Proverbs 1:20-21 (ESV)
20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
in the markets she raises her voice;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
Solomon first personifies the concept of wisdom as the woman Wisdom here, and introduces her making every effort to reach as many people as possible. She doesn’t hide in a closet at home, but cries aloud and raises her voice in public places. She is zealous about her message and longs for people to respond to her teaching. She goes to the top of the streets and the entrance of the city gate to warn those arriving in town about evildoers who plan to entice and seduce the naïve into following after sinful ways. Wisdom is available to all who desire her. We may choose to ignore her, but we can’t say we didn’t hear her. When we don’t want to be told what to do, we end up missing wisdom. Does it bother you when people are fervent about obedience to God? Do you wish they would “mind their own business” and stop pushing their beliefs on you? Wisdom often speaks through others. Ask godly people around you what they think about your struggles. You may be pleasantly surprised by their input and advice.