With the traits of a prophet, personified wisdom calls out in the public square to the foolish, the ignorant, the inexperienced, the reckless, and the insolent, urging them to focus their lives on one key thing: respect for the Lord (29). From the discourse of wisdom, it follows that true wisdom is found in respecting the Lord; such respect essentially means obeying his laws and commands, which is the only way to avoid misfortune. The “storm” and the “hurricane” (27) symbolize a life lived without hope for fulfillment. Knowing how to live well brings peace, calm, and security amid significant troubles. The tone of this proclamation is very similar to that of Jeremiah and, to a lesser extent, that of Isaiah. The goal is not mainly to condemn but to call for righteous judgment, healthy living, and correction before it’s too late (28).
