Wisdom

Receiving Wisdom

"God at times opens the heart through trials. Then the heart becomes so vast that, like the sands of the sea, it cannot be measured. Listen to holy Solomon, who speaks to us of this openness: "Therefore I prayed, and in me prudence was increased. I implored, and the Spirit of wisdom came to me." So as to receive wisdom from God, he did not ask for riches or noble descendants or power, but he asked for wisdom. And he obtained everything that he did not ask for. For this reason Scripture says that the vastness of his heart was so great that, like the sand of the sea, it could not be measured. So that you would understand this greatness, he consciously says of himself, "Write it in the vastness of your heart." Therefore, one who has wisdom should not keep it hidden, not even for an instant, but should celebrate it in public. He should proclaim everywhere, with authority, what prudence inspires in him." -- St. Ambrose, Expositions on the Psalms 43.93

Avoid Dogmatic Discussions

"Flee from discussions of dogma as from an unruly lion; and never embark upon them yourself, either with those raised in the Church, or with strangers." --St Isaac the Syrian, Homily 17