[Tliat which in one verse is called, " Wisdom," and " Understanding," in a subsequent verse is called, " The fecir of tlie J^ord," and " The knowledge of God." The wisdom which unrcgenerate men possess, resides only in the head; but that of which the text speaks is seated in the heart. The former consists merely in a knowledge of men and things, with a faculty of applying that knowledge to present circumstances : but the latter consists in a knowledge of God as reconciled to us in Christ Jesus, together with a correspondent fear and love of his name. The former enlarges the mind, and directs the conduct in things relating to time : the latter informs and re- gulates the soul in reference to eternity.]
This description is just and accurate —
[We confess that the knowledge and fear of God is not so reputed by the world : on the contrary, it is stigmatized as folly and madness. But that which arrogates to itself an ex- clusive title to the appellation of wisdom, is by no means so deserving of it as this : because, whatever excellencies it pos- sesses, its operations are weak, uncertain, transient : whereas " the wisdom that is from above" brings into subjection every rebellious passion, and progressively prepares us for the enjoy- ment of our God. It was with this wisdom that the Messiah himself was endued^ And it is of this that Solomon speaks, when he declares that nothing else is worthy the name of wisdom''.]
Respecting wisdom the text further informs us,
II. By what means it is to be attained —
The wisdom of this world may be gained by study only : but spiritual wisdom requires,
1. Sincerity —
[If a man have not a disposition to obey the word of God, he will find occasion of cavil and dispute in the plainest ex- pressions. The Pharisees of old, though conversant with the sacred writings, and instructed by our Lord himself, remained ignorant of the truth, because " they loved darkness rather than light." Thus it will be with us. However good the seed that is sown may be, it will never bring forth fruit to perfec- tion, unless it be " received into an honest and good heart." It we would be truly wise, we must imitate the docility of Cornelius*^; or, in the language of the text, we must " receive God's word, and hide his commandments with us," as an in- estimable jewel which we are soUcitous to possess and keep.]
2. Diligence —
" Isaj. xi. 2, 3. ^ Prov. ix. 10. <= Acts x. 33.