Rev. Don Campbell

THOUGHT FOR TODAY, JUNE 9, 2018: WISDOM CRYING IN THE STREETS

“Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise” (Prov 1:20-23, NLT).

Three types of people ignore the cries of wisdom—cries not coming from the pulpit or the pen of preachers, but those heard at every crossroad of life: simpletons, mockers, and fools. The best commentary is Wisdom’s own: “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (27:12). “Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise” (15:12). “Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation” (14:9).

Many in the world find sin funny, mock those who try to avoid it, and ignore even its temporal consequences: diseases—both mental and physical, dysfunctional relationships, delinquency, and national dissension to name a few of the ills that plague us—ills rooted in the rejection of God’s word.

If we really want to make America great, we will return to the words “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Declaration of Independence).