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I. SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE DESCRIBED. It is "the fear of the Lord" and the "knowledge of God." Godliness has to do with both the intellect and the heart. It is knowledge and fear. In true spiritual excellence there is a blending of reverent love and theologic light — such a blending that both become one; the love is light and the light is love. This is not the means to heaven, it is heaven — in all times, circumstances, and worlds

II. SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE ATTAINED.

1. By the reception of Divine truth. The receptive faculty must be employed.

2. By the retention of Divine truth. What we receive from the Divine mind we must hold fast.

3. By the search after Divine truth. The ear must be turned away from the sounds of earthly pleasure, the din of worldliness, and the voices of human speculation, and must listen attentively to communications from the spiritual and eternal.

4. The search must be earnest and persevering. By so much as spiritual excellence is more valuable than all worldly treasures should be our ardent, unwearied diligence in quest of it.

(D. Thomas, D.D.)

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KJV: My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

WEB: My son, if you will receive my words, and store up my commandments within you;