Editorial September 13, 1919 Issue

Asking Wisdom from God

William P. McKenzie

It seems to be the custom of many to seek for advice casually, and it must be evident in such cases that it is more than information which they want. They desire to have a certain course commended and are very much less hospitable to counsel or warning that would dissuade them from what they wish to do than to the casual advice which seems to them to be confirmation of a cherished intention. This accounts perhaps for the surprising effect of what can only be called evil counsel and the apparent ineffectiveness of much good advice such as elders are continually giving to the young. It is a fact, however, that every one at some time must actually learn wisdom.

The casual adviser cannot know what is within the heart of the one to whom he proposes guidance and direction, but every man who is honest with himself knows about himself much more than he will tell; and just as soon as he finds a standard and has his eyes open to actual truth and discerns what is meant by Principle he begins to correct himself, he begins to exhibit righteousness and to reflect Mind, concerning which Mrs. Eddy says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 361): "The divine modes and manifestations are not those of the material senses; for instance, intelligent matter, or mortal mind, material birth, growth, and decay: they are the forever-existing realities of divine Science; wherein God and man are perfect, and man's reason is at rest in God's wisdom,—who comprehends and reflects all real mode, form, individuality, identity."

The first step toward the gaining of wisdom may be said to be the recognition of one's lack of it, followed by desire for it. Ere long the search is full of zest because it is like seeking for hid treasure and jewels that are beyond price. In answer to the question, Where shall wisdom be found? the response is: "The Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding;" and a characteristic of those who receive wisdom is indicated by the proverb which says, "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom."

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