1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counselor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward. Nothing more is told us of this person than is contained in these words; but how much does even so brief a record imply! I. THE EVENTS OF HUMAN LIFE OFTEN CALL FOR THE EXERCISE OF WISDOM IN COUNSEL. It is SO in the Church, in order that provision may be made for spiritual wants, that employment may be found for spiritual gifts, that differences may be composed and strength consolidated, It is so in the world; for human society presents so many difficult problems, and folly and ignorance are so general, that only a leaven of wisdom can preserve mankind from corruption and dissolution. II. THOSE NOT PERSONALLY CONCERNED IN ANY BUSINESS ARE SOMETIMES MOST FITTED TO ADVISE, A wise man is not only wise for himself; his wisdom is intended by Providence to be placed at the service of others. And the impartiality of an onlooker often enables him to take a wider view and to form a fairer judgment than can be possible to others more interested and excited. III. THERE ARE QUALITIES WHICH ARE SPECIALLY CONTRIBUTIVE TO WISDOM. These may be enumerated - natural sagacity, prolonged experience, knowledge, impartiality of mind, sympathy with human feelings, insight into character, etc. Such gifts and acquirements make a man "a wise counsellor." IV. GOD, IN HIS PROVIDENCE, IS EVER RAISING UP SUCH COUNSELORS FOR THE SERVICE OF MANKIND. It has often been observed that, in the conduct of great movements, Providence employs men of impulse and energy, and conjoins with them in service men of deliberate, calm, sagacious judgment. And it is not only in what are called great affairs that this arrangement is observable. Wise men may be found in all conditions of life. V. THE HAPPIEST RESULTS FOLLOW THE COUNSELS OF THE WISE. They are the means of directing the young, of succouring the tempted, of guiding the affairs of state, of promoting the peace of Churches, of advancing the gospel of Christ. - T. Parallel Verses KJV: And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counseller, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward. |
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