On the Identity of Wisdom and Religion
T. Gisborne, M. A. Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; yes, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Let us survey,, one by one, the characteristic marks of wisdom; and examine whether they are not, singly and collectively, exemplified in the conduct of the man who fixes his heart upon God through Jesus Christ. I. WISDOM SELECTS SUCH OBJECTS OF PURSUIT AS SHE DISCERNS A SATISFACTORY PROSPECT OF ATTAINING. II. WISDOM SETS ITS AFFECTIONS UPON THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE IN THEIR OWN NATURE THE MOST EXCELLENT. III. WISDOM CHOOSES FOR ITS PORTION THOSE ACQUISITIONS WHICH, IN THE POSSESSION, ARE ACCOMPANIED WITH THE HIGHEST DELIGHT. How, then, stands the case with respect to religion? 1. Consider the point first with regard to present satisfaction. 2. With respect to the life to come, comparison cannot be mentioned. Whether the blessedness of heaven or the pains of hell be preferable; whether it be wisdom to choose the future rewards of religion, or the future punishments of guilt; these are questions which require not an answer. IV. WISDOM OCCUPIES ITSELF IN THE PURSUIT OF EFFICIENT REMEDIES FOR EVILS ACTUAL OR PROBABLE. Is this position descriptive of religion? Evils are temporal, or spiritual. Compare as to evils of each class the advantages of the righteous and of the unrighteous. V. WISDOM FIXES HER ATTENTION ON THOSE DESIRABLE OBJECTS WHICH, OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES BEING EQUAL, ARE THE MOST DURABLE. Is this characteristic of wisdom to be found in religion? How long do the pleasures of sin continue? Suppose that the wicked man grasps his good things, be they what they may, until death. The righteous man, travelling by his side, enjoys his delights unto the same period. So far as to duration, the servant of God is not under any disadvantage. But from the instant of death how stands the comparison? That instant which for ever extinguishes the pleasures of the wicked, sees the happiness of the righteous only in its commencement. (T. Gisborne, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. WEB: Give me understanding, and I will keep your law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.