|
Needing Wisdom?
|
`Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;
for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.'
(Proverbs 3:13-18) |
`There is nothing
more calculated to energize the mind and strengthen the intellect
than the study of the word of God. No other book is so potent to
elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad,
ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's word were studied as it
should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of
character, and a stability of purpose that are rarely seen in these
times. The search for truth will reward the seeker at every turn,
and each discovery will open up richer fields for his investigation.
`Men are changed in
accordance with what they contemplate. If commonplace thoughts and
affairs take up the attention, the man will be commonplace. If he is
too negligent to obtain anything but a superficial understanding of
truth, he will not receive the rich blessings that God would be
pleased to bestow upon him. It is a law of the mind that it will
narrow or expand to the dimensions of the things with which it
becomes familiar. The mental powers will surely become contracted
and will lose their ability to grasp the deep meanings of the word
of God unless they are put vigorously and persistently to the task
of searching for truth. The mind will enlarge if it is employed in
tracing out the relation of the subjects of the Bible to one
another, comparing scripture with scripture, and spiritual things
with spiritual. The richest treasures of thought are waiting for the
diligent student.' (CT460)
`Let the student take
the Bible as his guide and stand firm for principle, and he may
aspire to any height of attainment. All the philosophies of human
nature have led to confusion and shame when God has not been
recognized as all in all. But the precious faith inspired of God
imparts strength and nobility of character. As His goodness, His
mercy, and His love are dwelt upon, clearer and still clearer will
be the perception of truth; higher, holier, the desire for purity of
heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure
atmosphere of holy thought is transformed by intercourse with God
through the study of His word. Truth is so large, so far-reaching,
so deep, so broad, that self is lost sight of. The heart is softened
and subdued into humility, kindness, and love.
`From the study of
the word of life, students may come forth with minds expanded,
elevated, ennobled. If they are, like Daniel, hearers and doers of
the word of God, they may advance as he did in all branches of
learning. Being pure-minded, they will become strong-minded. Every
intellectual faculty will be quickened. They may so educate and
discipline themselves that all within the sphere of their influence
shall see what man can be, and what he can do, when connected with
the God of wisdom and power.
`In the light that
shines from the throne, mysteries will disappear, and the soul will
be filled with astonishment at the simplicity of the things that
were never before comprehended.’ (MH465-466)
`The knowledge of God
is not gained without mental effort and prayer for wisdom. Many are
convinced that the precious treasures of the kingdom of God and of
Christ are contained in the word. They know also that no earthly
treasure is gained without painstaking effort. Why should they
expect to understand the meaning of the Scriptures without diligent
study?
`The word of God is
light and truth - a lamp to the feet and a light to the path. It is
able to guide every step of the way to the city of God. For this
reason, Satan has made desperate efforts to obscure the light, that
men may not find and keep the path cast up for the ransomed of the
Lord to walk in.
`As the miner digs
for the golden treasure in the earth, so earnestly, persistently,
must we seek for the treasure of God's word. In daily study the
verse-by-verse method is often most helpful. Let the student take
one verse and concentrate his mind on ascertaining the thought that
God has put into that verse for him, and then dwell upon the thought
until it becomes his own. One passage thus studied until its
significance becomes clear is of more value than the perusal of many
chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive
instruction gained.’ (CT461)
____________________
In the light of the
above we urge the reader to consider the simple, practical study
method outlined in the feature - Food For
Life.
Should
you are struggling to make an important decision and you are in need
of guidance, then we refer you to the feature - Undecided?
|
