Let us hearken diligently, and obey the Lord Jesus, that we may enjoy peace of conscience and confidence in God; be free from evil, in life, in death, and for ever.