Proverbs 22:17-21

Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise.

Spiritual verities

I. The experimental knowledge of them is a transcendent blessing. They are “excellent things” in themselves--things that reveal a spiritual universe, a glorious Redeemer, and an ever-blessed God. But the verses teach that a knowledge of them is a transcendent blessing. They teach--

1. That such a knowledge affords pleasure. It is a “pleasant thing.” What said Paul? “I count all things but loss for the excellency,” etc.

2. That such a knowledge enriches speech. “They shall withal be fitted in thy lips.”

3. That such a knowledge inspires trust in God. “That thy trust may be in the Lord.”

4. That such a knowledge establishes the faith of the soul. A man to whom these spiritual verities are an experience is not like a feather tossed by every wind of doctrine, but like a tree, so rooted and grounded in faith as to stand firm amidst the fiercest hurricanes that blow. Such a man’s faith stands not in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God.

5. That such a knowledge qualifies for usefulness. “That thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee.”

II. The experimental knowledge of them is attainable. The method for attainment involves four things.

1. Communication. These spiritual verities come to the soul in the “words of the wise.” “Have not,” says the writer of these verses, “I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge?” Men do not reach this knowledge as they reach a knowledge of scientific truth--by their own researches and reasonings. It is brought to them in a communication--a communication from holy men who “spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

2. Attention. “Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise.”

3. Application: “Apply thine heart unto my knowledge.”

4. Retention. “It is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee.” (D. Thomas, D.D.)