The Pulpit Commentary — Proverbs — Section 58

are satisfied with hasty impressions of the moment; but the only religious convictions worth considering are the outcome of thought and prayer. Still, it is to be observed that. this .wisdom is nQt reserved for the keen-sighted, the intellectual, the philosophical. It ,is not ability, but industry, that is required; not exceptional capacity to attain know- ledge, but diligence in pursuing it. Laborious dulness can never achieve the triumphs of, the brilliant scholar in secular studies. Industry alone will not make a senior -wrangler. But the highest knowledge, Divine knowledge, depends so much more on -moral considerations which are within the reach of all, that it can stand upon this democratic basis and offer itself to all patient inquirers. II. THE SEARCH FOR DIVINE WISDOM MUST DEGIN IN RECEPTIVE FAITH. This wisdom ia not innate; it is not attained by direct observation; it is not the result of self-suste,i.ned reasoning. It comes as revelation, in the voice of God. Thus the soul's first .dµtyis to hear. But the right attitude towards the Divine revelation is not merely a state of receptivity. It is one of faith and careful attention, receiving the words and hiding them. All through the Bible this essential distinction between heavenly truth . and philosophy, between the mere intellectual requisites of the one and the faith and obedience which lie at the root of the other, is apparent. The first steps towards receiving the wisdom of God are childlike trust and that purity and devoutness which bring the soul into communion with God. III. THE SEARCH FOR DIVINE WISDOM MUST BE MAINTAINED WITH INCREASL'IG EARNESTNESS. The verses before us describe a progressive intensity of spiritual effort- receiving, hiding the commandment, inclining the ear, applying the heart, crying after; lifting ·up .the voice, seeking, searching as for hid treasure. The truth may not be found at once. But the earnest soul will not desist at the first discouragement; if .his.heart is iJl the pursuit, he will only press on the more vigorously. It is, moreover, the.characteristic of Divine truth that a little knowledge of it kindles the thirst for deeper draughts. 'l'hus we are led on to the most energetic search. Spirituality does not discourage the eager energy with which men seek worldly gain; on the contrary, it bids us transrer this to higher pursuits, and seek wisdom as men seek for silver, and sink mines after· hidden treasures. Christ does not say, "Be anxious for nothing;" . but, "Be not anxious for the morrow "-in order that we may transfer our anxiety to . more important concerns, and" seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." , IV. THE SEARCH FOR DIVINE WISDOM WILL BE REWARDED WITH SUCCESS. Soma question this, and, after weary pursuit, abandon the quest in despair, or settle down into.indolent indifference. Perhaps they lack patience-toiling in the night and taking nothing, they cannot hold on till the dawn, when the Master will give them a rich draught; or they seek wrongly, not in spiritual faith, but in cold human reason; 01 they seek a mistaken goal-the explanation of mystery rather than practical wisdom as the guide of life. This wisdom is promised to those who truly seek, and it is attainable. Ve.r. 6.- Wisdom a gift of God. l. 'l'a-uE WISDOM ORIGINATES rn DIVINE INSPIRA- TION. Prophets and apostles-teachers of the highest truths-claim to be delivering a message from heaven. 'l'he greater the thoughts declared to us in Scripture, the more emphatic is the ascription of them to a superhuman source. Surely this very fact-this conjunction of unique value in the thoughts with the confident assertiou that they are from God-should go for in leading us to believe in the inspiration of them. But it is • also urged by the men who bring these truths to us that we can only receive them when we are inspired by the Spirit of God; and experience shows that they who have most spirituality of life are able to drink most deeply of the fountains of revelation. Further, when once we admit this much, it follows that, if wo recognize the constancy of God in· all his methods of action, it is reasonable for us to feel that all truth must depend on a Divine illumination for its manifestation, and that all wisdom must be the outcome of some degree of inspiration. Nevertheless, it ie not to be inferred that inspiration dis- penses with natural channels of knowledge; on the contrary, it opens the eyes of men, who must then use their-eyes to be seers of spiritual truth. II .. THE INSPIRATION OF WISDOM DEPENDS ON SPIRITUAL RELATIONS WITH Goo. If inspiration is the source, the questions arise-Who are privileged to drink of this foun- tain? and how do they gain access to it? Now, it is much to be assured that this is  44 TRE PROVERBS. [oa. rr. 1-22.