EGW WritingsProverbs 1

Ellen G. White

Proverbs 1:1-33

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 21, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 21, 1894, par. 9

O, how can God bear with the misdeeds of those who have had great light and advantages, and yet follow the course of their own choosing, to their eternal harm? Solomon, who had solemnly charged the people at the dedication of the temple, “Let your heart be perfect with the Lord your God” [1 Kings 8:61], chose his own way, and in his own heart separated from God. The mind that was once given to God and inspired of God to write the most precious words of wisdom (the book of Proverbs)—truths which are immortalized—that noble mind, through evil associations and yielding to temptations, became inefficient, weak in moral power, and Solomon dishonored himself, dishonored Israel, and dishonored his God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 40, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 40, 1898, par. 15

Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs, but after a time his wisdom became mingled with chaff. When came the chaff? After a manhood of such glorious promise, a change came in Solomon’s history. He did not continue true to his purity and allegiance to God. He broke through the barriers which God had erected to preserve His people from idolatry. The Lord had singled out Israel as a nation, making them the depositaries of sacred truth, to be given to the world. But Solomon cherished pride of political powers. He encouraged alliances with pagan kingdoms. He procured the silver of Tarshish and the gold of Ophir, but it was at the expense of destroying sacred trusts. Evil communications corrupted good manners. One false movement led to an acquaintance with idolaters. He formed marriage alliances with the daughters of pagan worshipers, and his wives led him away from God. His separation from God through communication with idolaters ruined him.

Proverbs 1:7

Counsels on Health

A Treasure House of Experience

CH 253.1

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7. One sentence of Scripture is of more value than ten thousand of man’s ideas or arguments. Those who refuse to follow God’s way will finally receive the sentence, “Depart from Me.” But when we submit to God’s way, the Lord Jesus guides our minds and fills our lips with assurance. We may be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Receiving Christ, we are clothed with power. An indwelling Saviour makes His power our property. The truth becomes our stock in trade. No unrighteousness is seen in the life. We are able to speak words in season to those who know not the truth. Christ’s presence in the heart is a vitalizing power, strengthening the entire being.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Chapter 13—The High Calling of Our Sanitarium Workers

7T 71.1

To Be Like Jesus

Control of Appetite to Begin in Childhood, October 18

BLJ 307.1

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7, NKJV.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Lead Minds to Christ

3TT 110.3

Proverbs 1:8

Reflecting Christ

Father as Priest; Mother as Teacher, June 13

RC 178.1

Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and reject not your mother’s teaching. Proverbs 1:8, R.S.V.

Proverbs 1:10

Conflict and Courage

A Sure Crop, May 9

CC 135.1

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 1:10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 75, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 75, 1904, par. 13

“When sinners entice thee, consent thou not,” but as ministers of righteousness, put every talent to use in the Lord’s service. [Proverbs 1:10.] This you must do if you would endure His proving and be accepted by Him as faithful ambassadors. The Lord calls upon you to lay hold of the arm of infinite power. He is ever ready to come to the help of His children and by His gracious, healing power restore them to spiritual and physical health.

In Heavenly Places

Keep Off Satanic Ground, September 4

HP 254.1

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 1:10.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 14 [Nos. 1081-1135]

MR No. 1093—The Holy Spirit and God’s Word Agree

14MR 74.1

If we come in contact with sinners who are hardened and bold in sin, they will seek to lead you to be as bad as themselves; but it is for you to heed the caution and the injunction of the Word of God: “If sinners entice thee, consent thou not” [Proverbs 1:10]. Send up your prayers to heaven that you may be delivered from temptation. Pray, pray, and put your will on the side of God’s will. Oh, be sure to pray for the Lord to give you His grace to resist the devil, who caused the fall of Adam and Eve in Eden, and [who] with all his deceptive power will try to make of none effect the restrictions and commandments of God.

Reflecting Christ

Parents to Counsel Their Children, June 15

RC 180.1

If sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 1:10.

