Whether God requires us to become fools in our own estimation, in order that we may be wise in his ? And if he do require it, then shall men become wise in his way, or not at all.
But there is another view in which the importance of this precept will appear, namely, that if zve obey it not, our reason, instead of guiding us aright, will only mislead us more and more, and render us more obstinate in our error.
The more confident we are respecting the truth of our present views, the more shall we regulate our conduct according to them : and consequently, if they are wrong, we shall wander further and further from the right way, and yet conceit ourselves to be in the path of duty. Moreover, God himself will give such persons up to their own delusions, as a just punish- ment for the pride of their hearts. The very words following the text are full to this point ; '' He knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain :" and again, " He taketh the wise in their own craftiness^." Let us hear our Lord himself speaking to the Phari- sees, who disdained to be taught by him : *' For judgment I am come into this world ; that they who see not, might see ; and that they who see, might be made blind." And when they answered with indig- nation, ** What, are we the blind persons you are speaking of?" he answered, " If ye were blind, ye should have no sin ; but now ye say. We see ; there- fore your sin remaineth''."
The language of the Apostle in the first chapter of this epistle, is peculiarly strong and animated ; " It is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the pru- dent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe ? where is the disputer of this world ? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world' ?" Thus we may ask in reference to all who will not learn in God's appointed way. What does their wisdom do for them? Does it bring them to God ? Does it enable them to
s ver. 19, 20. ^ John ix. 39—41. ' 1 Cor. i. 19, 20.