Essex Remembrancer Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding. Wealth, power, ease, pleasure, intellectual greatness are thought by different persons to be the principal thing. God says, "Wisdom is the principal thing." I. IN WHAT DOES TRUE RELIGION CONSIST? It embraces three things — regeneration, justification, and sanctification; and secures a fourth — glorification. Regeneration is a change of heart; justification a change of state; sanctification a change of character; glorification is the union and consummation of all other changes. II. WHY IS TRUE RELIGION THE PRINCIPAL THING? 1. Because it more exalts our nature and character than anything else can possibly do. 2. It puts man in possession of more solid and lasting enjoyment than anything else possibly can. 3. It provides for the whole scope of man's being, for soul and body, for time and eternity, for earth and heaven. III. THE APPLICATIONS OF THE SUBJECT. Get true religion — by forsaking everything previously sought as the principal thing; by repenting of the past, by coming to Christ in faith and prayer, by seeking the aid of the Holy Spirit; by imbuing the mind with gospel truths, submitting to its doctrines and precepts, and conforming the character to all its requirements. How great the happiness of those who have true religion! (Essex Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.WEB: Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding. |
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