Moreover, since the term ‘wise’ can refer to different types of wisdom seekers—those yearning for insight, those already advanced in wisdom, and those skilled in practice—it follows that a ‘wise person’ who hears these teachings, whether a seeker or one with some progress, will become wiser through the rich instruction found in divine truths and the complexities of human experience. This text effectively dispels vice through numerous approaches and instills virtue in many forms. It restrains wicked speech, corrects an unrighteous gaze, prevents wrongful actions, banishes idleness, chastises inappropriate desires, and promotes prudence, bravery, and purity. Therefore, anyone who commits themselves to these principles, developing a strong aversion to evil through diligent effort and a deep affection for righteousness, becomes truly wise by advancing in sound doctrine.
‘But he who is wise will build.’¹ Just as one needs innate abilities to pursue any craft—an athlete requires strength and fitness, a runner needs agility, and a leader must possess quickness of mind—the Scriptures do not call everyone to governance, but rather those endowed with understanding. So, what does true governance entail? It involves recognizing the transient nature of earthly matters and navigating through life’s impermanence. Throughout the Scriptures, the current life is often compared to tumultuous waters; for example, in the Psalm, ‘He hath sent down from on high, and hath received me; he shall perceive me from the waters of many’ (Psalm 17:17). The Psalm vividly describes the chaos of worldly existence, where the fleeting joys and sorrows lack stability, subject to fluctuations and sudden upheavals.
Just as the sea cannot remain calm for long—one moment tranquil, the next turbulent—worldly circumstances similarly shift continually. Thus, one must possess the qualities of a wise ruler, ready for the blessings of life while being conscious of inevitable changes, maintaining hope in sorrow and steering clear of despair. For neither health, youth, material abundance, nor any earthly success are permanent; rather, amidst prosperity, one should always anticipate trials. Illness, poverty, and adversity can arise unexpectedly, and even those who seem admirable may face dishonor; worldly affluence is often disrupted by unforeseen events, akin to storms.
The relentless arrival of misfortunes parallels waves crashing in succession upon one's life, stirring turbulence. Nevertheless, even this turmoil shall pass—a transformation into joy and tranquility. Thus, the wise ruler, who understands the nature of existence, deftly navigates the complexities of life while remaining steadfast, unyielding in pride and resilient in hardship. Additionally, good governance extends to our inner lives, where we must grapple with the tumult of passions that agitate the soul. The turmoil of anger, fear, pleasure, and sorrow, incited by worldly wisdom, can overwhelm an unguarded spirit like a fierce storm. Therefore, it is essential for the mind to act as a helmsman, overseeing passions, directing thoughts with skill, rising above all turmoil and praying persistently: ‘Let me be delivered from those who hate me and from the deep waters. Let not the tempest of waters drown me; let the deep devour me not’ (Psalm 68:15-16).
Consider another metaphor for which we require the wisdom of stewardship: ‘Likewise is the kingdom of heaven unto a man a merchant’ (Matt. 13:45). In this sense, all of us are merchants journeying along the gospel path, acquiring heavenly treasures through the practice of commandments. We are to gather a variety of heavenly riches, so that when the time comes to account for our endeavors, we shall not feel shame or be addressed as ‘wicked and slothful servant’ (Matt. 25:26), but, instead, laden with virtue, we can navigate through life confidently. Many who amassed wealth in their youth found themselves disheartened in midlife when faced with trials, unable to withstand the storms due to a lack of adherence to wise guidance, suffering losses in all they had gained. Some suffered shipwreck in their faith (1 Tim. 1:19), while others lost their youthful purity at the first gusts of temptation.
It is truly tragic to witness one bereft of all that they have achieved after a life of asceticism, prayer, and steadfastness—years of self-discipline discarded due to carelessness and neglect. Imagine a merchant who, proud of his vast wealth when sailing through treacherous waters, suddenly finds himself empty-handed after his ship is wrecked at the harbor; similarly, those who labor diligently to obtain virtue may lose it all at a single onset of temptation, swallowed by sin like a storm. Such individuals encapsulate the sentiment of ‘I have come into the depths of the sea, and the storm has drowned me’ (Psalm 68:3).
Therefore, remain securely at the helm of your life. Guard your eyes to avoid the surge of illicit desires; monitor your ears and speech, ensuring that harmful influences do not infiltrate your heart or that you do not utter forbidden words. Ensure that the turmoil of anger does not topple you, that fear does not overwhelm you, and that sorrow does not drag you down. Passions are akin to waves; if you keep above them, you will navigate life with reliability as a helmsman. If you fail to address each temptation with care and vigilance, akin to a ship devoid of cargo, you risk being swept away into the sea of sin.
Listen to how stewardship may be imparted to you. Seafarers traditionally look to the heavens to find their course, using the sun during the day and familiar constellations at night to gauge their direction. Similarly, you must lift your gaze Heavenward, reflecting on the words: ‘To You I lift up my eyes, who dwells in heaven’ (Psalm 122:1). Seek the light of the Sun of righteousness, and let the Lord's commandments guide you as the stars guide a ship. Remain alert and do not succumb to slumber while navigating this mutable existence. With unwavering diligence, you will receive the Spirit’s guidance leading you forward, safe through gentle and peaceful winds, until you reach the eternal haven of God’s will. To Him be glory and dominion, forever and ever. Amen.
THEOSIS