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15. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Knowledge is gathering its rays on every side. But all that is intrinsically valuable centers in Divine knowledge. ‘All arts’ — as Bishop Hall teaches — ‘are Maids to Divinity. Therefore they both vail to her, and do her service.’† Indeed it is of the first moment that she should go before, to imbue and impregnate the mass. For while we readily admit the importance of intellectual knowledge; the grand object is the salvation of the soul. And all knowledge that is not grounded upon this primary conviction, or that does not directly or indirectly subserve this great end, is worse than valueless. It is power for evil. It is a weapon of mighty influence that will ultimately turn against the man's own self. Never let us forget that unsanctified knowledge is still what it was at the beginning, gathering death, not life, and that, if “the tree seem to be good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise” (Genesis 3:6), it is only the enticement to the unwary, flattering them that they “shall be as gods,” that, “being lifted up with pride, they may fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (Ib. verse 5. 1 Timothy 3:6.)
And yet in the sphere of Revelation the value of knowledge is estimated by its character. When it is speculative, not experimental; general, without practical influence, it is mere listening to a sound. It is not the sight, like that of the brazen serpent, that brings life from the dead, with its blessed accompaniment of transformation into the likeness of Christ. Lamentable is it to think of the mass of triflers in this heavenly knowledge; hearing without retaining; retaining without intelligence, or without personal application. So often “is the price in the hands of a fool, who hath no heart for it.” (Chapter 17:16.)
But here is the prudent. He has pondered, and formed a just estimate of the blessing. His heart has fastened upon it (Chapter 15:14), and, as the means are free and success sure,† he has gotten it. As the proof of his possession, he seeks for more. For who that has a treasure will be satisfied with his store; content with a lesser measure, while a larger is within his reach? His ear is now wakened to seek the ministry of the word, and the conversation of experienced Christians. (Chapter 1:5; 9:9.) Every avenue of instruction is diligently improved.
A word to the young — Think how much important knowledge is to be gotten. Be up early in its pursuit. Let it have your most, your first, your best, time. Begin before your minds are corrupted with false principles; before you have learned too much that must be unlearned as disciples of Christ. Enquire what is the tone of your prayers? Is it the concentration of the soul, filled with one desire, and carrying it, where it will be accepted and satisfied? The only saving knowledge cometh down from heaven, and is fetched thence upon our knees. What — again — is the pulse of your exertions? Does it shew the heart to be delighted in the object? Or is it only a start for a moment, and then a sinking back to the slumber of the sluggard? Knowledge from heaven leads thitherward. Clearer knowledge sweeps away many clouds. A better sight of your work will make it more easy. With a more intelligent knowledge of the road, you will walk more pleasantly. You will not only guide yourselves, but be “able to admonish one another.” (Romans 15:14.) “Grow in knowledge.” (2 Peter 3:18.) Follow your convictions. Let nothing divert you. In particular — be considerate and prudent in your application of knowledge. Remember its valuable use to regulate the judgment. “Walk wisely” before God “in a perfect way.” (Psalm 101:2.) Let “your love abound more and more in knowledge, and in all judgment.” (Philippians 1:9) Hasten onwards then. Happiness and usefulness, light and glory, are before you; and while sitting at your Master's feet, at every step you will enter more fully into the spirit of the confession of Ignatius — ‘I am now beginning to be a disciple.’†
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