This Day With God

Be God’s Minuteman, October 2

TDG 284.5

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 1, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 1, 1894, par. 14

If we come in contact with sinners who are hardened and bold in sin, they will seek to lead you to be as bad as themselves; but it is for you to heed the caution and the instruction of the Word of God, “When sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” [Proverbs 1:10.] Send up your prayers to heaven that you may be delivered from temptation. Pray, pray, and put your will on the side of God’s will. Oh, be sure and pray for the Lord to give you His grace to resist the devil, who caused the fall of Adam and Eve in Eden, and [who] with all his deceptive power will try to make of none effect the restrictions and commandments of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 2, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 2, 1896, par. 11

Had Christ conceded even once to the wishes and desires of His brethren with regard to wrong doing, He would have failed as a perfect Pattern, failed to carry out the plan made in the councils of heaven. The world would have been irrevocably lost. Had He allowed any license or excuse for sin or for the evil passions of human nature, Satan’s controversy would have terminated. He would not have worked so determinedly, through the brethren of Christ and through the priests and rulers of Israel, to make the life of Christ as unpleasant as it could be made. But He would not yield, and His undeviating justice and integrity were commented upon with a sneer. Provoked and exasperated as His patience, forbearance, and kindness, they termed it cowardice, saying, You are afraid to do this; you dare not do this or that wrong action. But He answered in words not His own, “It is written, ‘When sinners entice thee, consent thou not.’” [Proverbs 1:10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 121, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 121, 1898, par. 32

We are not to fashion ourselves by the world’s criterion or after the world’s type. God’s people will hear conversations regarding the carrying out of wrong methods and plans. Words of irreverence will be spoken. Religion will be jested about. Hear the voice of God: “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” [Proverbs 1:10.] Those who are controlled by the Spirit of God need to keep their perceptive faculties awake, for the time has come when their integrity and loyalty to God and to each other will be tested. Do not commit the least injustice against any one of God’s children in order to gain the least injustice against any one of God’s children in order to gain an advantage for yourself. Do unto others in small matters as well as great, as you would they should do unto you. God says, “Ye are my witnesses. You are to act in my place.” [See Isaiah 43:10.] Could the curtain be rolled back, you would see the heavenly universe looking with intense interest upon the one who is tempted.

Proverbs 1:10-15

My Life Today

Walk Not in the Way With Sinners, July 30

ML 215.1

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.... My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path. Proverbs 1:10-15.

Proverbs 1:10-16

Sons and Daughters of God

We Do Not Consent to Enticement of Sinners, June 6

SD 164.1

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.... For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. Proverbs 1:10, 16.

Proverbs 1:17

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 57, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 57, 1896, par. 20

Satan must deceive in order to lead away. “In vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.” [Proverbs 1:17.] Underhand work must be done; a deceiving influence must be exerted; false pretenses must be set forth as truth; suspicion must be lulled to sleep. Satan will clothe temptation and sin with the garments of righteousness, and by this deception he will win many to his side. Christ pronounced Satan a liar and a murderer. O, that unwary souls would learn wisdom from God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 156, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 156, 1897, par. 13

The revolters against divine government will not ascribe their disaffection to themselves. This will be seen to the close of time. This apostasy in Adelaide is not a new chapter in our experience, as you well know. Apostasy has come in to our ranks as it came into heaven, and all who unite with Satan in this kind of work will act on the same principles Satan has worked. Not open, not frank, but in secrecy. Satan must deceive in order to succeed. “In vain the net is set in the sight of any bird.” [Proverbs 1:17.]

Proverbs 1:19

To Be Like Jesus

Never Dishonor God by Violating Righteous Principles, June 29

BLJ 192.1

So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners. Proverbs 1:19, NKJV.

