Proverbs – Lesson 4 – Proverbs 1-20-33 – (May 6, 2026)

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PROVERBS

God’s Handbook for His Image Bearers

Lesson 4  •  Proverbs 1:20–33

The Voice of Wisdom: Listen to Me (vv. 20–33)

Review

In our series, we are calling Proverbs “God’s handbook for His image bearers.” This reminds us that the book has a purpose tied to the bigger storyline of the Bible.

Question: Why do we talk about God’s image bearers?

In Genesis 1:26-27 we are told that God made us in His image. Then we learn that God commanded mankind to fill the earth with His images.

Being the image of God means when people encounter us (see us or hear from us) they are seeing and hearing what God is like in His holy character.

Sin damaged that image, but God is equipping us to fulfill our purpose, and He is using the book of Proverbs to teach us how to image Him.

Competing Voices

In chapter 1:1-6 we learn Solomon’s purpose for compiling and editing this book — he desired to share his wisdom with others who need it.

Next, in v. 7 we learned that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. But the fool rejects God’s law.

Then, in vv. 8-19 we heard the voice of parents instructing a son and warning him that other voices were competing for his loyalty. Those are the voices of sinners (Proverbs 1:10).

Proverbs 1:10 (KJV) — My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

The parents (like Solomon) are concerned that their child will give in to the pressure and influence from sinners.

Discussion Questions 1.  Did you always listen to the voice of your parents? 2.  Who was someone in your life that was able to influence you to sin (lie, cheat, steal, cuss, gossip, disobey parents or rules, etc.)? 3.  Who was someone in your life outside of your parents who influenced you to obey God, become a Christian, live honestly, etc.?

Every one of us has voices of influence in our life. They come through TV, music, politics, work, social groups, friends, and more.

How Influence Works

Research shows that the voice a person hears the most becomes the one that shapes what they believe and how they live.

In Cognitive Psychology, studies on the “illusory truth effect” have found that repeated statements are more likely to be believed as true simply because they are heard often.

Work in Neuroscience shows the brain prioritizes frequent and emotionally strong input, giving it greater influence over attention and decision-making.

And in Social Psychology, research demonstrates that people tend to adopt the beliefs and behaviors of the voices they are most exposed to, especially within groups they value.

Taken together, the evidence proves: the voice that speaks the loudest and the longest in your life will shape your thinking, your choices, and ultimately your direction.

The Third Voice

Solomon has painted a picture of a person hearing —

The voice of parents influencing their child to choose right from wrong.

The voice of sinners influencing the same person to choose greed, violence, pleasure, and sin.

Next he paints another picture of Wisdom personified as a person standing in the streets as people pass, crying out loud to influence people to choose to image God and live.

Proverbs 1:20–21 (KJV) — Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

What is Wisdom Actively Doing?

Wisdom is crying out. Projecting a loud voice.

Think back to what we learned about influence. The voice heard the loudest, with the most passion or urgency, and is repeated or persistent is the voice that most often gains the most influence.

Wisdom is determined to get your attention

She positions herself in the right places to be heard:

•  in the streets (v. 20) — the place where people are

•  in the place of concourse (v. 21) — the place where the community gathers and meets

•  in the opening of the gates in the city (v. 21) — the places where people are gathered

Wisdom finds you where you are

This is the grace of God calling out to you to hear and receive His law. To choose life and not death. But notice, every person has opportunity to hear from Wisdom (God).

She lifts her voice over the noise of the crowd and competing voices

Proverbs 1:20–21 (KJV) — Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

Crieth

•  To cry out loudly

•  To shout with a ringing voice

•  To raise a strong, clear call

•  Often used for a voice that carries and demands attention

Who Does Wisdom Cry Out To?

Simple (v. 22)

•  They believe what they hear without checking if it is true. Proverbs 14:15 — “The simple believeth every word…” They accept things as true just because they hear them.

•  They make poor decisions because they lack understanding. Proverbs 7:7–8 — Solomon describes a young man “void of understanding” going toward a dangerous situation. His lack of judgment leads him into the wrong place.

•  They are easily pulled in by other people. Proverbs 1:10 — “If sinners entice thee…” Other people try to draw them in, and they are the kind of person who can be influenced.

•  They keep going without seeing where it leads. Proverbs 22:3 — “The simple pass on, and are punished.” They move forward without recognizing the danger ahead.

•  They stay this way because they like it. Proverbs 1:22 — “How long… will ye love simplicity?” They are comfortable living this way and do not change.

•  They follow what feels right at the time instead of thinking it through. This is the pattern you see across these verses.

