1 Kings 10:8

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE WISE

‘Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.’

1 Kings 10:8

The Queen of Sheba was more than an admirer of wisdom, she was wise herself. It was to her credit that she was induced by the report of Solomon’s magnificence and wisdom to repair to his court, behold his glory, and listen to his discourse. And in this judgement which she passed upon Solomon’s court, there is contained a lesson of the profoundest wisdom.

I. It is a general law of human nature that men are influenced by their constant associations.—Scripture abounds with statements of this principle:—‘He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but the companion of fools shall be destroyed.’ Hence the importance especially in youth of forming companionships and associations of a profitable and elevating nature.

II. Hence the privilege of habitual fellowship with the wise and good.—This indeed follows from the general law. They who listened to Solomon’s sagacious maxims, prudent counsels, and judicial utterances, could not fail to be impressed by what they heard, and, if they were disposed to profit, could not fail to reap some rich advantage.

III. The principle is one which is practically applicable to the religious life.—The existence and influence of the Church of Christ are accounted for by this Divine law of human society. But we may go deeper even than this. Where Christ is known it may be said, a greater than Solomon is here! To listen to Christ’s words, to meditate upon Christ’s deeds and sufferings, to be continually in His spiritual society—this is to be in the way for securing wisdom, happiness, and life.

Illustration

‘It is a privilege to be among the friends of any good and wise man. There are people whose close companions we may almost justly envy. They live near to the good, the great, the wise. They hear their words, they see their life, they have their friendship. We may think of the disciples of Jesus who had the privilege of being with Him continually, hearing the wonderful words which fell from His lips, seeing the sweetness, gentleness, purity, and holiness of His life and witnessing the wonderful works which He did. What a privilege was St. John’s—leaning on Jesus’ bosom, and Mary’s—sitting on a low stool at His feet, listening to His teachings! It is a privilege to be a member of a good man’s family, living in the midst of refinement and culture. It is a far greater privilege to be a Christian, a member of the heavenly Father’s family. “A greater than Solomon is here.” ’