I have no question to answer or discuss this month and in looking through some of my old letters I came upon this composition which I received in my mail maybe six or eight years ago from Olive Hicks of Goodland, Kansas. I read it over again and it struck me as being highly important and beneficial to every reader. So I send it forth to you in the name of the Lord just as she herself composed it and sent it to me with the possible exception of inserting here and there the full scripture text where she only gave the scripture reference (chapter and verse). The Wisdom of the Bible
“The Bible is the greatest book in the world. It has been a greater influence on mankind than all other forces put together. It is the most significant literary work existing in the world because it excels in beauty, power, and depths of contents. In this Book are infinite wisdom and infinite love. Between its covers are the mind and heart of God; for man’s good, for his guidance, and his spiritual nourishment. It is a book of faith, a book of morals, and a book of religion; but it is also a book which teaches man his own individual responsibility, his own dignity, and his equality with his fellow man.
“The Bible teaches us how to find joy in sorrow, strength in weakness, and light in darkest days; how to bear adversity and scorn and how to fight life’s battles courageously. The Scriptures teach us the best way of living, the noblest way of thinking, and the most comfortable way of growing. The Bible is God’s chart for us to steer by; to show us where the harbor is; helping all who come to it to live above the problems and troubles of life.
“The Bible stimulates the conscience and defines principles of right and wrong. It strengthens the will and this forms character. It can restore to us faith in the values of truth, beauty and goodness. Points of view found in the Bible have their value for today.
“Men cannot be well educated without the Bible, for knowledge of the Bible is a liberal education. Throughout the centuries men of many faiths and origins have found in the Bible words of wisdom, counsel and inspiration, and it has been to them a fountain of strength and an aid in attaining the highest aspirations of the mind and soul. The more we read the more it will become plain to see what things are worthwhile and what are not and what things make men happy. The Bible can give men fortitude and steadiness of faith and vision. It has continued to be a source of power in the lives of men.
“To the influence of this great Book are we indebted for all the progress made in civilization.
“In II Timothy 3:15, Paul wrote, ‘And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation…’ The eighth chapter of Proverbs glorifies wisdom throughout. Beginning with verse 22 it goes on to tell how wisdom was with God when He created the heavens and the earth and all things therein.
In II Timothy 3:16-17 (And here I insert the full text which was not in the original manuscript): ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.’ “Since God inspired all of the holy scriptures, we see that the Bible expresses the thoughts of God and is a source of true wisdom.
“In Matthew 7:24 Jesus said, ‘Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.’
“Colossians 3:16 says, ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;…
“I Corinthians 1:25 says, ‘Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men;…’
“I Corinthians 2:6-8 says, ‘Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to naught: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.’
“Job 28:12 says, ‘But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?’ Then Job 28:28 says, ‘…Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.’ (And let me insert right here that you read all the intervening verses between Job 28:12 and Job 28:28, extolling wisdom.)
“The Bible shows us ourselves. It is the only dependable mirror in which we can see ourselves as God sees us.
“May God teach us to cherish the beauty and greatness of His wisdom and how to live so as to bring joy and blessings into the lives of others. Any may God lead us on to the highest wisdom; to know ourselves and to know Him.” (And I insert here my own ‘Amen’ to this thought.)
