Series: Wisdom For Life [#3]
THE COST OF IGNORANCE
Proverbs 1:20-33
Introduction:
In this section of Proverbs 1, wisdom is shown as a woman loudly calling out in the streets, telling us to listen to her and follow her advice; but many people ignore her voice and refuse to pay attention to the warnings that can keep us safe and lead us to a good life. Ignorance, especially not knowing or ignoring God's wisdom, can cost us a lot. It can affect our lives and even the lives of others around us. As we look at this Scripture, we will be reminded how important it is to seek God's wisdom before it is too late.
This message helps us see what can happen when we ignore God's wisdom and refuse to listen to Him. Proverbs tells us that when we turn away from God's guidance, bad things can happen to us. It also reminds us that God's wisdom is available for free, but we need to make a choice to listen and do what He says. Today, let's think about what we might lose if we stay ignorant, (missing out on God's best for our lives) and be inspired to seek God's wisdom every day, so we can avoid trouble and walk in His truth.
Proverbs 1:20-23
Ignorance costs the…
1. Opportunity for wisdom and guidance.
Proverbs 1:20-23 shows wisdom as a woman shouting in the streets, asking people to listen and learn from her. Theologically, this teaches us that God's wisdom is available to everyone, but many ignore it because they choose not to listen or refuse to change. When we ignore God's wisdom, we can miss out on His guidance, blessings, and the good plans He has for us. Practically, this means we need to make an effort every day to learn about God, read His Word, and ask for His wisdom. If we ignore His guidance, we risk making foolish choices and missing the life He wants to give us.
The practical side of this is to intentionally seek wisdom through prayer, studying the Bible, and being around other believers. Understanding that ignoring God's wisdom costs us important guidance should make us humble and teachable. When we seek God's help and listen to Him, we can face life’s challenges with confidence and make better choices. It also reminds us to share God's wisdom with others, so they too can avoid the mistakes that come from ignoring Him. In doing this, we open ourselves to God's best and live the full, wise life He offers.
Proverbs 1:24-27
Ignorance costs the…
2. Safety and security of those who reject correction.
Proverbs 1:24-27 shows us that God's wisdom is like a safe shield for our lives. When people refuse to listen to God's advice and ignore His correction, they put themselves in danger. Proverbs warns that ignoring wisdom and rejecting discipline can lead to disaster and trouble. God's correction is an act of love meant to keep us safe from harm. When we turn away from God's guidance, we choose to remain in ignorance, and that can cost us our safety and security- Both in our spiritual lives and in everyday life. This teaches us that being humble and willing to listen to God's correction is very important because true safety comes from following God's wisdom.
Practically, ignoring correction can make us think we are safe when we are not. When we refuse to listen to wise advice or warnings, we might be caught unprepared when problems come. This can lead to losing important things like relationships, money, or opportunities. Stubbornness can cause us to make the same mistakes over and over, which can create chaos in our lives and in our communities. As believers, our practical lesson is to be teachable- Ready to accept correction and learn from it. When we do this, we stay safe under God's protection. Accepting God's discipline helps us grow, stay steady, and avoid the problems that come from ignoring wisdom.
Proverbs 1:28-31
Ignorance costs the…
3. Peace and rest that come from trusting in God's plan.
Proverbs 1:28-31 shows us that ignoring God's wisdom leads to losing peace and rest. When we choose not to listen to God's guidance, we cut ourselves off from the comfort and security that come from trusting Him. Without God's wisdom, we can become anxious, fearful, and restless when problems come. The Bible teaches us that God's wisdom gives us peace that the World can't give but ignoring Him only brings confusion and trouble. It reminds us how important it is to seek God's guidance so we can face life’s difficulties with confidence and calm.
Practically, trusting in God's plan helps us find peace and rest in everyday life. When we seek God's guidance and believe His promises, we can let go of worries because we know He is in control. But when we ignore God's advice, we tend to feel stressed, insecure, and overwhelmed. This passage encourages us to learn more about God's Word and obey Him, so we can experience His peace each day. Trusting God's plan isn’t just about the future- It's about finding peace now, even in difficult times.
Proverbs 1:32-33
Ignorance costs the…
4. Blessing of wisdom and the safety of living under God's protection.
In Proverbs 1:32-33, the Bible shows us what happens when we ignore God's wisdom. It says that people who refuse to listen will suffer and be destroyed by their own foolish choices. Ignorance here means choosing not to follow God's guidance. When we don’t seek His wisdom, we become vulnerable to making wrong decisions that can hurt us or lead us away from God. The cost of ignoring God's wisdom is great- It costs us peace, safety, and the security that comes from living God's way. Without God's help and guidance, we are exposed to life's difficulties, and our lack of understanding can cause us to stumble and fall spiritually.
Practically, we can choose wisdom by praying, reading the Bible, and surrounding ourselves with other believers. Living under God's protection means making decisions based on His Word and trusting that He will keep us safe. When we follow God's wisdom, we enjoy His protection and peace- Knowing we are safe in His care. This passage teaches us that ignoring God's wisdom can be costly, but seeking it brings safety and calmness in our lives. So, our practical step is to seek God's wisdom every day, trusting that it will lead us away from harm and keep us secure in Him.
Conclusion:
Our text shows us that ignoring wisdom can lead to serious trouble and regret. Every day, God’s wisdom is calling out to us, offering guidance, protection, and life; but many people choose to ignore her voice, and because of that, they face the consequences of their choices. The warning has been given; now is the time to listen and make a decision. God wants us to walk in His wisdom so we can avoid the mistakes that can hurt us and keep us from His love and plan for our lives.
Today, I want to invite you to make a decision that can change your life forever. If you see the danger of ignoring God's wisdom and want to follow Him, I encourage you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Come to Him with a repentant heart and trust in Him. He will forgive your sins and give you the wisdom you need for a better, eternal life. Don’t wait- Respond today and experience God's love and power. The choice is clear: turn away from ignorance, turn to Christ, and start a new life with Him.
