118. Many great men have made noble statements. Should we also study these sayings?

It can be very profitable for us to read and study the statements of great men. Men like Saint Patrick of Ireland, William Tenderly, Bishop John Hooper, E W Bullinger, Count von zin Zindorf, Charles Finney, Charles and John Wesley, Martin Luther, Watchman Nee, William Carey, William Wilberforce, William and Catherine Booth, Henry Martyn, David Livingstone, Samuel Marsden, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandella, and Bishop Desmond Tutu all received a message from God which contributed significantly to man’s understanding of God’s ways. However, no man is perfect, and what they have said needs to be in agreement with God’s Word, if it is to be profitable for us. Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi a guideline in this respect: ‘Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and dwell on fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.’ (Philippians 4:8-9). It is true that the Bible was written by many different men, but no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21). Make sure you know the Scriptures and do not neglect to study them carefully.