Proverbs 1:28
Proverbs 1:28 in Multiple Translations
Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me.
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
Then will they call upon me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me:
Then I will give no answer to their cries; searching for me early, they will not see me:
then you'll call out to me for help, but I won't answer; you'll search hard for me, but won't find me.
Then shall they call vpon me, but I will not answere: they shall seeke me early, but they shall not finde me,
Then they call me, and I do not answer, They seek me earnestly, and find me not.
Then they will call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me,
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
Then shall they call upon me, and I will not hear: they shall rise in the morning and shall not find me:
Wisdom also says, “When foolish people call to me to help them, I will not answer them. They will search for me diligently/everywhere, but they will not find me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 1:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 1:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֣ז
יִ֭קְרָאֻ/נְנִי
וְ/לֹ֣א
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ה
יְ֝שַׁחֲרֻ֗/נְנִי
וְ/לֹ֣א
יִמְצָאֻֽ/נְנִי
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Adv
יִ֭קְרָאֻ/נְנִי
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
יְ֝שַׁחֲרֻ֗/נְנִי
shâchar
H7836
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִמְצָאֻֽ/נְנִי
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 1:28
אָ֣ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
יִ֭קְרָאֻ/נְנִי
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
יְ֝שַׁחֲרֻ֗/נְנִי
shâchar
H7836
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This verb means to seek or search for something early and earnestly, like in Psalm 63:1 where David seeks God diligently. It can also mean to rise early, as in Proverbs 8:17 where wisdom is found by those who seek it early. The word appears about 15 times in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to seek, seek early or earnestly, look early or diligently for 1a) (Qal) to look for diligently, seek 1b) (Piel) to seek, seek early
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (do something) betimes, enquire early, rise (seek) betimes, seek diligently) early, in the morning). See also: Job 7:21; Proverbs 7:15; Psalms 63:2.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִמְצָאֻֽ/נְנִי
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
Study Notes — Proverbs 1:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 1:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 1:28
Context — Wisdom Calls Aloud
26in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you,
27when your dread comes like a storm, and your destruction like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish overwhelm you.
28Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me.
29For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. 30They accepted none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 3:4 | Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done. |
| 2 | James 4:3 | And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 11:11 | Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to bring upon them a disaster that they cannot escape. They will cry out to Me, but I will not listen to them. |
| 4 | Zechariah 7:13 | And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:15 | When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
| 6 | Matthew 25:10–12 | But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ |
| 7 | Job 27:9 | Will God hear his cry when distress comes upon him? |
| 8 | Jeremiah 14:12 | Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 8:18 | When that day comes, you will beg for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you on that day.” |
| 10 | Psalms 18:41 | They cried for help, but there was no one to save them— to the LORD, but He did not answer. |
Proverbs 1:28 Summary
Proverbs 1:28 is a warning that if we consistently reject God's wisdom and counsel, there will come a time when we cry out to Him, but He will not answer. This doesn't mean God is being cruel, but rather that He allows us to experience the consequences of our choices, as seen in (Deuteronomy 28:15). To avoid this, we must seek God's wisdom and knowledge, and be obedient to His commands, as the Bible teaches in (Psalm 119:10). By fearing the Lord and seeking His counsel, we can avoid the judgment described in Proverbs 1:28 and instead experience His love and mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when it says 'they will call on me, but I will not answer' in Proverbs 1:28?
This verse means that those who have rejected God's wisdom and counsel will eventually reach a point of desperation and cry out to Him, but He will not respond because they have consistently ignored His voice, as seen in Proverbs 1:24-25 where He says 'I called, but you refused'.
Is God being cruel or heartless in Proverbs 1:28 by not answering those who call on Him?
No, God is not being cruel, but rather, He is allowing the consequences of sin to unfold, as warned in Deuteronomy 28:15 and other passages, where disobedience leads to separation from God's blessing and protection.
How can we avoid being in the situation described in Proverbs 1:28 where God does not answer our cries for help?
