We forget

However valid and helpful the historical and sociological analyses are, we should not forget that historical understanding, which focuses more on the motivations, aims, and circumstances of the authors, cannot be equated completely with the understanding of a biblical text.—Toward an Interpretation of the Book of Proverbs, page 82

<idle musing>
The historical-critical method is wonderful, but it has its limits—something which we so easily forget. Us academic types don't have a problem parsing out a verse and describing all the ins and outs of grammar and history and social setting and... But is that what it really is all about? In the end, isn't it about changing lives and allowing the kingdom to become a reality in my life?

I have to confess that I'm not as good at that...I too easily allow the academic to get in the way of the Spirit's working. I get sidetracked by an interesting variant in the apparatus, or a minor grammatical point, or...the list goes on and on. And the Spirit is quenched. Not always, mind you. Sometimes the Spirit is in the rabbit trails; I need to listen and hear which are of the Spirit and which aren't. Total dependence, every moment dependence. In absolute humility and trust.
</idle musing>