Imparting Wisdom

23 FEBRUARY

My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. 

Psalm 49:3

 

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Proverbs 8:1-12

The prophet rightly applies commendatory terms to the doctrine which he is about to communicate. He does this by speaking as one who would apply his own mind to instruction rather than to only assume the office of exhortation. He puts himself forward as a humble scholar, who, in acting the part of teacher, also has a concern for his own improvement.

All ministers of God should have a similar spirit, disposing them to regard God as their own teacher as well as of the common people. They must first embrace that divine word which they then preach to others.

The psalmist had another goal in mind. He prefers to give deference and weight to the doctrine he teaches by announcing that he has no intention to offer fancies of his own but to advance only what he has learned in the school of God. This is the true method of instruction to be followed in the church.

The man who holds the office of teacher must apply himself to receiving truth before attempting to communicate it. In this manner he becomes the means of conveying to the hands of others what God has committed to His own. Wisdom is not the growth of human genius. It must be sought from above. It is impossible for anyone to speak with the propriety and knowledge necessary for the edification of the church who has not, in the first place, been taught at the feet of the Lord..

John Calvin

FOR MEDITATION: It is easy for us to think we are capable of dispensing wisdom and understanding, but we cannot do so without first receiving it from God Himself. Let us remember that we have nothing to give that we have not first received - and that we are to use what we have received for the edification of all around us.

365 Days With Calvin 

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke