The Virtue Series: Wisdom Part 2

 THE VIRTUE SERIES.

WISDOM PART 2

According to Josef Pieper in 'The Four Cardinal Virtues", the virtue of Wisdom is the 'perfected ability to make the right decisions' (p.6).   It is a crucial gift since our eternal destiny is contingent upon how we use our freedom.

However, according to the world, much in our present day revolves around materialism and the desire for pleasure and luxury.  Television and media portray the world's view, which can, if we are not careful, have a dripping negative effect on us. 

In the second book of Wisdom, the 'unwise’ believe that after life there is nothing and therefore it is best to live it up whilst there is time.  

To evaluate the best means to our end, we need to have clear vision and understand reality.  The Church is not against wealth as such since many wealthy people use their resources for the benefit of many.  What is required is to use the gifts that God has given us wisely.  The following scripture passages provide helpful hints about the reality of the world and how we should live in it.

• Matthew 7:13-14: The way to heaven is a narrow path.
• Matthew 20:26-28: Imitate Jesus by serving others.
• Matthew 6: 24-33: Choosing to serve God and seeking righteousness provides us with confidence of God's providence for us- He will provide.

Of course, we are human, and even with the best of intentions, we do not always do what we ought to do or desire to do.  True wisdom not only knows what to do, but also follow through with the appropriate actions. We must be 'doers' of God's Word in order to be blessed in what we do (James 1:222-25), since whatever we sow we will reap (Galatians 5:7-10).  We must act on what we know since our goal is Heaven- our homeland.

ATTITUDE TO WISDOM

So, before I close this post on the virtue of wisdom, we may like to consider our attitude to this virtue:

• Will I examine the virtue of wisdom in my life during this coming week?
• Am I conforming my life and actions according to the ultimate goal- Heaven?
• Am I trying to live on the fence by having the best of both worlds trying to serve both God and mammon?
• How might reading the book of Wisdom assist me in my life?

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God,

who gives to all men, 

generously and without reproaching

and it will be given him" (James 1:5)

 Let us call on our generous God to increase the gift of wisdom in us.