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THE TURNING AWAY OF THE SIMPLE WILL SLAY THEM

Text: Proverbs 1:20-33
6 January 2008

(I) THE MEANING OF THE TURNING AWAY OF THE SIMPLE

“For the turning away of the simple…” Proverbs 1:32

1. Definition of turning away – It is the rejection of wisdom

“Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke” Proverbs 1:24-25

a) Refusal to hear ( Proverbs 1:20-21 )

b) Disdaining of counsel

c) Setting aside of rebukes ( Proverbs 1:30 )

2. Definition of the “simple” (Proverbs 1:22)

a) It is not the turning away of the innocent.

b) It is not the turning away of the misled or ignorant.

c) It is the deliberate act of a morally obstinate person.

d) It is a person who is academically smart but morally foolish

3. Reasons for rejection

a) Loving simplicity

“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?…” Proverbs 1:22

b) Hating knowledge

“…And fools hate knowledge.” Proverbs 1:22

c) Poor choices

“…And did not choose the fear of the LORD” Proverbs 1:29

(II) THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE TURNING AWAY OF THE SIMPLE

What would happen to the simple who turn away?

1. Needed wisdom not available in times of great need

“When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. ‘Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.’ ” Proverbs 1:27-28

2. Reaping what is sowed

“Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.” Proverbs 1:31

3. Destruction of life

“For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them” Proverbs 1:32

(III) THE CHALLENGE TO HEED THE VOICE OF WISDOM

1. Action

a) Fear the Lord

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” Proverbs 1:7

b) Listen to the voice of wisdom

“Wisdom calls aloud outside…” Proverbs 1:20

“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely…” Proverbs 1:33

c) Turn at wisdom’s rebuke

“Turn at my rebuke…” Proverbs 1:23

2. Ramifications

a) Spirit of wisdom outpoured

“…Surely I will pour out my spirit on you…” Proverbs 1:23

b) Insight into words of wisdom

“…I will make my words known to you.” Proverbs 1:23

c) Experiencing safety and security

“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33