A Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
As I reflect on Lady Wisdom’s first speech in Proverbs 1:20-33, I’m moved by her wisdom reaching out to people in the bustling streets, trying to guide those around her to safety, yet facing rejection. It is so disheartening to to see her insights being met with mockery and indifference. This commentary on our world makes me so sad!
I am grateful for the abundant wisdom that you generously provide, even when it is often overlooked by my friends, family, and others. As Christians, our choices aligned with your teachings are occasionally met with ridicule. This is particularly evident when we prioritize church attendance over recreational pursuits or adhere to values such as waiting until marriage for intimacy. The allure of life’s pleasures can be strong, and I acknowledge the risk of rejecting you when I prioritize momentary enjoyment over serving you.
In contemplating how to guide my children to choose you over the teachings and ideals of the world, I recognize the importance of creating a nurturing environment rooted in faith and wisdom. This involves not only leading by example but also engaging in open dialogues about your teachings, values, and the challenges they may encounter in the world. Through these conversations and by fostering a sense of curiosity, I aim to equip them with a profound understanding of your wisdom. I want to instill in them not just knowledge but a resilient faith that becomes a guiding force in their choices.
Regardless of what they end up choosing, I desire to remain steadfast in my commitment to you, even when faced with the temptation of worldly pleasures. I don’t want to turn to you only in times of crisis and then find you absent! Please grant me the strength to stay true to you so that, on the day of judgement, I may hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
As I navigate this journey, help me endure mockery and overcome the ignorance of those who dismiss me. Let me cling to you and you alone. Let me find solace in your unwavering presence.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Read Proverbs 1:20-33
20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
Proverbs 1:20-33 (ESV)
in the markets she raises her voice;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?
23 If you turn at my reproof,
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I have called and you refused to listen,
have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
25 because you have ignored all my counsel
and would have none of my reproof,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when terror strikes you,
27 when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30 would have none of my counsel
and despised all my reproof,
31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
and have their fill of their own devices.
32 For the simple are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
Reflection Questions
Consider some of these reflection questions:
- How does Lady Wisdom’s speech in Proverbs 1:20-33 relate to the challenges we see in today’s society?
- When considering the tension between worldly pleasures and commitment to spiritual values, how do you navigate this tension in your own life?
- How do you respond to criticism or mockery for living according to your beliefs?
- What are some methods or practical steps you could take to maintain commitment to God amid worldly temptations?
- In your experiences or observations, how does the prayer’s plea for strength to endure mockery resonate with the challenges Christians face in today’s culture?
- How do you personally experience and seek solace in your relationship with God, especially during challenging times?
- How can you effectively transmit this wisdom to your own children, considering the challenges prevalent in today’s society?
- How can the themes of wisdom, rejection, and commitment be applied to our interactions with others in our communities and the broader world?
Pray
Please pray a prayer about staying true to God in the face of criticism and mockery from those around you. If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.
Respond
As you consider this theme, are there any additional Bible verses that came to mind? If so, add a comment at the end of this post!
If you enjoyed this prayer and wish to receive more Christian content from the Joyful Moments in Christ website, feel free to subscribe to my newsletters!
Related Resources
Visit the Joyful Moments in Christ homepage for all posts, or scroll through other blog posts related to wisdom:
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
English Standard Version (ESV): Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Joyful Moments in Christ 