607. Verse 18. Here is wisdom, signifies that it is the part of a wise man, from what has been said and explained in this chapter, to see and understand the quality of the doctrine and faith of the clergy concerning God and salvation. It is said "here," because those things are meant which are declared and explained in this chapter, specifically concerning "the beast out of the earth," by which is signified the doctrine and thence the faith of the clergy concerning God and salvation (n. 594), for the things contained in this verse are said of that beast; and as it is the part of a wise man, or of wisdom, to see and understand what that doctrine and thence the faith is, it is said, "Here is wisdom."
