825. PRO 23:15. RELIGION, TRUE WISDOM. (A SERMON TO THE YOUNG.)

Pro_23:15. Religion, True Wisdom. (A Sermon to the Young.)

"My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine."’97Pro_23:15.

The entire of religion is often in Scripture represented under one or two of its more prominent attributes. It is described as the fear of God’97as the knowledge of God’97as the love of God’97as obedience to God. So both in the Old and New Testament scriptures, it is frequently described as wisdom. It is so in Job_28:12 : and this idea runs entirely through the book of Proverbs. So Christ, in reference to the virgins who were ready for the bridegroom. So the apostle James describes religion, as wisdom from above. Jam_3:17.

Now the idea of the text is, the extreme desirableness of the young being wise, that is’97really religious. To be wise, is more than being learned or intellectual. It may be defined as the practical application of the knowledge we have of God and his will.

Let us then ascertain,

I. Why religion may be described as wisdom.

II. The importance of this to young people.

And,

III. The certain means for its attainment. I. Why may religion be described as wisdom?

Now it may be so,

1. As it involves the possession and right application of knowledge.

There can be no religion without knowledge. A knowledge of God as revealed in his blessed word’97as exhibited in Christ, his beloved Son. A spiritual apprehension of the way of salvation, as published in the gospel. We must know God, before we can return to him, and be saved by his grace. But we may know theoretically his will, and refuse, or neglect to do it. So to be wise, is earnestly to follow the light wo have, to apply the knowledge we possess in this way we obtain, and exhibit, heart wisdom; without which, head knowledge cannot benefit, but will rather add to our condemnation.

Religion may be described as wisdom,

2. As it gives the first attention to the most momentous concerns.

This is a primary sign of true wisdom. Now, is not the soul the most precious’97the most exalted of the divine-made creatures? Formed to resemble, to serve, and enjoy God. Made for the reflection of the divine perfections and glory. Can the man be wise who undervalues and neglects his most precious soul? Then this soul is enveloped in depravity and pollution. It is ignorant, defiled, guilty; and as such, is in a perishing state. A right and wise appreciation of the soul, will lead to the employment of means for securing its pardon’97its regeneration’97and its restoration to the divine favor and family. It is of the utmost moment for the soul to be at peace with God’97to enjoy his favor’97and thus a good hope of eternal life.

Hence, then, religion appears to be the wisest of all pursuits. All else, with this neglected, is complete folly. Religion may be described as wisdom,

3. As it adopts the most likely means for securing these great ends.

It first of all is wise to pursue the most important ends. But inseparably connected with this is, the way and means we labor to secure them. Now, the way to render certain the soul’s salvation, is revealed in the divine word; therefore it must be sought for there. God’s word only makes wise the simple. God’s word gives light to the understanding, and truth to the judgment; and leads the whole moral nature into an element of safety and blessedness. With this complete, yet portable, volume of mercy within our reach, it would be folly of the most melancholy kind, to seek for the way of life elsewhere.

And then, wisdom as to the time of doing this, declares it should be first. First in life’97first in preference’97first in earnestness Wisdom will ever put things in their due and fitting place. The body will have its right amount of attention. Secular things will be placed where they will receive due attention. Mental pursuits will have an exalted position; but religion will be preeminent, and hold the highest rank both in our affections and desires. It will ever be chief. At all times and in all places, be in the ascendant.

Religion is wisdom,

4. As it secures the greatest amount of good both for the present and the future.

Now, we may meet the rejector of this proposition, thus:’97Man has a soul, immortal’97to prepare for death and eternity; and to give attention to this, is the course wisdom would suggest. But if this be denied, well, we say, is it not wise to adopt the best means, at any rate, to attain the highest ends!’97Eternal blessedness is the highest end man can aim at. But we add, irrespective of the future’97Religion is best for the body and this life. It favors the carrying out the great conditions of health. It promotes industry, honesty, and providence. Hence the two declarations’97"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."’97Mat_6:33. "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."’971Ti_4:8. Is not religion, then, the highest wisdom?

Then consider,

II. The importance of this to young people.

It is so to all, but especially to the young.

1. Because of their necessary inexperience.

From their youthful condition, they must be inexperienced. If so, how much they stand in need of this wisdom! If inexperienced, and foolish, or reckless, the result must be disastrous. Apply it to the case of a traveller, who is journeying through unknown regions. Or, to a mariner who is traversing strange seas. How great the peril in both cases! And the ways of life,’97the strange and unknown by-ways and intricate scenes, often surrounded by the most deadly perils, to the young, renders this wisdom absolutely essential to perfect security. The young, too, are generally confident, and unsuspicious. All that glitters, they are ready to presume, is fine gold. They have not encountered the disappointments of older persons. Nor have they been betrayed and deceived by the wiles and deceits of the vicious; and, therefore, they are in constant danger from their inexperience, as to these matters. How all-important to their security is the guidance of God, and the possession of heavenly wisdom.

