hrist, as Wisdom, calls to the sons of men. (1-11) The nature
and riches of Wisdom. (12-21) Christ one with the Father, in the
creation of the world, and rejoicing in his work for the
salvation of man. (22-31) Exhortations to hear Christ's word.
(32-36)
Verses 1-11: The will of God is made known by the works of creation,
and by the consciences of men, but more clearly by Moses and the
prophets. The chief difficulty is to get men to attend to
instruction. Yet attention to the words of Christ, will guide
the most ignorant into saving knowledge of the truth. Where
there is an understanding heart, and willingness to receive the
truth in love, wisdom is valued above silver and gold.
Verses 12-21: Wisdom, here is Christ, in whom are all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge; it is Christ in the word, and Christ in
the heart; not only Christ revealed to us, but Christ revealed
in us. All prudence and skill are from the Lord. Through the
redemption of Christ's precious blood, the riches of his grace
abound in all wisdom and prudence. Man found out many inventions
for ruin; God found one for our recovery. He hates pride and
arrogance, evil ways and froward conversation; these render men
unwilling to hear his humbling, awakening, holy instructions.
True religion gives men the best counsel in all difficult cases,
and helps to make their way plain. His wisdom makes all truly
happy who receive it in the love of Christ Jesus. Seek him
early, seek him earnestly, seek him before any thing else.
Christ never said, Seek in vain. Those who love Christ, are such
as have seen his loveliness, and have had his love shed abroad
in their hearts; therefore they are happy. They shall be happy
in this world, or in that which is beyond compare better. Wealth
gotten by vanity will soon be diminished, but that which is well
got, will wear well; and that which is well spent upon works of
piety and charity, will be lasting. If they have not riches and
honour in this world, they shall have that which is infinitely
better. They shall be happy in the grace of God. Christ, by his
Spirit, guides believers into all truth, and so leads them in
the way of righteousness; and they walk after the Spirit. Also,
they shall be happy in the glory of God hereafter. In Wisdom's
promises, believers have goods laid up, not for days and years,
but for eternity; her fruit therefore is better than gold.
Verses 22-31: The Son of God declares himself to have been engaged in
the creation of the world. How able, how fit is the Son of God
to be the Saviour of the world, who was the Creator of it! The
Son of God was ordained, before the world, to that great work.
Does he delight in saving wretched sinners, and shall not we
delight in his salvation?
Verses 32-36: Surely we should hearken to Christ's voice with the
readiness of children. Let us all be wise, and not refuse such
mercy. Blessed are those who hear the Saviour's voice, and wait
on him with daily reading, meditation, and prayer. The children
of the world find time for vain amusements, without neglecting
what they deem the one thing needful. Does it not show contempt
of Wisdom's instructions, when people professing godliness, seek
excuses for neglecting the means of grace? Christ is Wisdom, and
he is Life to all believers; nor can we obtain God's favour,
unless we find Christ, and are found in him. Those who offend
Christ deceive themselves; sin is a wrong to the soul. Sinners
die because they will die, which justifies God when he judges.
hrist, as Wisdom, calls to the sons of men. (1-11) The nature
and riches of Wisdom. (12-21) Christ one with the Father, in the
creation of the world, and rejoicing in his work for the
salvation of man. (22-31) Exhortations to hear Christ's word.
(32-36)