The true northerner., 1896-10-21
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
LESSON ", FOURTH QUARTER, INTER-
NATIONAL SERIES, OCT. 20.
Text Of the Lesson. Prov. 4, 1-10-Mcmory
Verses, 7.1O-Goiden Text, Prov. 4, 10.
CONNIE ntary by the Rev. ID. NJ. stearns.

Us
week s study that he spake three thousand
proverbs, and In this lesson we have a
sample of them, OF, rather, of the wisdom
which he asked for and received from God,
but in the wisdom of God as here revealed
we must look beyond the son of David of
our lesson TO the Son of David Of Math. 1,
/, greater than Solomon, who is also
called 1.-THE wisdom of God" Q Cor. l. 24).
The Hebrew word translated "proverb'
signifies also a parable or similitude and
seems TO be from the word Ito rule or
reign or have dominion" If we are ruled
by 1.-THE wisdom of God, we shall be wise
indeed.
2. some one has said that wisdom uses
the best means toward the best ends, that
instruction is discipline or training and
that understanding is discerning good and
OWL All this is summed up In Christ,
who is made unto us wisdom U Cor. |, 30).
3. Justice, Judgment and equity are at
tributes of uprightness, and these also are
summed up in Christ, who shall yet exc
cute judgment and justice in the earth
(Jer. xiii, 81. BY His spirit in us we
may day by day walk uprightly, and like
Levi walk with God in peace and equity
and turn many away from iniquity (Mal.
ii, %.
4. The simple are easily led and If led by
God all is WELL but If led by the devil all
is i'll. The things of God are hidden from
those who are wise and prudent in their
own estimation and revealed unto babes
(Math. XII, 25). To be simple toward God
Is the highest wisdom.
8. The wise will hear and increase
learning In verse 33 observe that 1t is to
God they will hearken, and thus dwell
foIx ha iat of aun 60
shall they also know "the increase of God"
(Col. ii, 49, Such hearing gives life and
soul satisfaction lisa. lv, 2, -.
@. There is one peculiar thing about the
word of God that cannot be said of any
other book-if you are child of God by
faith In Christ Jesus, you have the Holy
Spirit the author of the book, within you
and the promise Of Jesus Christ that He,
the Spirit, will guide you into all truth
(John xiv, II; xvi, 49, Rely upon Him,
and He will not fail you.
z. The fear of the Lord Is the beginning
Of knowledge and wisdom Gx, 10.) The
fear Of the Lord is wisdom (Job xviii,
2S.) 1t Is also fountain Of life and the
good mans treasure (chapter xiv, "a; lisa.
xxxiii, g.
8. Obedience to parents Is the sum OF
the fifth commandment, and q fearful
thing is written concerning such as mock
or despise father or mother In Prov. Xxx,
II. The phrases Z" like as q father pitieth"
and las one W hom his mother comforteth."
8. No outward adorning Is of any value
in the sight of God but the ornament of a
meek and quiet spirit Is In the sight of
God of great price Il Pet. Iii, A, and this
comes by the word OF God dwelling in us.
"Sanctify them through thy truth Thy
word Is truth" (John xvii, 10.
10. We must say a very decided NO
to any who would allure us away from
God. Since through the transgression of
Adam and Eve we have learned somewhat
of the ways of the devil we are inexcusable
If we walk therein. Blessed is the man
who walketh not in the counsel of the un-
godly, nor standeth In the way Of sinners.
nor sitteth In the seat of the scornful!"
IL. There are always some saying,
Come with u.s." but it is more often the
enemies than the friends of God. Not
words so much as actions should be ever
saying, "Come with u.s." Children of God
should have life that will be a constant
invitation to the weary, unsatisfled chill
dren of this world. The grace of God will
do it in all who are simple.
12. How easily the devil the destroyer,
derer from the beginning John viii, A. }
He is liar and a counterfeiter. He said
to Eve, "Ye shall be as gods (Gen. iii, o.
And now he suggests an imitation of God S
judgment on Korah (Num. xvi, ,30) In
the last days he will initiate Christ in the
person of the antichrist (Rev. xiiD.
13. He offers what he calls precious sub
stance Just as he offered to our Lord all
the Kingdoms of this world (Math. iv, 8, 81.
He Is constantly suggesting TO people how
to be rich by unrighteousness, and he
catches many in his net, they not consid-
ering the future, like the rich man of Luke
xvi. Listen to wisdom on this point and
be wise (viii Is, 2D.
IA. "Cast in thy lot among us. Let us
all have one purse. And Judas would
be treasurer and help himself freely. An
other imitation of the people of God as
seen In Acts iv, 32.
Is. MY son, walk not thou In the way
with them" This is the third time we
have met the words "my son. I'm this les
son. May it suggest voice from our low
ing Father, His loving Son and the loving
Spirit (John Iii, IS; Gal. Ii, 20; Rom. XIV,
9o), constraining us by this threefold cord
(Eccl. iv, 12) to abide in such love and not
turn from IL.
10. FOR their feet run to evil and make
haste TO shed blood" The way of peace
they know not. The imagination of the
thoughts Of their hearts Is only evil con-
tinually (Gen. vi, 81 They would for gain
shed the blood of others, but our Lord
Jesus shed His blood for us and would
have us lay down our lives for others U
John iii, l6), not loving our lives even
unto death (Rev. xii, ID.
IL. Surely in vain the net is spread in
the sight of any bird" The margin says,
"In the eyes of everything that hath
wing" Wings imply power to keep away
from all the nets of man. In Eph. vi we
are told of armor and weapons by means
of which we may resist and overcome the
devil. If we are not ignorant of his de-
vices, we can easily recognize him and
have constant victory over him. Those
who walk willingly into his open mouth
deserve to be devoured by him Q. Pet. v,
k 81.
Is. Those who lay wait for the lives of
others are really destroying their own
lives, for into the pits which they dig
they are sure To fall. Whatsoever man
soweth that shall he also reap. The devil
seeks to destroy life, but our Lord by lay