2. Because of the countless perils which surround them.

In addition to the dangers which surround all men, there are the peculiar perils of the young. There have been perils to the young in all ages. Hence the numerous admonitions of the word of God. But never were perils more numerous than now; especially in the large cities and towns of our land. Look at the multifarious baits and snares of dissipation and pleasure, which everywhere abound! Look at the fascinating evil books, which teem from the press! Look at the gay and frivolous classes of society, ever waiting to hail to their ranks the uninitiated youth around them!

Now, many of these evils are such, if not avoided altogether, they will destroy reputation, health, life’97and, finally, the soul itself.

3. Because the future circumstances of life depend much on the course adopted in youth.

This is so self-evident, that I need scarcely dwell on it at all. A careless youth, rarely becomes a wise and good man. A prudent, godly, early life’97on the other hand’97lays the foundation for every kind of excellence and happiness. Almost every illustrious man in the church of God has been distinguished for early piety. So that, if this foundation be early laid, the most magnificent structure may be reared upon it.

On the other hand, if youth be negligent, and given up to vicious courses, a future change of life is extremely doubtful. The days and opportunities of early life cannot be re-called,’97the tender emotions of the heart restored,’97the page of their personal history is not now fair, to write on what you please; but it is already filled with inscriptions of moral degradation and woe. And what erasures will be requisite before that page can have printed on it’97the records of wisdom and godliness. The enemy has sown evil; and that seed has not only preoccupied the ground, but has made it fertile in evil fruits,’97as briers and thorns, rejected of God; and nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned. Heb_6:8. Hence the importance of religion to young people, that the good seed of the kingdom may have the precedence; and that the result may be, a life of holy fruitfulness to the glory of Divine grace.

But notice,

III. The certain means of its attainment. Now in order to the attainment of this wisdom,

1. There must be a deep conviction of its need and value.

There can be nothing done, till this conviction is wrought in the heart,’97that you need it. Self-sufficiency is often the bane of the young and inexperienced; and this must be displaced, by distrust, and a deep personal sense of need of Divine wisdom, to insure happiness and security. And just as this impression is deep and vivid, will there be a high appreciation of the Divine aid, which the word of God reveals. Then no chart will be more welcome to the mariner, no guide more esteemed by the traveller, than will the wisdom from above be valued and sought for, that moral peril and misery may be avoided. Let the young be conscious that a higher intelligence must direct them, a superior power control them, and a more secure shield protect them from danger and ruin. And these are just what religion provides for all who seek God in early life.

2. There must be the hearty and simple application of faith, for its realization.

God desires you to be early pious. He says’97"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them."’97Ecc_12:1. He expostulates’97"Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, Be thou the guide of my youth." And he tells you to seek him; and he assures you, "That they that seek him early, shall find him."

Now, you must believe God in these his statements of love and mercy; and come to him through Christ Jesus, just as you are’97weak, ignorant, guilty; and obtain an interest in his love and mercy. Give God your heart, and devote your life to him; and rely on it, that he will in nowise cast you out. His goodness towards you in providence’97but especially his riches of mercy and grace in Christ Jesus’97present the most certain guarantee, that he will give you a hearty welcome to his loving heart, and blessed family. Then, let this resolution, and application of devout earnestness and faith,

3. Be adopted now.

The great evil, in most cases, is procrastination; and especially with the young. But there can be no good ground of hope, unless you now resolve thus to seek God. It cannot be too early. Life is uncertain, even with you. If you postpone, the feeling of indifference will grow; and the difficulty of coming to God, be increasingly greater. Besides, duty is an ever present responsibility. Safety should first of all be realized. None can be too early wise, and good, and happy. Who will presume that even youthful vigor may not be invaded by sudden, fatal affliction; or, that the early conscientious desires of the heart after God may not depart, and return no more. On no ground of reason, or propriety, can delay be vindicated. It should be now, and it may indeed be now’97or never.

Then, let me in conclusion, present the subject to your serious attention. (1.) By the evils of neglecting religion. Look at that ignorant profligate youth’97that hardened impenitent youth’97that young man wandering in a distant land’97that outcast’97that diseased, dying youth’97that criminal! And only reflect, what guilt would have been avoided, if they had early yielded their hearts to the love and service of Jesus.

(2.) Look at the opposite scene of moral loveliness and excellency. See that group of young men rising into life, how they are distinguished for dignity and usefulness. How they stand out in society, as its ornaments and pillars, and how they bid fair to attain honor and blessedness here, and glory and celestial life in the world to come. Shall not their choice be yours’97their God yours’97their portion yours? Oh, then, hearken’97ponder’97and now decide! and from this day act, as believing that wisdom is the principal thing, and that only is wisdom which leads to the service of God, and to the entire consecration of the whole man to his glory.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS