Proverbs 1:20-23 Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets:… I. GOD REQUIRES NOTHING MORE THAN MAN CAN DO. The text requires men to do something; and it promises assistance only on the condition that they make use of some strength which it supposes them to possess. But it does not require of them that they should change their hearts or renew their natures. They are to "turn at God's reproof," and it is assumed that they might turn if they would. We enjoin on men that they set vigorously about the reforming what they know to be wrong, and the cultivating what they know to be right. The command of the text does not overrate the powers of those to whom it is addressed. II. GOD MAKES A GRACIOUS PROMISE. We assume that the help of God's Spirit is indispensable to our taking the first step, as well as the last, in the path of salvation. But our turning is the condition of our obtaining the Spirit. No men are altogether without the inward strivings of the Spirit. Because the Spirit is not acting apparently in a man's renewal, we may not assume that He is not acting. He may be engaged in preparatory work. Turn at God's reproof, and you will receive the Spirit in its renovating power, and have the wisdom which is strength, and peace, and life, and immortality. (H. Melvill, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:WEB: Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares. |
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