4. With disinterestedness and simplicity — There is a carnal wisdom, which operates in a way of craft
and cunning : but this is directly opposed to " the wisdom that is from above," which consists in simplicity and godly sincerity.
It
" 1 Thess. V. 22. ' Rom. xiv. iS. '" Prov. viii. 12.
° Eccl. viii. 5. " Gal. ii. 2. ^ Mark iv. 33.
•i 1 Cor. ill. 2, ' Rom. xvi. 19.
334 PSALMS, cii. 2. [403.
''It is thisj and this alone, that proceeds from the grace of God, and under the influence of which we are to have our conversa- tion in the world ^" If there be any selfish objects proposed, any sinister motives indulged, any artifices practised by us, we are far from true wisdom : true wisdom disclaims every thing that is disingenuous. Its eye is single, its object pure, its ope- ration lucid, uniform, irreprehensible. It will bear the light : it will shine the brightest, where it is brought most to view. If it make us " wise as serpents, it will keep us harmless as doves*." Every measure of deceit must be banished ; all falsehood, either in word or deed, abhorred; and truth and ecjuity must stand con- fessed in the whole of our dealings. This is true \visdom ; and, *' whosoever walks according to this rule, peace shall be upon him, and mercy, even upon all the Israel of God"."]
We conclude with one or two directions for the attainment and increase of this wisdom :
1 . Let a conformity to its dictates be your con- stant aim —
[" The wisdom of the prudent is, to understand his way"".'* If we walk at random, and without a due consideration of our ways, we never shall attain any true wisdom. We must be aware that folly is bound up in our hearts, and that we are con- stantly liable to err. We must take our rule of action from the unerring words of truth. We must measure our sentiments and actions by that rule. We must in particular set the Lord Jesus Christ before us, and endeavour to drink into his spirit, and to walk in his steps. This must be our constant habit. Whether our actions be more or less important, thev must all be referred to this standard, and be regulated by this principle. Then we shall gradually have our minds enlightened : we shall see with increasing evidence our former deviations from the right path. We shall see, how erroneously we judged on many occasions ; and how unwisely we acted, whils«t vet we thought that we were acting right. Thus our judgment will be matured ; our con- sciences be preserved tender; and our wavs be conformed to the perfect will of God. " Who then is wise and endued with know- ledge amongst you ? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom''."]
2. Pray earnestly to God to inspire you with it —
[It is " the Lord alone that giveth wisdom"" :" and to him David directed his supplications, in the wordsof our test," O when wilt thou come unto me?" David felt his insufficiency for that great work which lay before him, and he panted after an increase of grace to fit him for it. Thus should we pant after the influ- ences
' 2 Cor. i. )2.
* Matt. X.
16.
" Gal. vi. 16,
''" Prov. xiv. 8.
* Jam. iii.
13.
"" Prov. ii. 6.