To avoid this, we must heed the counsel of Proverbs 1:7 and fear the Lord, seeking wisdom and knowledge from Him, and being obedient to His commands, as seen in Psalm 119:10 where the psalmist says 'I seek you with all my heart'.
Does Proverbs 1:28 mean that it's impossible for someone to repent and turn to God after a life of rejecting Him?
No, while Proverbs 1:28 does describe a severe judgment, the Bible also teaches that God is always ready to receive the repentant sinner, as seen in Luke 15:11-32, the parable of the prodigal son, where the father welcomes back his wayward child with open arms.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be ignoring God's voice in my life, and how can I be more attentive to His counsel?
- How does the warning in Proverbs 1:28 motivate me to seek God's wisdom and knowledge in my daily decisions?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a fear of the Lord, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:7, in my thoughts, words, and actions?
- How can I balance the message of Proverbs 1:28 with the truth that God is a loving and merciful God, as seen in passages like Psalm 103:8-14?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 1:28
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer,.... As he called them, and they refused to answer to his call, Proverbs 1:24; so it was just in him to return no answer to them, when they called
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 1:28
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer - (Job 27:9.) God saith, it is true,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 1:28
Early; or, in the morning, as the word properly signifies, and is here rendered by others, as soon as their calamity comes; or rather, with great diligence and fervency, as this phrase commonly signifies. They shall not find me, because they do not seek me by choice and with sincerity, but only by constraint, and that they may be freed from their miseries.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 1:28
Proverbs 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:Ver. 28. Then shall they call, &c.] This was Saul’ s misery; - The Philistines are upon me, and God will not answer me. This was Moab’ s curse. This was the case of David’ s enemies. A doleful case it is surely, when a man shall lose his prayers, and shall not be a button the better for all his pretended prayers and devotions. "He that turneth away his ear from hearing of the law, even his prayer shall be abominable." If God answer him at all, it is according to the idols of his heart, with bitter answers, as in Judges 10:13-14. Or if better, yet it is but as he answered the Israelites for quails, and afterwards for a king; better have been without. Deus saepe dat iratus quod negat propitius. Giftless gifts God gives sometimes. "He will consume you after that he hath done you good."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 1:28
(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).
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 1:28
28. early] Rather, earnestly, or diligently, R.V. text. The rendering early is due to the doubtful connection (see Bp Perowne on Psalms 63:1) of the Heb. word with the dawn (mane consurgent, Vulg.). Here in fact, so far from being early, it is not only late, but too late. It may of course be urged in favour of retaining the received rendering (as R.V. marg.) that the seeking is early as regards the coming of the calamity (comp. Hosea 5:15); but the other sense includes this.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 1:28
28. Shall seek me early — Rather, earnestly, urgently. The word primarily means to rise early; but as rising early was an eminent mark of earnestness and diligence in the pursuit of an object, so the
Sermons on Proverbs 1:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Amos) Raising Up the Ruins by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the judgment of God is inescapable. He compares God to a boss of a demolition squad or a commander of an invading army, showing that Go |
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God's Call by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of teaching the truth of God's call to those who do not know the Lord. He acknowledges that this teaching is often not believ |
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When God Speaks Discerning His Voice by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical need to discern God's voice amidst the chaos of competing influences in our lives. He illustrates this through the biblical accounts of Abraha |
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When God Speaks Discerning the Voice of God - Genesis 20 22 by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of discerning the voice of God amidst the noise of life, urging believers to cultivate a spiritual appetite through obedience to God's Word. |
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John 7:30-36. Christ Speaks of Going Where His Enemies Could Not Come. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the discourse of Jesus in the temple, warning his enemies that a time will come when they will seek Him but not find Him, a fate that awaits all unb |
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Hindrances to Personal and Corporate Revival by Ralph Sutera | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the shortcomings of the preaching and music during a crusade. He acknowledges that both the content and delivery were below par. However, des |
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The Genuine Baptism of Fire by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of offering ourselves completely to God, drawing parallels between the burnt offering in Leviticus and the surrender of our lives to God as se |