Proverbs 1:24

Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

Because I have called {H7121}, and ye refused {H3985}; I have stretched out {H5186} my hand {H3027}, and no man regarded {H7181};

Because you refused when I called, and no one paid attention when I put out my hand,

Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand,

Because I have called, and ye have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man hath regarded;

Commentary

Proverbs 1:24 captures a pivotal moment in the book's introductory section, where Wisdom, personified as a divine messenger, laments the rejection of her earnest invitation. This verse highlights the persistent call of divine truth and the tragic human tendency to ignore or refuse it, setting the stage for the consequences that follow such neglect.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse (Proverbs 1:20-33) where Wisdom herself actively calls out to humanity. Unlike the earlier proverbs that are direct instructions from a father to a son, here Wisdom takes on a public, prophetic role, crying aloud in the chief place of concourse and at the gates of the city. She offers understanding, counsel, and knowledge, urging the simple and the scorners to turn from their foolish ways. Verse 24 marks a shift from Wisdom's open invitation to her lament over the lack of response, foreshadowing the judgment that will befall those who stubbornly refuse her.

Key Themes

  • Wisdom's Earnest Invitation: The phrases "I have called" and "I have stretched out my hand" vividly portray Wisdom's active, persistent, and loving appeal. This is not a passive offering but an outstretched gesture, signifying a deep desire for humanity to embrace truth and life. It speaks to the abundant grace and patience extended before judgment.
  • Human Rejection and Neglect: The responses "ye refused" and "no man regarded" underscore a deliberate and widespread indifference to Wisdom's call. This is not merely ignorance but a conscious decision to turn away from what is good and right, often preferring self-will or fleeting pleasures over enduring truth. This refusal is a key aspect of foolishness described throughout Proverbs.
  • The Precursor to Consequence: While this verse describes the act of rejection, it serves as a critical setup for the inevitable consequences of rejecting wisdom, detailed in the following verses (Proverbs 1:25-33). The lament here signifies that the coming calamity is not arbitrary but a direct result of unheeded warnings and refused invitations.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "called" is qara' (ืงึธืจึธื), which means to call out, proclaim, or invite. It implies an audible and public declaration, reinforcing the idea that Wisdom's message is not hidden but openly accessible.
  • "Refused" comes from the Hebrew ma'en (ืžึตืึตืŸ), meaning to refuse, reject, or be unwilling. This emphasizes a willful act of opposition, not merely a misunderstanding.
  • "Stretched out my hand" (ืคึธึผืจึทืฉึฐื‚ืชึดึผื™ ื™ึธื“ึดื™ - parashti yadi) is a common biblical idiom for offering help, pleading, or inviting. It conveys a gesture of earnest appeal, much like a parent reaching out to a child who is wandering off. This same imagery is used elsewhere to describe God's persistent call to His people, even when they are disobedient (e.g., Isaiah 65:2).
  • "Regarded" is from qashav (ืงึธืฉึทืื‘), meaning to pay attention, listen, or heed. The negative "no man regarded" highlights the complete lack of attentive listening or serious consideration given to Wisdom's vital message.

Practical Application

Proverbs 1:24 serves as a timeless warning and a call to introspection. In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded with competing voices and philosophies. This verse challenges us to consider:

  1. Are we listening? Wisdom's call, often identified with God's truth and instruction, is still being extended through various means โ€“ the Bible, godly counsel, and the promptings of conscience. Are we paying attention or are we distracted and indifferent?
  2. What are we refusing? Often, we refuse wisdom not out of malice, but out of comfort, pride, or a desire for immediate gratification. Recognizing our own tendencies to ignore truth is the first step towards embracing it.
  3. The Gravity of Neglect: This verse reminds us that ignoring divine wisdom is not a neutral act; it carries significant consequences. Just as a child who ignores a parent's outstretched hand may fall, so too does the one who disregards divine counsel risk great peril. Embracing the importance of heeding instruction is crucial for a well-lived life.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 65:12 (9 votes)

    Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not.

  • Romans 10:21 (9 votes)

    But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

  • Jeremiah 7:13 (8 votes)

    And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;

  • Isaiah 66:4 (7 votes)

    I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose [that] in which I delighted not.

  • Hebrews 12:25 (6 votes)

    See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:

  • Hebrews 12:26 (6 votes)

    Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

  • Ezekiel 8:18 (4 votes)

    Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, [yet] will I not hear them.