Observe the man of natural understanding. Every apprehension quickens the thirst to seek knowledge. He is ready to learn from any quarter, even from a child. He is all eye, all ear, all heart, for his object. Much more will spiritual understanding stimulate the desire. (Chapter 1:5; 9:9.) Repress the appetite to be “wise above what is written.” But make vigorous effort to be wise to the full extent of the Revelation. David, with his high attainments, was ever crying for Divine Teaching.† His wise son sought knowledge upon his knees,† and not less in the diligent habit of application.† The Queen of Sheba, “coming from the utmost parts of the earth;”† Nicodemus and Mary, “sitting at the feet of Jesus;”† the Eunuch, journeying to Jerusalem;† Cornelius and his company, drinking in the precious message of salvation;† the Bereans, carefully “searching the Scriptures”†  — all these shew the understanding heart, seeking a larger interest in the blessing.

Invaluable, indeed, is the gift. Warm affections need the discipline of knowledge to form Christian consistency and completeness (Philippians 1:9. Psalm 119:66): seeking for wholesome food, not intoxicating draughts; not deeming novelty the most desirable thing; but rather, with the wise Sir M. Hale, desiring ‘to be impressed and affected, and to have old and known truths reduced to experience and practice.’

But while the man of understanding is never satisfied with knowledge, the fool is fully satisfied with folly. His brutish taste feeds upon foolishness, as his meat and his drink. His spirit “is of the earth, earthy.” Young people! guard against this folly at every turn. Avoid trifling amusements, frivolous reading, profane merriment. In religion, beware of preferring empty speculations and disputings on matters indifferent, to the rich pasture of the children of God. (Verse 21; Acts 17:21.) Let us all ponder the responsibility of “going on to perfection; that, being of full age, we may have our senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 6:1; 5:14.)