"The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130).

All the spiritual light known in this dark world has flowed from the Word of God. It is a most striking instance of Divine condescension, that this Word—so wonderful in its high and heavenly mysteries—should yet open a path so plain, that the most unlearned may find and walk in it. So astonishing is the power of this heavenly light, that from any one page of this Holy Book, even a child may draw more instruction than the most acute philosopher could ever attain from any other fountain of light. It is very possible to be possessed of all the treasures of literature, and yet to remain in total ignorance of everything that is most important for sinner-man to know. We do not mean to disparage human wisdom; but it is the pride of wisdom, so opposed to the simplicity of the gospel, which prevents us from sitting at the feet of Jesus and hearing His Word (Luke 10:39).

Rest not satisfied with whatever measure of light may have been hitherto bestowed. Seek the Word with a disposition of simplicity, willing to receive, embrace, submit to, whatever the revelation of God may produce before you. There will be many things that we do not understand, but there is nothing that we shall not believe. "Thus saith the Lord" is sufficient to satisfy reverential faith. To this spirit the promise of heavenly light is exclusively made.

But never will an unhumbled mind know the benefit of such Divine instruction. To such the Bible must ever be a dark Book (2 Corinthians 1:14), since its very design is to destroy the disposition he possesses. That knowledge, therefore, which is unable to direct our way to heaven—nay, which by closing the avenues of spiritual light, obstructs our entrance there, is far more a curse than a blessing. Far more glorious is the simplicity of the Word than the wisdom of the world.

—Charles Bridges (adapted)