Day 3: Wisdom’s Call

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 1:20–33

Key Verse: “Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square.” — Proverbs 1:20 (NLT)

Reflection

Wisdom isn’t silent. She doesn’t hide in an ivory tower, waiting for the privileged or intellectual elite to discover her. Instead, she stands in the streets, calling out to anyone willing to listen. The imagery here is striking: Wisdom cries aloud in the noisy markets and at the city gates, where life happens and decisions are made. She offers guidance to the simple, the scoffers, and the fools—anyone who will turn from their ways and embrace her instruction.

But here’s the tragedy: most people ignore her. Wisdom’s call is met with indifference or outright rejection, and the consequences are devastating. Those who refuse her invitation eventually face calamity and regret (vv. 24–27). Yet, for those who listen, Wisdom promises safety, peace, and freedom from fear (v. 33).

For leaders, the stakes are even higher. Our ability to lead well depends on our willingness to hear and respond to Wisdom’s call. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about seeking God’s guidance, even when it challenges our assumptions or plans. Ignoring wisdom doesn’t just affect us—it affects those we lead.

The invitation is clear: Will we stop to listen, or will we let the noise of life drown out Wisdom’s voice?

Word Study: Cry Aloud (תָּרֹנָּה, tarinnah)

The Hebrew word tarinnah means “to shout, cry out, or proclaim.” It conveys urgency and passion, emphasizing the active and persistent nature of Wisdom’s call.

For leaders, tarinnah reminds us that God’s wisdom isn’t hidden or inaccessible. It’s available to anyone willing to seek it. Our role as leaders is to tune our ears to Wisdom’s voice and respond with humility and obedience.

Challenge

Take a moment to reflect on how you respond to Wisdom’s call in your life and leadership.

1. Are there areas where you’ve been ignoring or resisting God’s guidance?

2. How can you create space to hear Wisdom’s voice more clearly in the noise of daily life?

Identify one specific step you can take this week to prioritize listening to God’s wisdom. This might include spending more time in prayer, seeking counsel from a trusted mentor, or intentionally reflecting on Scripture before making a major decision.

Leadership in Action

Think about a leadership situation where you’ve been relying on your own understanding instead of seeking God’s wisdom.

• What would it look like to pause and listen to Wisdom’s call in this situation?

• How might following Wisdom’s guidance change the outcome for you and those you lead?

Take one practical step to incorporate Wisdom’s voice into your decision-making this week. Whether it’s slowing down to pray, revisiting a difficult decision with fresh perspective, or inviting input from others, commit to leading with humility and discernment.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your wisdom that cries out to me even in the busyness of life. Teach me to hear and respond to Your call with humility and obedience. Forgive me for the times I’ve ignored Your voice or chosen my own way. Help me to lead with discernment, seeking Your guidance in every decision. May Your wisdom shape my leadership and bless those under my care. Amen.