Lean Not on Your Understanding
In the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and He pours out from it.
PSALM 75:8
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Lean Not on Your Understanding
All who want to study in the Bible and sacred letters should with extreme diligence take note of this verse for themselves: In the hand of the Lord there is a cup of pure wine (Psalm 75:8). That is to say, Scripture is not in our power nor in the ability of our mind. Therefore in its study we must in no way rely on our understanding, but we must become humble and pray that He may bring that understanding to us, since it is not given except to those who are bowed down and humble. . .. For God can remove Scripture or its meaning from those who do not know and do not pay attention and think that they still have it. . .. Thus it happens to all the proud and stubborn who rely on their own puffed-up idea that God tips the truth and the pure wine away from them toward others and leaves them the dregs, as long as they are ignorant. . .. The pure truth cannot stand at the same time with the pride of the heart.
From First Lectures on the Psalms (Luther's Works 10:461-62)
PSALM 75:8
+
Lean Not on Your Understanding
All who want to study in the Bible and sacred letters should with extreme diligence take note of this verse for themselves: In the hand of the Lord there is a cup of pure wine (Psalm 75:8). That is to say, Scripture is not in our power nor in the ability of our mind. Therefore in its study we must in no way rely on our understanding, but we must become humble and pray that He may bring that understanding to us, since it is not given except to those who are bowed down and humble. . .. For God can remove Scripture or its meaning from those who do not know and do not pay attention and think that they still have it. . .. Thus it happens to all the proud and stubborn who rely on their own puffed-up idea that God tips the truth and the pure wine away from them toward others and leaves them the dregs, as long as they are ignorant. . .. The pure truth cannot stand at the same time with the pride of the heart.
From First Lectures on the Psalms (Luther's Works 10:461-62)
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