Editorial June 23, 1917 Issue

Wisdom

Annie M. Knott

Throughout the Scriptures we find many references to wisdom, and it is most unequivocally stated that no other possession of humanity equals it in value. We frequently find the word in conjunction with understanding, and a careful study of this subject shows that wisdom may be regarded as the ripe product of spiritual understanding. We also find that wisdom is differentiated from knowledge, which, Paul tells us, "shall vanish away," whereas the wisdom which is based upon the understanding of God and His law abides eternally. In the Old Testament we read that wisdom guided Moses in all his work, and the artificers who wrought for the tabernacle in the early days were said to be filled with wisdom and understanding. Again, when we come to the time of Solomon we are told that he was preeminent in this respect, and the book of Proverbs, which it seems was prepared during his reign, places a value upon wisdom above aught else. The ruby, which was regarded as the most valuable of all gems, suffered by comparison with wisdom; indeed, those who desired wisdom were bidden to sacrifice all things in order to gain it.

In Mrs. Eddy's teachings we find great emphasis laid upon wisdom and understanding; and those who are striving to work out their problems in accordance with her teachings know that if they fail to attain the desired results in any direction, it is because they have not yet gained that wisdom which comes from God. Respecting this Mrs. Eddy says, "Know thyself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil" (Science and Health, p. 571). One very important step toward the attainment of wisdom is here pointed out; and while all think they are willing to know God, they are not so willing to know themselves and thus reach victory over evil of every sort. Even in our human affairs it is easy to trace discord and failure to the lack of wisdom; and we should never forget that if we lack wisdom the promise is that if we turn to God, divine Mind, He is ready to supply the sincere seeker, giving "to all men liberally, and upbraideth not."

St. Paul makes clear the distinction between the so-called wisdom of this world, which he says is "foolishness with God," and the wisdom which is of God and which is a quality of the divine nature. He also makes it clear that the healing work which he accomplished was the result of his attainment in this respect, when he says that his work was "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." To the Christian Scientist this subject is of the most vital importance, because at each step of the way divine wisdom must be sought; for otherwise there will be the need of retracing our footsteps, possibly with regret for the needless mistakes made, and finding again that which might have been ours all the time. In Proverbs we read: "I wisdom dwell with prudence ... Counsel is mine," and it is surely well worth while to seek until we find it.

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