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Where Wisdom Begins, January 2
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge
of the holy is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
.
There is a wide difference between what God has given men capacity
to become, and the degree of excellence to which they actually attain
The Word of God presents the most potent means of education, as well
as the most valuable source of knowledge, within the reach of man. The
understanding adapts itself to the dimensions of the subjects with which
it is required to deal. If occupied with trivial, commonplace matters only,
never summoned to earnest effort to comprehend great and eternal truths,
it becomes dwarfed and enfeebled. Hence the value of the Scriptures, as a
means of intellectual culture.... They lead directly to the contemplation of
the most exalted, the most ennobling, and the most stupendous truths that
are presented to the mind of man. They direct our thoughts to the infinite
Author of all things. We see revealed the character of the Eternal, and
listen to His voice as He communes with patriarchs and prophets. We see
explained the mysteries of His providence, the great problems which have
engaged the attention of every thoughtful mind, but which, without the
aid of revelation, human intellect seeks in vain to solve. They open to our
understanding a simple yet sublime system of theology, presenting truths
which a child may grasp, but which are yet so far reaching as to baffle the
powers of the strongest mind.
The more closely God’s Word is searched, and the better understood,
the more vividly will the student realize that there is, beyond, infinite
wisdom, knowledge, and power....
If the youth will but learn of the heavenly Teacher, as did Daniel, they
will know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.... Those
who consecrate themselves to God, and who have the protection of His
grace and the quickening influence of His Spirit, will manifest keener
intellectual power than the mere worldling. They will be able to reach the
highest, noblest exercise of every faculty
[9]
4
The Review and Herald, September 25, 1883
.
5
Ibid
.
5