Topical Encyclopedia
The Scriptures, as the divinely inspired Word of God, serve multiple purposes in the life of a believer. One of the profound roles of the Scriptures is to impart wisdom to those who are simple, or lacking in understanding. This concept is rooted in the belief that God's Word is a source of divine wisdom, capable of transforming the mind and heart of the reader.
Biblical FoundationThe idea that the Scriptures are designed to make wise the simple is explicitly stated in
Psalm 19:7 : "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple." This verse highlights the perfection and trustworthiness of God's law, emphasizing its ability to impart wisdom to those who approach it with humility and openness.
Nature of the SimpleIn biblical terms, the "simple" are often those who are naive or inexperienced, lacking in discernment or understanding. This is not necessarily a negative trait but rather a state of being that can be transformed through the guidance of God's Word.
Proverbs 1:4 states that the Proverbs are given "to impart prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young." Here, the Scriptures are seen as a tool for education and growth, providing the necessary wisdom to navigate life's complexities.
Transformative Power of the ScripturesThe transformative power of the Scriptures is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In
2 Timothy 3:16-17 , it is written: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage underscores the comprehensive role of Scripture in equipping believers with the wisdom needed for righteous living.
Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in making the Scriptures effective in imparting wisdom. According to
John 14:26 , Jesus promised that "the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Holy Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, helping believers to understand and apply its teachings to their lives.
Practical ApplicationThe wisdom imparted by the Scriptures is not merely theoretical but is meant to be applied in everyday life.
James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This invitation to seek divine wisdom underscores the accessibility of God's guidance through His Word.
ConclusionThe Scriptures are a divine gift, designed to make wise the simple by providing guidance, instruction, and insight. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Bible transforms the hearts and minds of believers, equipping them with the wisdom necessary to live lives that honor God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 19:7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked ... go on with them to their
designed and professed ... swine, and for our own advantage, making a cloak ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm
Regeneration.
... testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple ... as it is founded in, and is
designed to teach ... 2. The scriptures expressly teach the universal necessity of ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxvii regeneration.htm
The Ecclesiastical Writers. By "The Fathers" we Understand the ...
... The hortatory Address is designed to win over the pagans ... FROM MAN." The "opening
of the Scriptures," so as ... testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter i the ecclesiastical writers.htm
Of Predestination
... of his hands so we may, according to the Scriptures, conceive that ... end of all his
works, as it is designed in his ... to fall upon the thoughts of making such an ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xv of predestination.htm
Days of Conflict
... of ceremonies; the sacred truths it was designed to teach ... it was their office to
explain the Scriptures, and that ... Him; but He passed on, making the Scriptures ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 9 days of conflict.htm
Introduction.
... spent some hours in reading the scriptures, and have ... to deliver themselves from it,
by making these researches ... of heaven being certainly not designed for those ...
/.../introduction.htm
Extracts No. Ix.
... But, I contend, if the scriptures be true, we ... the bold figurative language of the
day, designed, in reality ... believed most assuredly, or his making himself known ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no ix.htm
On the Holy Spirit
... and death of Jesus Christ were designed to represent ... in himself all generations of
mankind, making himself the ... and farther yet into the holy Scriptures; for the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 141 on the holy.htm
Chapter i
... of something great, new and "epoch-making," as only ... Whether these numbers were designed
and counted by the author ... there is no doctrine of the Scriptures to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter i.htm
A Relaton of the Imprisonment of Mr. John Bunyan, Minister of the ...
... 10th verse, and Acts 18 with other scriptures, which he ... law was made against those
that, being designed to do evil in their meetings, making the exercise of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a relaton of the imprisonment.htm
Resources
Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is sola scriptura? | GotQuestions.orgShould Catholic tradition have equal or greater authority than the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgScriptures: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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