Note, 1. The reason why some people seek wisdom, and do not find it, is
because they do not seek it from a right principle and in a right
manner. They are scorners, and it is in scorn that they ask
instruction, that they may ridicule what is told them and may cavil at
it. Many put questions to Christ, tempting him, and that they might
have whereof to accuse him, but they were never the wiser. No marvel if
those who seek wisdom, as Simon Magus sought the gifts of the Holy
Ghost, to serve their pride and covetousness, do not find it, for they
seek amiss. Herod desired to see a miracle, but he was a scorner, and
therefore it was denied him, Luke xxiii. 8. Scorners speed not in
prayer. 2. To those who understand aright, who depart from evil (for
that is understanding), the knowledge of God and of his will is easy.
The parables which harden scorners in their scorning, and make divine
things more difficult to them, enlighten those who are willing to
learn, and make the same things more plain, and intelligible, and
familiar to them, Matt. xiii. 11, 15, 16. The same word which to the
scornful is a savour of death unto death to the humble and serious is a
savour of life unto life. He that understands, so as to depart from
evil (for that is understanding), to quit his prejudices, to lay aside
all corrupt dispositions and affections, will easily apprehend
instruction and receive the impressions of it.