| Those who are truly wise, with “the wisdom that is from above [which] is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy,” those who have such wisdom do not need to advertise the fact. “A prudent man concealeth knowledge”; he is “swift to hear, slow to speak.” “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” This wisdom and knowledge which is commended by God is not earthly wisdom, “for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God,” and “let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.” True “wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.” Such “wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath” it; he does not need to call attention to it. For “he that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit,” “that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” |
