Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Proverbs 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. It is an infallible mark of true wisdom, to profit by instruction. I. TAKE A MORE ACCURATE VIEW OF THE WISE MAN; AND INQUIRE WHO IT IS THAT MAY BE TAKEN FOR SUCH. 1. He who proposes to himself some end in what he does, and pursues that end in a rational and dexterous manner. 2. A truly wise man is the same as a good man. 3. He who to his resolution to make the attainment of moral goodness the great object of his existence adds a fixed and unalterable determination to pursue this according to Divine direction. II. INSTRUCTION MAY BE GIVEN EVEN TO THE ADVANTAGE OF THE WISE. 1. No truly wise man will account it impossible to make accessions to his wisdom. 2. Every wise man, whatever be the nature of his wisdom, will wish it to be increased as much as possible. 3. Whenever instruction is given to him which is adapted to his character and circumstances he will account himself happy in having it, and will be the better for it. III. WHEN INSTRUCTION IS GIVEN TO A WISE MAN, HE WILL YET BE WISER. 1. He will endeavour to find out the motive of the person giving it. 2. He will consider the nature and tendency of the instruction or advise given. 3. He will pray that God may give him to see what is most valuable, and that He may influence his heart to profit by what is good. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. |
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