The Bible is not solely a religious opus. It also contains many words of wisdom — of sagacity, discernment, and insight.
Below are some examples from today’s readings.
Sirah 27:4-7
When a sieve is shaken, the husks appear;
so do one’s faults when one speaks.
As the test of what the potter molds is in the furnace,
so in tribulation is the test of the just.
The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had;
so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind.
Praise no one before he speaks,
for it is then that people are tested.
Luke 6:39, 41-45
Jesus told his disciples a parable,
“Can a blind person guide a blind person?
Will not both fall into a pit?….
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye,
but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?
How can you say to your brother,
‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’
when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye?
You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first;
then you will see clearly
to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.
“A good tree does not bear rotten fruit,
nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit.
For every tree is known by its own fruit.
For people do not pick figs from thornbushes,
nor do they gather grapes from brambles.
A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good,
but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil;
for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Here are some more words of wisdom from the Bible:
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” -Proverbs 4:7
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Proverbs 13:10
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” -Proverbs 19:20
“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Proverbs 29:11
“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.” Job 28:28
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17
“…Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3
“The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.” Ecclesiastes 10:2
And lastly:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” -James 1:5
May the peace and love of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, be with you!
~E