Cause and Effect in Proverbs
“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.”
One of the key principles of biblical wisdom is the principle of cause and effect. Fools and the simple who choose to disobey God bring destruction on themselves. Listening to and heeding God’s wisdom brings life and security.
Verse 31 says they will “eat the fruit of their own way.” This agricultural analogy is common throughout the Bible. Cause and effect is also compared to sowing and reaping: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7; see also Proverbs 22:8).
For more about cause and effect, see our articles “Free Will” and “Why Does God Allow Suffering?”
