Proverbs 1:23 (ESV) … “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.”
The essence of what the Lord is saying in verse 23 is, “Sometimes I’ll disagree with you, I’ll correct you, I’ll rebuke you. I don’t work with perfect people. I work with responsive people. Here is the response I’m looking for: turn.”
That word “turn” is the most important word in the Bible for repentance. It is not a sentimental word. It is a decisive word. If we decide to turn away from our present selves, both our failures and our attainments, and turn toward Jesus and say to him, “I want you to renew me. If need be, let’s go all the way back to John 3:16 and start again. But I am open to you challenging anything in my life. I’m not protecting anything from you. I want to become wise, like you”—if we will turn decisively to him with that openness, what does he promise to do for us?
“I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.” What a wonderful assurance. We are all weak, we have tried before, and we are all so tired of failing. We may be thinking, I do want to turn to him. But how could I keep it up? Jesus is promising to responsive people, “Batteries are included. I’m wise enough to know all your need. I died to take away your guilt. I rose again to give you my power. I have thought of everything. Trust me and turn.” He is promising you, if you turn to him, new passion to sustain you and new insight to intrigue you. He will make the Bible come alive to you. Would you like that? You must decide. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20)[1]
[1] Ortlund, R. C., Jr. (2012). Preaching the Word: Proverbs—Wisdom that Works. (R. K. Hughes, Ed.) (p. 46). Wheaton, IL: Crossway.
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