Sowing Disobedience, Reaping Judgment
William Arnot, D. D. Proverbs 1:28 Then shall they call on me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: One of the marvellous reasonings of the Judge with the criminal is recorded here. I. GOD IN MERCY VISITS A REBELLIOUS GENERATION. 1. The call. It is in the earthquake and in the storm. Day unto day proclaims it, and night unto night. There is no speech or language where it is not heard. The call has come with distinct articulation from the lips of prophets and apostles. It sounds with authority in a human conscience. 2. The hands stretched out. There is a way, and the way is open unto the Father. There is no obstruction, there is no forbidding, there is no upbraiding. Sinners are welcomed with open arms. 3. The counsel. Specially addressed to those who procrastinate. 4. Reproof. If they will not be enticed by the promise of heaven, He will threaten them with the fear of hell. Everlasting love needs a strong, hard instrument wherewith to work out her blessed purposes on an unpliant race. Judgment looming in reserve, serving meantime by its blackness to make the invitation more winning. II. A REBELLIOUS GENERATION NEGLECTS OR RESISTS THE GRACIOUS VISITATION OF GOD. Men have ears and stop them. III. THEY SHALL EAT THE FRUIT OF THEIR OWN WAYS, AND BE FILLED WITH THEIR OWN DEVICES. Judgment will be an exact answer to disobedience, as fruit answers to seed, or an echo to the sound. (William Arnot, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: WEB: Then will they call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me;