The Lord’s people made many mistakes at every stage of their history. They often rejected the Lord’s wisdom, and in doing so, they made wrong decisions, which led them to suffer the consequences of their actions.
From the beginning of Scripture, we see that humanity has struggled to submit to divine instruction. God constantly extended His wisdom through prophets, leaders, and written law, yet many chose their own paths. This rejection was not due to ignorance alone, but often due to pride, stubbornness, and a refusal to acknowledge God’s authority.
The wisdom of the Lord was given as protection, not as restriction. It was meant to preserve life, guide decisions, and keep His people away from destruction. However, when wisdom is ignored, man exposes himself to dangers he cannot see, because only God knows the end from the beginning.
The consequence of rejecting divine wisdom was that God did not answer them when they called. When they sought him in the morning, they did not find him, because they did not fear God and had despised the care He offered them.
This passage teaches us that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Without reverence, obedience, and humility, prayer becomes empty words. God desires a relationship rooted in trust and obedience, not a superficial search motivated only by fear of consequences.
For this reason, the wise man warns about the consequences of rejecting wisdom, and this is not a warning only for the people of that time, but also for many today who despise the powerful wisdom that comes from our God.
Solomon spoke these words under divine inspiration, knowing that future generations would face the same temptations. Today, many reject God’s wisdom in favor of human philosophies, personal desires, or fleeting pleasures. Yet the result remains the same: confusion, instability, and spiritual emptiness.
The book of Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes that wisdom calls out openly. God does not hide His truth; He makes it accessible. The problem lies not in the absence of wisdom, but in the unwillingness of men to listen.
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
Proverbs 1:28
This verse is one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture. It shows that there comes a point when repeated rejection leads to unavoidable consequences. God’s silence in this context is not injustice, but the result of persistent disobedience and hardened hearts.
Seeking God “early” in this verse does not indicate true repentance, but desperation after disaster has arrived. True wisdom calls us to seek God before calamity, while there is still time to change course and walk in obedience.
God allows man to stumble so that he may realize that only He has the power and gives the wisdom necessary to discern the dangers that lurk. Therefore, many fall into the void, for they have strayed from the Lord’s wisdom. However, when they find themselves in trouble, they seek Him.
These stumbles are often moments of correction rather than destruction. God permits them so that man may recognize his dependence on divine guidance. Without wisdom, even the strongest fall, and even the intelligent become blind to spiritual danger.
Sadly, many only seek God as a last resort. Yet wisdom teaches us that the safest place is to remain under His instruction continually. Obedience today prevents suffering tomorrow.
Those whose hearts are alienated from the Lord will suffer and be punished, as was the case in ancient times. Therefore, it is important to heed Solomon’s good advice: do not stray or ignore his wisdom and fear, for your care and blessing come from the Lord.
To fear the Lord is to acknowledge Him in every decision, to submit our plans to His will, and to trust His guidance above our own understanding. This fear produces peace, stability, and spiritual clarity.
Let us not be among those who seek wisdom only after loss has occurred. Instead, may we listen while wisdom still calls, embrace correction, and walk daily in the fear of the Lord, knowing that His wisdom leads to life, protection, and blessing.