The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, Book III Chapter XLIII: “Against Futile and Worldly Learning” (third entry)

Full wisdom is possible only in consulting with the Lord. After listening to teachers and studying about God, one turns to the Author of Life, thus showing true wisdom.

|Today’s first reading: Prv 21:1-6, 10-13

Proverbs is replete with pithy sayings that one could contemplate for hours regarding their practical application. Contrasting the arrogant and simple, essentially the prideful vs. the humble, is not an uncommon theme throughout Scripture so it is no wonder that reflections on the theme are liberally sprinkled throughout the wisdom book of Proverbs.

|Reflection

Christ, in Kempis, speaks of the wise man gaining knowledge by coming to Him for instruction. In Proverbs, a man becomes wise by becoming and staying simple and humble. So the formula for us is clear: become humble to become wise to gain heavenly knowledge. Humility disposes us to a greater openness to the gifts of the Holy Spirit which include wisdom and knowledge. The author of Proverbs had a good sense of the Spirit and Jesus fully revealed Him to us. As we read, pray, and meditate on the Scriptures, let us invoke this same Holy Spirit for enlightenment in order to gain eternal wisdom and knowledge,