that " he who runs may read" and understand them. To this effect Solomon speaks in the words before us; in ehicidating which we shall inquire, I. Who are here meant by '' the wise ?"
Solomon certainly did not intend to limit his assertion to those who were possessed of literary attainments —
[Human knowledge, when sanctified by grace, is a valu- able instrument in the hands of its possessor, inasmuch as it will qualify him for discharging many duties, which, without it, he would not be able to fulfil. Moses, by being " learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians," was better fitted to stand forth as the deliverer of Israel: and Paul, notwithstanding he declined using " the words of man's wisdom," was the better furnished for his work by his learned education, and his uncom- mon proficiency in the studies of his age and nation. Never- theless it is not such learning that will form our minds to true wisdom. On the contrary, if unsanctified, it will be as inimical to religion as even the most inveterate lusts would be. The more we have of it, the more will " the things of the spirit appear foolishness unto us ;" and the greater will be our backwardness to seek that spiritual " discernment" which alone can qualify us to judge of them aright^ ; and it is on this very account that God so often pours contempt upon it and confounds it^.]
Nor was it of persons eminent for worldly prudence that Solomon spake —
[There can be no doubt but that true wisdom will make us prudent, for the voice of inspiration says, " I, Wisdom, dwell with Prudence*^." But there are many who are "pru- dent in their own sight," and in the eyes of the world, who are considered by God as altogether destitute of wisdom''. The Rich Man, who had so judiciously cultivated his grounds as to obtain large crops, and who, to preserve the produce, enlarged his storehouses, would have been accounted prudent by the world ; but God gave him most deservedly the appel- lation of a fool ; " Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be re- quired of thee^."]
The persons characterized in the text as wise, are they who are endued with heavenly wisdom —
[Some there are, whose " eyes have been enlightened" by the Spirit of God, and whose hearts are regulated by his lively oracles. They have been taught of God to know their own state, and have been formed to a disposition and temper suited
a 1 Cor. ii. 14. ^ \ Cor. i. 19, 20. <= Prov. viii. 12.
d Isai. v. 21. e Luke xii. 20.