Editorial October 21, 1950 Issue

"WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING"

Richard J. Davis

Christian Science, when properly understood and applied, should make its students wise and intelligent people. This of course does not mean intellectuality in the ordinary human sense, for intellectuality, as someone once said, can be as material as pig iron. Truth is the only true intellectuality of man. If one is really practicing and living Christian Science, it should be expressed in an ever-increasing demonstration of divine wisdom. Thoroughness in one's study, combined with inspiration, should be evidenced in good mental balance, poise, and steadiness of thought; indeed, character and wisdom are in a certain sense synonymous.

In proportion as one perceives and holds to the perfection of God and His idea, the real man is appearing, and with that appearing should come clearness of thought and good judgment, as well as peace and dominion over one's affairs. Christ Jesus in the truest sense was the wisest of all men. His life and works revealed a spiritual understanding that has never been surpassed; yet he was the most humble of men, a fact which indicates that there is a definite relationship between true humility and the demonstration of divine wisdom.

King Solomon, turning unreservedly and with childlike simplicity to God as the source of his understanding, said (II Chron. 1:10), "Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?" And we read that "God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like." The writer of Proverbs also recognized the paramount necessity of demonstrating wisdom in all things when he wrote (Prov. 4:5–7): "Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
"OUR DUTY TO DO"
October 21, 1950
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit