Of this purging and purifying you heard before, Daniel 11:35; the meaning is, the great afflictions of the church are to prepare them, by taking away their filth, for the Bridegroom, as gold and silver are tried and refined. None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand: they shall be blinded, they know not what they do, viz. they shall not be bettered by the word, or rod, or any warnings of God, but be hardened to their ruin; but the godly shall be taught of God to understand the ways of God's providence, foretold by the prophets, for this is it they are always minded of and commended for; particularly in this kind of wisdom:
1. Because it is obscure.
2. Because they are concerned greatly to know their safety, and God's honour lies in it.