God Himself has His Wisdom, the one and only true Wisdom which we should love and seek as a great treasure. The corrupt world also has its wisdom which must be condemned and detested, for it is evil and destructive. Philosophers also have their wisdom which must be spurned as useless for it can often endanger our salvation. So far we have been speaking of God’s wisdom to those who are spiritually mature, as the Apostle calls them (cf. 1 Cor. 2:6), but lest they be deceived by the false glitter of worldly wisdom, let us unmask its hypocrisy and malice.
The wisdom of the world is that of which it is said, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise (1 Cor. 1:19; cf. Is. 29:14), i.e. those whom the world calls wise.” “The wisdom of the flesh is an enemy of God” (Rom. 8:7), and does not come from above. It is earthly, devilish and carnal (Jas. 3:15). This worldly wisdom consists in an exact conformity to the maxims and fashions of the world; a continual inclination towards greatness and esteem; and a subtle and endless pursuit of pleasure and self-interest, not in an uncouth and blatant way by scandalous sin, but in an astute, discreet, and deceitful way. Otherwise the world would no longer label it wisdom but pure licentiousness.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the Hearts of Your Faithful; kindle in us the Fire of Your Love. Spirit of Wisdom fill us as you filled Mary with Jesus, Incarnate Son of God, Eternal Wisdom. Mary Seat of Wisdom, Mother and Model of the Church, pray for us.
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