Proverbs 1:20-23

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 129, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 129, 1903, par. 11

Christ “went about all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues, and healing the sick.” He preached in the synagogues because thus He could reach the many who gathered there. Then He went out and taught by the seaside and in the great thoroughfares of travel. The precious truths that He had to proclaim were not to be confined to synagogues. “Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets; she crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates; in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn ye at My reproof; behold, I will pour out My Spirit upon you, I will make known My words unto you.” [Proverbs 1:20-23.]

Proverbs 1:20-33

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 56, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 56, 1898, par. 48

“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I will also laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and destruction cometh as the whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: they would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” [Proverbs 1:20-33.] They that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, shall reap the same.

Proverbs 1:22-23

Ye Shall Receive Power

Repentance, the First Fruit, March 2

YRP 70.3

There are those who, notwithstanding all the gracious invitation of Christ, continue to reveal ungodliness in their lives. To such ones God says: “How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? ... Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you” (Proverbs 1:22, 23).—Signs of the Times, June 28, 1905.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 28, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 28, 1905, par. 2

There are those who, notwithstanding all the gracious invitations of Christ, continue to reveal ungodliness in their lives. God addresses all such in the words: “How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in scorning? and fools hate knowledge? Turn ye at my reproof, and I will pour out my spirit unto you; I will make known my words unto you.” [Proverbs 1:22, 23.]

Proverbs 1:23

With God at Dawn

Turn at My Reproof, April 23

WGD 115.1

Turn you at my reproof: behold I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Proverbs 1:23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 38, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 38, 1894, par. 7

God will not pour out gold and silver from the windows of heaven, but that which [is] of infinitely greater value. He says, “I will pour out my Spirit upon you.” [Proverbs 1:23.] The Holy Spirit of God will bless those who are faithful in the discharge of their duty. The Lord continues, “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruit of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.” [Malachi 3:11, 12.]

Proverbs 1:24-26

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 9, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 9, 1900, par. 6

God declares, “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.” [Proverbs 1:24-26.]

Proverbs 1:24-27

Maranatha

The Wrath of the Lamb, October 14

Mar 295.3

That voice which penetrates the ear of the dead, they know. How often have its plaintive, tender tones called them to repentance. How often has it been heard in the touching entreaties of a friend, a brother, a Redeemer. To the rejecters of His grace no other could be so full of condemnation, so burdened with denunciation, as that voice which has so long pleaded: “Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Ezekiel 33:11. Oh, that it were to them the voice of a stranger! Says Jesus: “I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof.” Proverbs 1:24, 25. That voice awakens memories which they would fain blot out—warnings despised, invitations refused, privileges slighted....

Mar 295.4

In the lives of all who reject truth there are moments when conscience awakens, when memory presents the torturing recollection of a life of hypocrisy and the soul is harassed with vain regrets. But what are these compared with the remorse of that day ... when “destruction cometh as a whirlwind”! Proverbs 1:27. Those who would have destroyed Christ and His faithful people now witness the glory which rests upon them.41The Great Controversy, 642, 644.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 40—God’s People Delivered

GC 642.3

That voice which penetrates the ear of the dead, they know. How often have its plaintive, tender tones called them to repentance. How often has it been heard in the touching entreaties of a friend, a brother, a Redeemer. To the rejecters of His grace no other could be so full of condemnation, so burdened with denunciation, as that voice which has so long pleaded: “Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Ezekiel 33:11. Oh, that it were to them the voice of a stranger! Says Jesus: “I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all My counsel, and would none of My reproof.” Proverbs 1:24, 25. That voice awakens memories which they would fain blot out—warnings despised, invitations refused, privileges slighted.

