Proverbs 1:30-33

The Consequences of Willful Ignorance - Proverbs 1:30-33 

30 - They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31 - Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 32 - For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33 - But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. 

What we are inclined to do is mess up our own lives. We have a propensity for self-sabotage that is alarming. 

To be so self-contained that we seek no advice is equivalent in Proverbs to foolishness and folly. Two advantages are embraced by the wise. One is counsel and another is reproof (correction). Those who value their own dreams, goals, and success not only accept them, but seek them out.

Not to do so requires no external judgment, though persistence may bring it upon us. Those who despise reproof eat the fruit of their own ways. The natural consequences of ignoring wisdom from outside ourselves are grave and sure. When we turn away from instruction, we slay ourselves. When we gather false prosperity to ourselves without wisdom, we destroy ourselves.

The converse is likewise true. We can apply ourselves to wisdom and cultivate the heart of a life-long learner who is willing to be someone else's student and thus, build a life of security and peace.

Oh the choices we must make.