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The wise man is now come to the top of the ladder which doth bring us to true wisdom. The lowest step was a docile heart (ver. 1). The next, human instruction (ver. 2). The next above that, prayer to God (ver. 3). The last, study and painful endeavour through God's blessing to obtain it (ver. 4). We must not lie in a ditch and cry, "God, help!" We must not so trust to our prayers that we give over our endeavours.

I. HEAVENLY WISDOM IS OF GREAT PRICE.

II. HEAVENLY WISDOM IS FAR REMOTE AND HIDDEN FROM US. It is beyond our invention and beyond our apprehension.

III. WE MUST SEARCH FOR THE MEANS OF OBTAINING HEAVENLY WISDOM.

IV. WE MUST USE THE MEANS WHEN WE FIND THEM.

(Francis Taylor.)

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KJV: My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

WEB: My son, if you will receive my words, and store up my commandments within you;