King James Version

What Does Proverbs 1:28 Mean?

“Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:”

Context

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.

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Then shall they call upon me.—**They did not call upon Him in an “acceptable time,” in “a day of salvation” (Isaiah 49:8), while He was “near” (Isaiah 55:6); so at last the master of the house has “risen up, and shut-to the door” (Luke 13:25), and will not listen to their cries. **They shall seek me early.—**As God had done, “daily rising up early,” and sending the prophets unto them (Jeremiah 7:25).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 1:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.