The Dangers of Rejecting Wisdom 

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 1:24-32.

Memory Verse: "The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools." Proverbs 3:35.

Weekly Reading: Proverbs 9:1-11:31.

Introduction: Just as there are blessings promised to those who embrace wisdom, so there are curses promised to those who reject wisdom. Walking in paths of righteousness produces life, and following paths of folly brings death.
  The title of this lesson requires some clarification. It requires a conscious decision on our part to receive instruction and apply wisdom. Rejecting wisdom requires little effort since we are already living in the darkness of our folly. Losing one's soul isn't hard, ". . . for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: . . ."
  Therefore, the lesson could be named "The Dangers of Doing Nothing About God's Wisdom." Our way is moving contrary to God's way. John 3:20 says, "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." As men live in darkness already, they need do nothing to stay in that darkness.
  However, men must leave their darkness if they would truly come to the light. Serving Christ requires a personal decision and commitment to follow where he leads at any cost. The places we'll find it most difficult to follow him are the areas where we must deny ourselves and crucify more of "self." We will be continuously defeated over and over in our weak points until we fully repent (turn to God) and allow God to build his wisdom in us. The more earnest, committed, and complete our penitence, the more freedom God has to temper us into the image of his son.

Questions For Study:

1. What is the promise of wisdom to those who hear the call to repent? Proverbs 1:23.

2. Compare this promise to the one in Joel 2:28. Discuss the similarities of these two scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit.

3. What does wisdom say will come upon all those who won't repent? Proverbs 1:24-27.

4. Can there be a time in a man's life when wisdom will no longer respond and bless him? Why? Proverbs 1:28-30.

5. What will be the end of those who don't accept wisdom and repent? Proverbs 1:31-32.

6. When a man sins against wisdom, who is being wronged? Proverbs 8:36.

7. What differences are there between the carnal and spiritual mind? Romans 8:6-10.

8. Can a man follow wisdom and folly at the same time? Matthew 6:24; Romans 8:1-5.

9. To successfully follow after wisdom, what must be forsaken? Proverbs 9:6.