GC 644.1

In the lives of all who reject truth there are moments when conscience awakens, when memory presents the torturing recollection of a life of hypocrisy and the soul is harassed with vain regrets. But what are these compared with the remorse of that day when “fear cometh as desolation,” when “destruction cometh as a whirlwind”! Proverbs 1:27. Those who would have destroyed Christ and His faithful people now witness the glory which rests upon them. In the midst of their terror they hear the voices of the saints in joyful strains exclaiming: “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us.” Isaiah 25:9.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 40—God’s People Delivered

GC88 642.3

That voice which penetrates the ear of the dead, they know. How often have its plaintive, tender tones called them to repentance. How often has it been heard in the touching entreaties of a friend, a brother, a Redeemer. To the rejecters of his grace, no other could be so full of condemnation, so burdened with denunciation, as that voice which has so long pleaded, “Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” [Ezekiel 33:11.] Oh that it were to them the voice of a stranger! Says Jesus: “I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded. But ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof.” [Proverbs 1:24, 25.] That voice awakens memories which they would fain blot out,—warnings despised, invitations refused, privileges slighted.

GC88 644.1

In the lives of all who reject truth, there are moments when conscience awakens, when memory presents the torturing recollection of a life of hypocrisy, and the soul is harassed with vain regrets. But what are these compared with the remorse of that day when “fear cometh as desolation,” when “destruction cometh as a whirlwind!” [Proverbs 1:27.] Those who would have destroyed Christ and his faithful people, now witness the glory which rests upon them. In the midst of their terror they hear the voices of the saints in joyful strains exclaiming, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.” [Isaiah 25:9.]

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 35—God’s People Delivered

4SP 460.4

That voice which penetrates the ear of the dead, they know. How often have its plaintive, tender tones called them to repentance. How often has it been heard in the touching entreaties of a friend, a brother, a Redeemer. To the rejecters of his grace, no other could be so full of condemnation, so burdened with denunciation, as that voice which has so long pleaded, “Turn ye, turn ye; for why will ye die?” Oh that it were to them the voice of a stranger! Says Jesus, “I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded. But ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof.” [Proverbs 1:24, 25.] That voice awakens memories which they would fain blot out,—warnings despised, invitations refused, privileges slighted.

4SP 462.2

In the lives of all who reject truth, there are moments when conscience awakens, when memory presents the torturing recollection of a life of hypocrisy, and the soul is harassed with vain regrets. But what are these compared with the remorse of that day when “fear cometh as desolation,” when “destruction cometh as a whirlwind!” [Proverbs 1:27.] Those who would have destroyed Christ and his faithful people, now witness the glory which rests upon them. In the midst of their terror they hear the voices of the saints in joyful strains exclaiming, “Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us.” [Isaiah 25:9.]

Proverbs 1:24-28

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Appendix

4SP 501.1

But the throne of God will be clear, and sinners will be without excuse; for the warnings of the scriptures are given in no uncertain language. To the impious the Lord says: “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.” Proverbs 1:24-28. And the warning of the last message is going to all the world. It also is clear and decisive in its utterance. “The commandments of God,” which it enforces, are not obscure or hard to be understood. The fourth says, “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” This was the Lord’s day—his holy day—from the creation of the world. He claims no other as his; he sanctified no other; he never commanded any other to be observed. They who turn away from a truth so plain, who reject a warning so solemn, will have no answer to make when the Lord commands them to depart.

Proverbs 1:24-31

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 999—Christ as Sacrifice and High Priest

12MR 421.2

[Proverbs 1:24-31; Psalm 2:4-12, quoted.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 33, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 33, 1896, par. 14

Are you willing that God and the Saviour who died for you shall say, “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof. I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early but they shall not find me; for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord; they would none of my counsel; they despise all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.” [Proverbs 1:24-31.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 111, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 111, 1897, par. 69

“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamities, I will mock when your fear cometh. When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, and I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me; for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord; they would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproofs. Therefore they shall eat of the fruit of their own ways, and be filled with their own devices.” [Proverbs 1:24-31.]

