Chapter XXX. Of All the Sophistry in Man

AMONG us also there is this saying concerning all sophistry practised among men: ‘For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will set at nought the prudence of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world?’ [1],d 3 ibid. i. 19, 20

Moreover that those who study a divine philosophy ought to have no narrow-minded thoughts, we are taught in the saying: ‘While we look not at the things which are seen, but at those which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.’[2]

And of the fact that wickedness gathers close around the earth and this mortal life, the word of God says somewhere: ‘Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.’[3] And: ‘Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.’[4] The prophet also says: ‘Cursing, and stealing, and adultery, and murder, are poured out upon the earth, and they mingle blood with blood.’[5]

And with regard to escaping from this world to God, Moses says: ‘Thou shalt walk after the Lord thy God, and to Him shalt thou cleave.’[6] And the same Moses teaches us to imitate God, saying: ‘Ye shall be holy, for the Lord your God is holy.’[7]

David also knowing that God is righteous, and urging us to become imitators of Him ourselves, says: ‘Righteous is the Lord, and loveth righteousness.’[8] The same David taught us to despise wealth, saying: ‘If riches increase, set not your heart upon them’;[9] and, ‘Be not thou afraid, when a man is made rich, and when the glory of his house is increased: for when he dieth, he shall carry nothing away, nor shall his glory descend with him.’[10]

Also in the following words he taught us not to admire the ruling powers among mankind: ‘Put not your trust in princes, nor in any sons of men, in whom there is no safety. His breath will go forth, and he will return to his earth: in that day shall all his thoughts perish.’[11]