Proverbs 1:23-27 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But you have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes; When your fear comes as desolation, and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come upon you.
‘Because I have called, and you refused.’ Twelve reasons for being damned: Refusal of wisdom’s call (1:24). Disregard her invitation. Setting at nought her counsel (1:25). Rejection of her reproof. Hatred of her knowledge (1:29). Refusal of fear of the Lord. Rejection of wisdom’s counsel (1:30). Despising her reproof. Reaping fruit of own way (1:31). Being filled with own schemes. Turning away or backsliding (1:32). Being satisfied with prosperity.
Wisdom is personified here indicating that every man is endowed with natural faculties to know right from wrong and to make godly decisions (John 1:9; Rom. 2:12-16). It is man’s own God-given wisdom which will laugh and mock at the calamity he brings upon himself through folly and rejection of her pleading. See Psalms 1:1-6.
‘I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes.’ Tenfold end of the wicked: His calamity laughed at (1:26). His terror mocked. Fear and desolation a reality (1:27). Destruction will be like a whirlwind. Distress coming upon him. Anguish seizing him. Not being heard when praying to God in punishment (1:28). Seeking God when it will be too late to find Him. Reaping what has been sown (1:31). Being required to be satisfied with own plans.
Living the Word 