Proverbs 1:24-33

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 53—The Earlier Judges

PP 558.1

Saith the Lord: “I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all My counsel, and would none of My reproof: ... when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: they would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.” “But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:24-31, 33.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Dreadful Scenes Before Us

1TT 90.1

What shall I say to arouse the remnant people of God? I was shown that dreadful scenes are before us; Satan and his angels are bringing all their powers to bear upon God’s people. He knows that if they sleep a little longer he is sure of them, for their destruction is certain. I warn all who profess the name of Christ to closely examine themselves and make full and thorough confession of all their wrongs, that they may go beforehand to judgment, and that the recording angel may write pardon opposite their names. My brother, my sister, if these precious moments of mercy are not improved, you will be left without excuse. If you make no special effort to arouse, if you will not manifest zeal in repenting, these golden moments will soon pass, and you will be weighed in the balance and found wanting. Then your agonizing cries will be of no avail. Then will apply the words of the Lord: “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all My counsel, and would none of My reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: they would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:24-33.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 49, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 49, 1897, par. 30

“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then they shall call upon me, and I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me; for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord; they would none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” [Proverbs 1:24-33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 50, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 50, 1907, par. 24

“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all My counsel, and would none of My reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: they would none of My counsel; they despised all My reproof: therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto Me, shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” [Proverbs 1:24-33.]

Proverbs 1:25

Conflict and Courage

Duty or Desire, April 17

CC 113.1

But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof. Proverbs 1:25.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 35, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 35, 1895, par. 8

The most solemn responsibility for the Jewish nation was when Jesus was in their midst. It was that generation, the generation who rejected him, that was the guilty one. Jesus, speaking sometimes by warning, by judgments, by blessing given and withdrawn, said, “Ye would none of my counsel, ye despised all my reproofs.” [Proverbs 1:25.] If thou art destroyed, it is thyself alone who are responsible. “Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life.” [John 5:40.] Warning, expostulation, forbearance, and patience are about to close.

Proverbs 1:27-28

Life Sketches of James White and Ellen G. White (1880 ed.)

Chapter 7—Marriage and United Labors

LS80 241.2

“I was forcibly reminded of death-bed repentance. Some who serve themselves and Satan all their lives, as sickness subdues them, and a fearful uncertainty is before them, manifest some sorrow for sin, and perhaps say they are willing to die, and their friends make themselves believe that they have been truly converted and fitted for heaven. But if these should recover they would be as rebellious as ever. I am reminded of Proverbs 1:27, 28: ‘When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you, then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.’

Life Sketches of James White and Ellen G. White (1888 ed.)

Chapter 7—Marriage and United Labors

LS88 241.2

“I was forcibly reminded of death-bed repentance. Some who serve themselves and Satan all their lives, as sickness subdues them, and a fearful uncertainty is before them, manifest some sorrow for sin, and perhaps say they are willing to die, and their friends make themselves believe that they have been truly converted and fitted for heaven. But if these should recover they would be as rebellious as ever. I am reminded of Proverbs 1:27, 28: ‘When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh, as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you, then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.’

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2

Chapter 13—Return to Maine

2SG 86.3

I was forcibly reminded of death-bed repentance. Some who serve themselves and Satan all their life, as sickness subdues them, and a fearful uncertainty is before them, manifest some sorrow for sin, and perhaps say they are willing to die, and their friends make themselves believe they were converted and fitted for heaven. But if they should recover, would they not be as rebellious as ever? I am reminded of Proverbs 1:27, 28. “When your fear cometh as desolation and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you, then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.”

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1

Chapter 11—Marriage and Subsequent Labors

1T 81.3

I was forcibly reminded of deathbed repentance. Some serve themselves and Satan all their lives, and then as sickness subdues them, and a fearful uncertainty is before them, they manifest some sorrow for sin, and perhaps say they are willing to die, and their friends make themselves believe that they have been truly converted and fitted for heaven. But if these should recover, they would be as rebellious as ever. I am reminded of Proverbs 1:27, 28: “When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me.”

Proverbs 1:29-33

The Great Controversy

Chapter 15—The Bible and the French Revolution

GC 285.2

The fatal error which wrought such woe for the inhabitants of France was the ignoring of this one great truth: that true freedom lies within the proscriptions of the law of God. “O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” “There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.” “But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Isaiah 48:18, 22; Proverbs 1:33.

