Where Wisdom Begins

[Thompson, Darryl]

Where Wisdom Begins

     The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge
of the holy is understanding. Prov. 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. 

>From That I May Know Him - Page 8