Why Do You Desire To Know and Preach God’s Word?

March 4, 2010 9

Consider the words of Richard Baxter:

“Hard studies, much knowledge, and excellent preaching, if the ends be not right, is but more glorious hypocritical sinning. The saying of Bernard is commonly known: ‘Some desire to know merely for the sake of knowing, and that is shameful curiosity. Some desire to know that they may sell their knowledge, and that too is shameful. Some desire to know for reputation’s sake, and that is shameful vanity. But there are some who desire to know that they may edify others, and that is praiseworthy; and there are some who desire to know that they themselves may be edified, and that is wise.’”

I may be revealing my ignorance, but who is the Bernard that Baxter quotes?

Nathan W. Bingham is a Christian, technology and social media enthusiast (geek), seminary graduate, and blogger. He serves as Internet Outreach Manager for Ligonier Ministries and is passionate about the relationship between faith, technology, and life.

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9 Responses to “Why Do You Desire To Know and Preach God’s Word?”

  1. venchenzareally March 4, 2010 at 5:06 am #

    What a great quote. Wow.

  2. Aaron Armstrong March 4, 2010 at 5:13 am #

    Possilby Bernard of Clairvaux? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_of_Clairvaux

  3. Mike March 4, 2010 at 6:15 am #

    Yes, I believe it is Bernard of Clairvaux.

  4. Matthew Johnston March 4, 2010 at 6:22 am #

    How true it is! Great encouragement as I prepare.

  5. Solibond March 4, 2010 at 12:10 pm #

    Bernard of Clairvaux

  6. Matthew Glover March 4, 2010 at 12:34 pm #

    ‘But there are some who desire to know that they may edify others, and that is praiseworthy; and there are some who desire to know that they themselves may be edified, and that is wise.’As I read the quote, I thought the latter part of this sentence was a path to the former. If I start with a desire to be saturated in God’s word so that I might be edified and made wise with godly wisdom, I will most likely (without trying or focusing on it) be edifying to others. Both aspirations are good and noble in any case. Another edifying post – thanks Nathan!

  7. Manfred March 4, 2010 at 2:39 pm #

    I’ve noticed that when I hunger for God’s Word, I end up telling others what I am learning and some of them, by God’s grace, understand and praise God for what He’s teaching me – and them. This even happens in my home :-) Humility before God and man is requisite – and a good preacher will make sure his hearers get that message.

  8. Ray Fowler March 4, 2010 at 4:21 pm #

    It is from Commentary on the Song of Songs (Sermons on the Canticle of Canticles) by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, specifically, Sermon 36 The Acquiring of Knowledge, III. Here is a link: Full text of St. Bernard on the Song of Songs What a great quote!

  9. Manfred March 4, 2010 at 4:23 pm #

    Let’s not get all warm and emotive over a mystic monk, who can be right once in a while. Our focus is to be on the Lord of Heaven and the study of His Word, that we would be conformed to Him by His Spirit. Not led astray by mystics who focus on experience.