GC 286.1

When France publicly rejected God and set aside the Bible, wicked men and spirits of darkness exulted in their attainment of the object so long desired—a kingdom free from the restraints of the law of God. Because sentence against an evil work was not speedily executed, therefore the heart of the sons of men was “fully set in them to do evil.” Ecclesiastes 8:11. But the transgression of a just and righteous law must inevitably result in misery and ruin. Though not visited at once with judgments, the wickedness of men was nevertheless surely working out their doom. Centuries of apostasy and crime had been treasuring up wrath against the day of retribution; and when their iniquity was full, the despisers of God learned too late that it is a fearful thing to have worn out the divine patience. The restraining Spirit of God, which imposes a check upon the cruel power of Satan, was in a great measure removed, and he whose only delight is the wretchedness of men was permitted to work his will. Those who had chosen the service of rebellion were left to reap its fruits until the land was filled with crimes too horrible for pen to trace. From devastated provinces and ruined cities a terrible cry was heard—a cry of bitterest anguish. France was shaken as if by an earthquake. Religion, law, social order, the family, the state, and the church—all were smitten down by the impious hand that had been lifted against the law of God. Truly spoke the wise man: “The wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.” “Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before Him: but it shall not be well with the wicked.” Proverbs 11:5; Ecclesiastes 8:12, 13. “They hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord;” “therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.” Proverbs 1:29, 31.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 15—The Bible and the French Revolution

GC88 285.2

The fatal error which wrought such woe for the inhabitants of France was the ignoring of this one great truth: that true freedom lies within the proscriptions of the law of God. “O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” “There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.” “But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” [Isaiah 48:18, 22; Proverbs 1:33.]

GC88 285.5

When France publicly prohibited the Bible, wicked men and spirits of darkness exulted in their attainment of the object so long desired,—a kingdom free from the restraints of the law of God. Because sentence against an evil work was not speedily executed, therefore the heart of the sons of men was “fully set in them to do evil.” [Ecclesiastes 8:11-13.] But the transgression of a just and righteous law must inevitably result in misery and ruin. Though not visited at once with judgments, the wickedness of men was nevertheless surely working out their doom. Centuries of apostasy and crime had been treasuring up wrath against the day of retribution; and when their iniquity was full, the despisers of God learned too late that it is a fearful thing to have worn out the divine patience. The restraining Spirit of God, which imposes a check upon the cruel power of Satan, was in a great measure removed, and he whose only delight is the wretchedness of men, was permitted to work his will. Those who had chosen the service of rebellion, were left to reap its fruits, until the land was filled with crimes too horrible for pen to trace. From devastated provinces and ruined cities a terrible cry was heard,—a cry of bitterest anguish. France was shaken as if by an earthquake. Religion, law, social order, the family, the State, and the Church,—all were smitten down by the impious hand that had been lifted against the law of God. Truly spake the wise man: “The wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.” “Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him; but it shall not be well with the wicked.” [Ecclesiastes 8:11-13.] “They hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord;” “therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.” [Proverbs 1:29, 31.]

Proverbs 1:30

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 11, 1883

4LtMs, Lt 11, 1883, par. 21

The most solemn responsibility for the Jews was when Jesus was in their midst. It was that generation who had rejected Him, who were guilty, condemned, rejected of Him. And it [is] now in this day of light and privileges that this nation is arraigned as before the bar of God for their rejection of Christ. “They would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof.” Proverbs 1:30.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 102, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 102, 1897, par. 19

The most solemn period of responsibility for the Jewish nation was when Christ was in their midst, working the works of God. It was that generation that rejected the Messiah. Christ addressed them as the most guilty, because they had the Word of God. “It is not only delegates, servants, and prophets to whom you have refused to listen,” He declared, “but your Redeemer. Ye would none of my counsel, ye despised all my reproof. Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me? If thou art destroyed, O Jerusalem, thyself alone wilt be responsible. Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life.” [See Proverbs 1:30; John 14:9; 5:40.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 71, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 71, 1897, par. 18