Scorners (v. 22)

•  They respond to truth with attitude. Proverbs 9:7 — “He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame.”

•  They make comments that tear truth down. Proverbs 21:24 — “Proud and haughty scorner is his name…”

•  They treat serious things lightly. Proverbs 14:9 — “Fools make a mock at sin…”

•  They influence others by how they talk. Proverbs 22:10 — “Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out…”

•  They enjoy pushing back instead of listening. Proverbs 15:12 — “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him…”

•  They shape the environment around them. Seen in multiple verses where their presence brings conflict and strife.

Fool (v. 22)

•  They have made up their mind. Proverbs 1:7 — “Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

•  They hear truth and choose their own way. Proverbs 12:15 — “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes…”

•  They keep going even when corrected. Proverbs 17:10 — “A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.”

•  They ignore warnings. Proverbs 27:22 — “…yet will not his foolishness depart from him.”

•  Their choices become a pattern. Proverbs 26:11 — “As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.”

•  They do not hide their foolishness. Proverbs 13:16 — “…a fool layeth open his folly.”

These are the three categories of people Wisdom is calling out to in the streets to save them from their destructive path.

Keep in Mind These are the three groups Wisdom is calling to in this section. Each one is being warned to listen and change their mind about their choices and behaviors. These categories apply across every part of life — age, background, social status, or political views.

Wisdom Calls for Repentance

We have seen that Wisdom is passionate and determined to help the simple, the scorner, and the fool.

•  She goes to where they are, so they are without excuse.

•  She lifts her voice over the voice of sinners, so she can be heard.

•  She speaks directly to them to get their attention.

Next, we learn that Wisdom is calling for a change in belief that leads to a change in action or behavior. That is the definition of REPENTANCE.

Proverbs 1:23 (KJV) — Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

We learned in the previous lesson that the wise person is the one who hears God’s word and obeys it. The fool is the one who hears God’s word and chooses to disobey or reject it.

Wisdom is like the Holy Spirit calling to us to repent, turn away from sin, and change our mind and our behavior. Here are some verses that show the Holy Spirit doing the same role Solomon assigns to Wisdom:

John 16:13 (KJV) — Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:8 (KJV) — And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

John 14:26 (KJV) — But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

So the Holy Spirit of God is calling out to us to repent.

The Response of Wisdom to Rejection

This passage portrays Wisdom as compassionate, loving, and determined to help the simple, the scorner, and the fool.

And we have identified Wisdom as God the Holy Spirit calling out to us. Next is a warning that those who persistently reject Wisdom (the Holy Spirit) will be rejected by Wisdom (God).

Proverbs 1:24–28 (KJV) — Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye 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 cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.

These verses show that Wisdom (God) is not going to fix everything for you after you reject Wisdom (God). You are left to your consequences. The greatest consequence — more than a destroyed life, damaged relationships, or financial ruin — is being separated from God.

Isaiah 1:15 (KJV) — And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Psalm 66:18 (KJV) — If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.

Micah 3:4 (KJV) — Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 (KJV) — For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

2 Chronicles 36:15–16 (KJV) — And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

These verses are a strong warning to listen to Wisdom:

•  The conviction of the Holy Spirit

•  The preachers and teachers who warn of sin

•  The parents who instruct you in God’s way

•  The friend, church member, or acquaintance who speaks a word of warning

This passage portrays God lifting up His voice where you are, speaking over the voice of sinners who want to influence you to do wrong. It is God’s voice calling you to image Him in character and conduct. But it also shows God abandoning those who reject His call.

Notice the remainder of the chapter:

Proverbs 1:29–33 (KJV) — For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

This is a clear warning to hear the voice of God and obey Him. But what does that look like?

Practical Ways to Obey Wisdom

•  Be faithful to church. Hebrews 10:25 — “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

•  Read and obey God’s Word. James 1:22 — “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

•  Fear the LORD in how you live. Proverbs 9:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

•  Do not associate with the ungodly. Proverbs 1:10 — “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Proverbs 13:20 — “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

•  Turn from sin when corrected. Proverbs 28:13 — “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

•  Remain sexually pure. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.”

•  Give your tithes and offerings to God. Proverbs 3:9–10 — “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

•  Speak truth and live honestly. Proverbs 12:22 — “Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.”

•  Work diligently. Proverbs 10:4 — “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”

•  Control your anger. Proverbs 16:32 — “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”

•  Love your enemies and do good. Matthew 5:44 — “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

•  Pray regularly. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 — “Pray without ceasing.”

Join Us for the Next Lesson In the next lesson, we examine chapter 2, where we will see what it looks like to pursue wisdom, how to seek it, and how it will guide and protect your life.