Proverbs 1:24

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about responding to God’s grace:

Proverbs 1:24 (ESV)

Because I have called and you refused to listen,

have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,

God is about to tell the wicked that He will laugh at them when their calamity comes upon them (v. 26).  In this proverb He tells them why.    God is a patient and caring God.  He does not want anyone to perish:

1 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

 God extends His hand to the person drowning in sin and He is patient and long-suffering to wait for their response.   The concept of God stretching His hand out to those in need is a popular phrase in Scripture:

Isaiah 65:2 (ESV)

I spread out my hands all the day

to a rebellious people,

who walk in a way that is not good,

following their own devices;

Romans 10:1 (ESV)

1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

Solomon is quick to add to the above thought by saying not only did no one accept God's hand, having faithfully and diligently considered it, but rather they ignored God's grace.   If man were to contemplate God's grace they would, even logically, have to consider His merits.    Even absent faith you can't disagree with the beauty of God's grace, nor the need for it today.   But men do ignore it.  They don't pay attention.  They are too busy rooting for their sport teams or being mesmerized by the latest electronic device to notice the greatest of all gifts: God's extended hand of grace.   He is calling and men close their ears.  He is reaching and men close their eyes.