In this third part of our Mishlei series, we look at the second half of the first chapter. The verses are quite frightening -possibly the most frightening verses in the whole book. But a proper understanding of this poem will lead us to see that it is full of light and hope.
We find a warning of what will happen when wisdom is calling but you refuse. When things are hard- God will make things difficult. When things are really terrible - one will call out to God but He will not answer. Nowhere else in Mishlei do we see this type of thing- the inversion of Tehillim 91!
How does this idea square with idea of teshuva? Elsewhere in Tanakh, we find the refrain of calls to do teshuva - to call out to God, who will be with you in your suffering and who will come to your aid. Of course, as Yeshayahu and Yirmiyahu point out - if you do not do teshuva you will eat from the fruits of your ways.
Perhaps teshuva is different from the natural desire for wisdom. Anyone can do teshuva, but it is not necessarily possible to turn the clock back intellectually. With repentance, there is always a possibility for spiritual change. But if you do not develop yourself in the natural sphere of wisdom - there is no turning back.
