The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-09-19
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
CALCULATION AND REVIEW OF IN
TERNATIONAL TOPIC, SEPT. 20.
wisdom and Folly Contrasted, Prov
serving of Careful study.
BY Rev. JAMES f. GILBERT.
Secretary of American Society of Religious Ed
cation.

BY Rev. JAMES f. GILBERT.
Secretary of American Society Of Religious Eda-
cation
INTRoDUCTIoN.-su spending the studies in
the history OF Isarel the International commit
tee has assigned few verses in the book of
Proverbs suggesting that they may be used as a
temperance lesson However much one may de-
sire to advance so good a cause, it must ap-
pear to all that this passage cannot be so en-
ployed without perverting its meaning. There
are here at least seven great topics not one of
which has even a reference to temper
ance. These topics rather contrast wisdom and
folly which may be taken synonymous for re-
ligion and sim In this contrast fundamental
truths are presented in most interesting way.
deserving careful study and wide application.
The theme of the committee has been rejected
and another chosen. The Bible teacher ought to
show, not what the Scriptures may teach, but
what they do teach.
GOOD HEART.-At the beginning of his reign
Solomon desired understanding, wisdom,
which, in his prayer he defined as ability to dis
Germ between good and evil Il Kings, iii, 80
Having received it from the Lord he extols it in
the earlier chapters of this book and eomnends
it to others, especially to the young ii, 20, %;
iii, 10, 49, In %, % and "a of lesson
he exhibits the value of wisdom. 1t is a we'll
spring of life to it's possessor, fountain whence
flows satisfaction and blessing. This figure is
elsewhere used by Solomon (ch. x. p, and by our
Savior John iv, 1D, and is highly expressive of
the good heart of the righteous. Among the
many things proceeding from wisdom good speech
is mentioned the lips being instructed by the
heart. psalm xxxvii, 800 In this is recognized
that great scrptural doctrine that the inner
governs the outward (dat xii, 49,
Pleasant words are precious to others
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES wisdom just de
scribed is divinely bestowed. Games l. 81 Our
lesson next displays the condition OF those who
nd : \ Those
be of different grades and characteristics. Verse
those who though lacking heavenly light and
ruth, pursue course of life which they suppose
to be right, honest and sincere. They are rep
resented under the figure of travellers. journeying
from the cradle to the grave psalm xxx, I'D
is Well apparently happy others who are
guided by the spirit OF God But all the time
many times by friendly voices prov. x, 2p, they
do not discover their fatal mistake until arriving
at the end they md that from the beginning
they have been in the ways OF death prov xiv.
l2), and overwhelmed with destruction
SELF 26, as it stands in
our version, expresses a very evident truth. en-
joining the duty of industry, which has no rela,
word rendered labor signifies to modest others.
DIR: Scott, in his commentary, offers this trans
shall suffer trouble for his mouth shall be turned
upon him Aeeeptng this ana as a an admissible ds
those who lack wisdom. They not following
which they know 10 be wrong, way that causes
sorrow to others. Such persons are not happy,
sciences condemn them tRom. W, 49,, and their
own lips utter reproachful words. (Rom xiv,
self as well as his God and his neighbor. His
Judgment and moral sense are in perpetual con-
fiet with his will and his practice
self-deceved, the other self-reproached, both of
presents oversees 81 800 another class of those who
are destitute OF wisdom. They are called here
of Belial q Sam, XIV, 10, the openly
wicked whose lives bring evil to the world. Their
inf iG mar md
of which might be greatly expanded. They dig
up evil not willing that bad matter should
in families and in communities flames iii, 81
They SOW strife as one sows seed causing It to
Matt. V, 81 BY whispering and sly insinuations
they set friends at ysrsnee g t Chr * xii 9
the paths of virtue With profound study they
at kin ie 1 Rum that "a no Outward
may deter them. They frame such vast net
work of influences that it is only necessary to
there is no more graphic account of the effects
OLD AGE.-After these photographs of folly
it is time to turn the camera again on the face
of wisdom Here is picture Of the results of
made prominent. Verse 81 Old age shall be
way of sin. (See revised version) Observation
confirms this scriptural doctrine. psalm xci,
beautiful; others admire and respect it. The
hoary head is a crown of glory qAev. xix, 49,
The good man, when he comes to the evening of
life, is a king among men. His whitened locks
the insignia of his dignity and worth.
Though poor and little known, the aged saint is
universally esteemed The force of this teaching
must be felt by all Most people desire long ne
value. Here is the secret for obtaining both,
righteousness is the purchase price. Qrov. ill.,
sELF-CoNTRoL.-The practice of wisdom ex
erts most salutary infiuenc upon all of mans
powers tending TO strengthen and unity them so
that they may be used harmoniousy The re-
eumstanees viii not disturb psalm XVI 80
Enemies will not be feared. psalm xvii, 81
trusts in the rectitude of motives. The wise
rules his spirit and waits, confident that the
mightier than ore who has physical strength,
greater than he who takes city. The contrast
the highest motives. firm in the midst q adverse
conditions and the most honored heroes of the
a victorious warrior. Solomon places the godly
man above him, and puts new ideal before the
DIVINE CARE.-Bishop Patrick comments
thus on verse 50: Though men cast the lots into
the lap of q garment and thence draw out again,
II is the Lord who directs in what order they
shall forth and so p de the @
what seems TO men to be chance is the appoint
ment OF God: Nothing ought to be 1ttribntei to
Matt. Y, 800 The eye that never slurnbers be-
almighty is reached out to guide and to bless.
This sublime doctrine may have been stated here
to show the support of him who controls himself
when others might be offended it is more prob
able that this verse is intended as a fit conclu-
wise foolish. whether his life is blessing
a curse, the outcome is not independent of
God, but under His supervision and ordering. He
is the Judge the final and allwse disposer of all
things. This fact accounts for all other facts in
the outcome of the lives of men.
CONCLUSION.-The foregoing inspired
trast is made that men may choose between wis
dom and folly (Deut XXX, 49,, between q heart
out of which proceeds joy and blessing and
heart that deceives and condemns, ana the
same time sends forth upon the wrrld = food of
evil; between life that ends IN early death and
a life that with sweetness and honor TO
an old age of beauty: between q life that is TN
der the benediction of the HeaN emily Father and
q life that is contrary to His Will. Our lesson is
in the abstract Concrete illustrations Of it's
lofty teachings may be found without number
only in history, but in the records of every
community. How long will men reject the com
bined testimony of Gods word and of human
experience? prov. iv, T. 81
TO HAVE HEALTH AND HAPPINESS