Esther 1:13 - Homiletics

Wise men.

Wisdom is the skill which some men possess of devising means to secure any end that is aimed at. It is what Aristotle termed an intellectual virtue. There is no position in life where wisdom is not useful. And in the highest positions, in Church and in State, it is a quality which is justly held in very high esteem. Counsellors of kings and ministers of state need a large measure of practical wisdom. The same may be said of pastors of Christian Churches, and of officers of Christian societies and organisations of all kinds.

I. THE FOUNDATION OF WISDOM IS NATURAL SAGACITY . It is sometimes said of men that they are "born fools," and it is certain that some are by nature more endowed than others with insight into character, and with fertility of devices and resources. A cunning man is seldom wise, for he usually overreaches himself, and awakens distrust in the minds of his acquaintances.

II. WISDOM IS NURTURED BY THE HABIT OF DELIBERATION . It is proverbial that hasty men are unwise; they will not allow themselves time to see more than one side of a subject. To weigh with calmness and impartiality the possible plans of action is conducive to a wise decision.

III. WISDOM IS STRENGTHENED BY KNOWLEDGE AND STUDY . Not every well-informed and learned man is wise; but few men are wise whose knowledge is scanty, and whose experience is contracted. Two kinds of knowledge are referred to in this passage.

1 . Historical knowledge, or knowledge of the times. To study the history of nations and of the affairs of state is a good preparation for the life of a politician, a statesman (vide some excellent remarks in Bossuet's 'Lectures on Universal History,' addressed to the Dauphin of France).

2 . Legal knowledge. The counsellors of the king of Persia are said to have known law and judgment, obviously very essential to men in their position.

IV '. THE POSSESSION OF WISDOM IS A MOST RESPONSIBLE TRUST . Like other good things, it may be used, and it may be abused. There is a great danger lest the counsellors of kings should give advice fitted to please rather than to profit. It is well, therefore, that all such should remember that they are themselves accountable to the Lord and Judge of all. If wisdom be employed to secure merely selfish ends, or to flatter the ambitious and the vain, it will prove in every way a curse.

Lessons :—

1 . Let the truly wise, who use their wisdom to good purpose, be regarded with general honor and esteem.

2 . Let those who are consulted by others because of their repute for wisdom seek grace to give good counsel, as in the sight of the Lord.

3 . Let the young seek to acquire practical wisdom, and let them remember that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding."