The Value of Wisdom:

We have seen that we can discern truth by studying the witness of the Holy Spirit, namely scripture.  As seen in James 1:5 see can use prayer to ask Heavenly Father for the wisdom to understand scripture as we study it.  He is sure to answer such a prayer because this is why scripture exists, to show us God’s truth.

But what about feelings?  Can the Holy Spirit also witness truth through feelings?  When a person comes to know the truth after studying God’s scripture he or she will often experience an exhilarating feeling.  This is often used to support the premise that one can know truth through prayer and a burning in the bosom.  But there is a fatal flaw in this logic.  While knowing the truth will often cause a ‘burning in the bosom’, that does not mean a burning in the bosom confirms truth.  As an illustration: if I go out in the rain I will get wet; but that does not mean being wet confirms that I’ve been out in the rain.