Prov. iii. 21 — 24. My so?i, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound tvisdom and discretion: so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy tvay safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest doivn, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie doivn, and thy sleep shall be siveet.
IN the book of Proverbs, "wisdom" is generally put for religion : in some places, perhaps, it may be interpreted as representing Christ himself, who is " the wisdom of God and the power of God :" but in our text there can be no doubt of its importing piety, or the influence of true religion in the soul. And though in the Book of Proverbs the doctrines of religion are not very distinctly specified, the general character of it is developed with peculiar richness and beauty : and this gives to the Proverbs of Solomon an importance far beyond what would belong to a mere collection of moral lessons. We have, in the passage before us, what I might almost call a full- length picture of religion, both in its character and effects : and in these two points of view, we shall, in conformity with our text, proceed to consider it,
I. In its true and proper character —
Doubtless religion admits of an infinite diversity of description. But in no place can we find a juster representation of it than in that before us. It is,
1. " Wisdom" in the heart —
[Were we to define "wisdom," we should say, It is the seeking of the best ends by the fittest means. And were we to declare what true religion is, we should say, It is the seek- ing of the salvation of the soul through the mediation and intercession of Jesus Christ.
Now, then, I would ask. What end is there for us to propose to ourselves, that can be compared with the everlasting salva- tion of our souls ? The pursuit of crowns and kingdoms would
be unworthy of an effort in comparison of this Truly
it is " the one thing needful."
Again I would ask, What means are there fitted for the attainment of this end in comparison of those which are pro- posed to us in the gospel of Christ ? There we find a Saviour precisely suited to our necessities ; One who has made an atonement for all our sins ; One who " ever liveth to make intercession for us " in heaven ; and One who, as the Head of all vital influence, is " able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him." By the simple exercise of fliitli in him, we become partakers of all his blessings : and, therefore, it is our one aim from day to day to " live by faith upon him," and to " receive out of his fulness " all the blessings which we stand in need of.