Understanding principles, therefore, is critical to the outcome. Applying those principles, however, is even more critical, for the proper fitting of rivets, the proper making of sails and spars, the proper obedience to principles of building is essential to the construction of a vessel suitable to entrust the safety of souls at sea. The principles of Christ are given to us by God. The application of those principles is taught to us by those who have built upon them in the past and know we must also build in accordance with the same principles. Just knowing the principles of Christ is not enough to build a nation of laws any more than knowing the principles of naval architecture and design is enough to build a ship fit for the rigors of a storm-tossed sea.
Experience plays a part.
Wisdom obeys the principles of Christ but also sees how to use those principles in practical applications. If someone offers to take you to sea in a vessel he claims he built by revelation received directly from God, without regard to the wisdom of men who have experience building and sailing ships at sea, perhaps prudence will caution you to let him venture out on the briny deep alone until his creation has been thoroughly tested. Knowing the love of God in Christ, therefore, is not enough to build a nation of loving laws. Knowing the sacrifice Jesus paid at Calvary is not enough to write into law the rules and regulations that alone can wisely govern the lives of many millions of souls. Knowing the peace that passes understanding is not enough to give you power to pen the principles of government whereby peace can be secured for future generations.