p. 59 | WISDOM by Rufus Baker

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 22, 1862

WISDOM.

By Rufus Baker

THE wise man tells us that wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding. Prov. iv, 7. It is not my design in treating on this important subject, to dwell upon what is called worldly wisdom; for that is said to be foolishness with God. 1 Cor. iii, 19.

But as there is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord, Prov. xxi, 30, I shall speak only of that wisdom which is from above, that is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits. James iii, 17. This is what we all need. May God help us to seek for it as for hidden treasures; for it is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it. Prov. viii, 11. See also chap. iii, 18, 14.

Job's testimony corroborates the above. By reading chap. xxviii, 12-20, it will be seen that a value is placed upon wisdom far superior to gold. Silver, or even the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire, or the topaz of Ethiopia, shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold. In short, it cannot be equalled with all the precious metals of earth. For no man knoweth the price thereof, neither is it found in the land of the living. Verse 13.

Dear reader, do you wish to possess yourself of this precious treasure? You can have it by complying with the conditions. You have not to do, as many have done who have labored hard to gain an earthly possession, and have in the end been doomed to disappointment. You have not to go to the golden regions of California in search of the precious metal, as some have done, and have finally had to return penniless.

There is nothing so uncertain about this treasure of which we are speaking. The apostle James tells us that if any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering, &c. James i, 5, 6. Here we see the necessity of firm reliance on the promises of God.

Do you wish for an example of this kind? You are referred to the case of Solomon, when, in the providence of God, he was called to reign king over Israel. We find that he loved the Lord and walked in the statutes of David his father, and that the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Ask what I shall give thee. He feeling his incompetency, as he was but a child, asked of the Lord an understanding heart, that he might judge so great a people, and discern between good and bad. God approbated his choice, and granted him his request, and said, Lo I have given thee a wise and understanding heart, so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 1 Kings iii, 12.

Although this was spoken to Solomon in a dream, yet it was nevertheless true; for he afterward realized its fulfillment, as we read, And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. 1 Kings v, 12. What did God promise him? He promised more wisdom than any that had arisen before, or should arise after him. This same Solomon has told us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, Prov. ix, 10, and again he tells us what the fear of the Lord is. He says it is to hate evil, pride, and arrogance, Prov. viii, 13; and also, The fear of the Lord is strong confidence. Id. xiv, 26. It is a fountain of life. Verse 27. And the fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom. Chap. xv, 33.

Job adds his testimony, and says, And unto man he said, Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding. Job xxviii, 28.

Having found the starting point, we will now examine the subject still further, and see if we cannot fully comprehend the means by which this boon can be realized. David said, That thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers; for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients; because I keep thy precepts. Ps. cxix, 98-100.

From this testimony we learn that David assigned the reason of his wisdom to the fact that he kept God's commandments, precepts, and statutes. Furthermore he says, Through thy precepts I get understanding, &c. Verse 104. Therefore we learn that the channel through which this blessing may be obtained, is obedience to the claims of God's law. Jesus has also said, If any man will do his [the Father's] will, he shall know of the doctrine. John vii, 17.

The question is frequently asked by those who are skeptical in regard to the Bible, why it is, if the Scriptures are the revealed will of God, that they are not written in such a style that all can comprehend them. The reason is obvious. God will never force any to believe; for this would not be in harmony with the free agency of man. All those who have been disposed to cavil, and were unwilling to ask the guidance of the Holy Spirit, have ever been left in darkness. God designs his truth for his honest children. This may be shown from the fact that when the disciples came to Christ and asked him the reason he spoke to the multitude in parables, he answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Matt. xiii, 11.

This language corresponds with that of the angel to the prophet Daniel. In speaking of the time of the end, he said, Many shall be purified, made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. Dan. xii, 10.

Paul likewise says, But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost, in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2. Cor. iv, 3, 4.

Those who reject the invitations of the gospel, and refuse to submit to the claims of God's law, will be left without excuse. His word is explicit on the subject. He has made ample provision for all to come that will, and partake of the waters of life freely. Are any ignorant? There is a remedy provided. David tells us that the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Ps. xix, 7; and also that a good understanding have all they that do his commandments. Ps. cxi, 10.

Permit me to say in conclusion, dear reader, that we are on probation's ground. The light of God's truth is now shining. The third angel is yet raising his warning voice to the inhabitants of earth; and those who will heed his warning and be wise, will finally shine as the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever. RUFUS BAKER.