Series: Wisdom For Life [#11]
THE COST OF IGNORING WISDOM’S VOICE
Proverbs 6:20-35
Introduction:
When I was attending UNM in Albuquerque, my roommate, Ron and I would go up into the mountains to hike and climb rocks. Usually, we would not go back home until after dark. Ron enjoyed driving down dark mountain highways without the lights on and of course, we did not have GPS to guide us, (because that did not exist for regular people). How we never crashed still amazes me, because we did not know where we were or what was around the next corner- One wrong turn or something in the road would have sent us off the mountain, probably to our death. Similarly, Proverbs 6 illustrates how ignoring God’s wisdom, (His guiding voice) leads us into dangerous territory.
The urgency of heeding wisdom’s voice becomes even clearer when we consider the serious consequences of foolishness and sin. Choices rooted in folly, (such as adultery or greed) do not merely impact the moment; they set in motion a chain of destructive outcomes that can damage our reputation, relationships, and spiritual health forever. Sin, as the Bible reminds us, leads to death- Separation from the life-giving presence of God. Like a fire that consumes everything in its path, ignoring wisdom’s warnings results in regret, shame, and irreversible loss. This reality presses us to respond promptly and decisively: today is the day to listen and obey, before destructive patterns become entrenched and impossible to escape. The biblical call is clear- Embrace divine wisdom now, trust in God's guidance, and walk in the light before the cost of ignoring it becomes too high to bear.
Proverbs 6:20-23
1. The dangers of ignoring Wisdom’s guidance.
Hearing and heeding parental and divine instruction is essential for a life rooted in wisdom and obedience to God. Proverbs 6:20-23 reminds us that God's wisdom, often communicated through the voice of parents and Scripture, is a lamp shining in the darkness, illuminating the path that leads away from danger and destruction. When we ignore this divine guidance, we venture into perilous territory where our choices can have devastating consequences- Spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. As followers of Christ, we are called to recognize that God's wisdom is not optional but vital for our well-being. By actively listening to His instructions and valuing the counsel He provides, we position ourselves to walk securely on the path of righteousness and avoid the pitfalls that come from ignoring His voice.
Moreover, the importance of heeding divine instruction underscores our dependence on God's grace and sovereignty. Wisdom is a gift from God, and His voice beckons us to align our lives with His perfect will. When we ignore His guidance, we act like foolish builders who neglect the foundation that sustains us through life's storms. The peril of ignoring wisdom is not merely a matter of poor choices but a serious spiritual danger that can lead to separation from God's blessing and ultimately, eternal ruin. Therefore, embracing God's instruction daily through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel is crucial. It is an act of trust and humility that acknowledges our need for divine guidance, ensuring that we walk in the light and remain protected from the destructive consequences of ignoring wisdom’s voice.
Proverbs 6:24-35
2. The consequences of foolishness and sin.
This passage reminds us of the grave reality that sin is never a victimless act; it carries profound consequences that affect every area of our lives. When we choose to indulge in folly and ignore God's wisdom, we risk damaging our reputation and integrity, which can lead to lasting shame and disqualification in the eyes of others. Moreover, our relationships, (whether with family, friends, or the community) suffer as sin breeds distrust, brokenness, and alienation. Most critically, spiritual ruin is the ultimate cost. The Bible clearly states that "the wages of sin is death," highlighting the destructive power of sin to separate us from God, Who is the source of life and salvation. Ignoring wisdom's voice not only leads us down a path of temporary pleasure but also results in eternal separation from God, making the consequences irreversible.
This warning calls us to recognize the urgency of turning to Christ and embracing God's wisdom now, before the destructive patterns of sin take root and become entrenched. The cross of Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate remedy for our folly- Offering forgiveness, restoration, and new life. As believers, we are called to heed the Spirit’s voice, walk in wisdom, and avoid the costly trap of ignoring God's counsel. The choices we make today have eternal stakes; therefore, the serious costs of sin should propel us to pursue holiness, repentance, and dependence on God's grace, ensuring we do not forfeit the richness of life that comes from living according to divine wisdom.
Proverbs 6:29-35
3. The urgency of embracing wisdom before it is too late.
Listening to wisdom’s voice is rooted in our relationship with God, Who is the ultimate source of wisdom. Proverbs consistently reminds us that true wisdom begins with fearing the Lord. When we choose to heed divine wisdom today, we align ourselves with God's will and open ourselves to His guidance, protection, and blessing. Ignoring wisdom is a form of rebellion against God's authority and leads us down a path of self-reliance that ultimately ends in spiritual ruin. The urgency to listen now reflects a recognition that God's patience has limits, and each moment of disobedience or neglect brings us closer to destructive consequences. As believers, we are called to respond promptly to His voice, trusting that His wisdom is for our good and eternal benefit.
From a practical and pastoral perspective, the warning underscores the importance of discernment and vigilance in our daily walk with Christ. Neglecting wisdom’s voice doesn’t just affect us spiritually; it can also have tangible, painful repercussions in our relationships, careers, and communities. The biblical principle is clear: ignoring God's wisdom results in regret and irreversible loss, emphasizing the need for repentance and obedience today rather than delay. This calls us to cultivate a listening heart, (through prayer, Scripture, and community) so that we are attentive to divine guidance before paths of destruction become inevitable. Ultimately, our obedience to God's wisdom is an act of faith, trusting that His plan is better than any fleeting pleasure or shortcut that leads to ruin.
Conclusion:
As we come to the conclusion of this message, I want to urge each of us to reflect on the urgency of heeding wisdom’s voice today. Proverbs 6 makes it clear that ignoring divine guidance and falling into sin carries a heavy price- One that can affect our reputation, relationships, and our very souls. The call is not to delay but to respond immediately- To turn away from foolishness and to embrace God's wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and obedience. Remember, God's patience has a limit, and each moment we ignore His voice is a moment closer to destructive consequences that can leave lasting scars. The invitation today is to align ourselves with God's perfect will while there is still time, trusting that His wisdom leads to life, restoration, and eternal joy.
Now, I want to extend an invitation to anyone who recognizes the need to recalibrate their life and listen more closely to God's voice. If you have been ignoring His guidance or wrestling with sin that threatens to destroy you, today is the day of salvation. Come to Jesus, Who paid the ultimate price on the cross to forgive, restore, and give new life. Don’t let the cost of ignoring wisdom’s voice continue to weigh heavily on your soul. Respond now, in faith and repentance, and commit to walking in God's wisdom, trusting that His guidance is the safest, surest path to true life. The Lord is calling, and His grace is ready to meet you. Will you answer His call today?