The most terribly momentous period of the Jewish nation was at that time when Jesus was in their midst. Yet it was this generation, that had been honored and favored above all people upon the earth, who were guilty of rejecting all the importunity of the yearning love of Christ. “Ye would none of my counsels,” He says; “ye despised all my reproofs.” [Proverbs 1:30.] “Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life.” [John 5:40.] Therefore your destruction lieth at your own door: you are yourselves responsible.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 193, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 193, 1899, par. 7

The loss of every pound is of little consequence in comparison with the worth of his soul. It is his soul for which I am burdened. Shall Christ say of this youth, “Ye would not come unto Me that ye might have life? Ye would none of My counsel; ye despised all My reproof. If thou art unsaved, it is thou thyself who art responsible.” [See John 5:40 and Proverbs 1:30.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 76, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 76, 1903, par. 16

Wake up, my brethren and sisters. We have no time to spend in wringing our hands and in mourning that the Sanitarium has been destroyed. A wider outlook has been given us. Let us inquire of the Lord His mind and will. Will not the managers of the institution make thorough self-examination? Attempt after attempt has been made to burn the Sanitarium. Do not these things speak to the managers, telling them to look back at the way in which they have carried out their plans? Again and again reproof has come to them from God, but these messages have not led them to take heed. Message after message has been sent that plants should be made in many places. A most solemn review should now be made. God has been speaking, sometimes by unacknowledged mercies, oftentimes by threatened judgments. By blessings bestowed and blessings removed, He has sought to bring about the needed change of action. Well may He say, “What could have been done more in My vineyard, that I have not done in it?” [Isaiah 5:4.] Shall the word be spoken, “Ye would none of My counsel, ye despised all My reproofs,” “Ye would not come unto Me that ye might have life”? [See Proverbs 1:30; John 5:40.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 175, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 175, 1904, par. 17

God is testing us by blessings bestowed and blessings removed. Shall we learn the lessons He would teach us? Will we bear His test and proving? God has worked for His people by His Holy Spirit. By the bestowal of wonderful blessings, He has striven to awaken in them a desire to impart the light entrusted to them. “I have come to you in love,” He says, “I have come to you in mercy and judgment; yet you would not learn the lesson I sought to teach. Ye would none of My counsel, ye despised all My reproofs. My Spirit has been grieved by your failure to respond to My love.” To those who claim to be His servants and yet depart from His way, He says, “If thou art destroyed, thou thyself art responsible. Ye will not come unto Me that ye might have life.” [See Proverbs 1:30; John 5:40.]

Proverbs 1:30-32

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 72—The Rebellion of Absalom

PP 739.1

Ahithophel had been held in high esteem for his wisdom, but he was destitute of the enlightenment which comes from God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10); and this, Ahithophel did not possess, or he could hardly have based the success of treason upon the crime of incest. Men of corrupt hearts plot wickedness, as if there were no overruling Providence to cross their designs; but “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.” Psalm 2:4. The Lord declares: “They would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.” Proverbs 1:30-32.

Proverbs 1:30-33

Our High Calling

Light or Shadow? January 20

OHC 26.5

“They would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:30-33.40Manuscript 56, 1898.

Proverbs 1:31

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 116, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 116, 1898, par. 4

Here are the two great principles—love to God and love to our neighbor. Upon these two principles hang all the law and the prophets. Those who fail in their fulfillment of these vital principles, though they profess a knowledge of the truth, though they preach the Word and understand all mysteries, “shall eat of the fruit of their own doings, and be filled with their own devices.” [Proverbs 1:31.] Those who cherish suspicion and imagine evil reveal that they are not carrying out the principles of this law; and they pursue a course which brings upon themselves the evils which they imagine. God will not be trifled with. His Word is to be cherished and obeyed.