To those who seek to glimpse the divine, it is essential to first diligently pursue practical understanding. While one may attain practical skills without theoretical knowledge, true contemplation cannot be achieved in the absence of practical wisdom. The progression of these steps is deliberately arranged to allow human humility to rise to higher realms. By following these stages consecutively, one can ascend to a level that becomes unreachable if any single step is omitted. Therefore, anyone who does not break free from the taint of sins strives in vain for the vision of God. The Spirit of the Lord withdraws from wrongdoing and will not inhabit a body that is captive to sin (Prem. 1:4, 5).
It is not possible for anyone who has not undergone the experience to truly know or teach it, as previously discussed. For those who lack comprehension cannot instruct others. Even if they attempt to convey spiritual truths, their ineffective and empty words may only resonate superficially without reaching the hearts of the listeners, owing to a deficit in genuine deeds and the futility of their speech, which stems not from a wellspring of a good conscience but from mere vanity. A soul tainted by impurity cannot attain spiritual understanding, regardless of how diligently it engages in study. Just as no precious fragrance or valuable liquid would be poured into a polluted vessel, so too is a corrupted container more likely to tarnish even the finest wine than to impart any pleasant aroma; the pure are more easily tainted than the tainted are restored. Likewise, our hearts must first be cleansed of all moral filth if they are to receive the sacred anointing referenced by the psalmist, ‘like precious oil upon the head, flowing down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, flowing down upon the edges of his garment’ (Psalms 132:2). Only then can we preserve the glorious wisdom found in the Holy Scriptures, which are sweeter than honey and the drops from the honeycomb (Psalms 18:11). ‘For what fellowship is there between righteousness and iniquity? What has light in common with darkness? What agreement between Christ and Belial?’ (2 Cor. 6:14-15).
This perspective does not seem rooted in truth nor does it have a credible basis. Many who have not embraced faith in Christ, whether due to impious corruption of doctrines, such as some Jews, heretics, or even certain orthodox individuals entangled in various vices, may boast of their profound knowledge of the Scriptures. In contrast, numerous holy figures, whose hearts are purified from vice and who embrace the simplicity of faith, remain unaware of the deeper mysteries. How can we reconcile the notion that spiritual understanding is granted solely to those who possess a pure heart?
Those who do not consider their words carefully may miss the essence of the message. We noted that these individuals only exhibit fluent speech and a competitive spirit; they cannot penetrate the depths of Holy Scripture to grasp its spiritual meaning. True understanding is reserved for those who genuinely honor God, and this is directed at those to whom it is said, ‘Hear, you foolish and unwise people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear’ (Jeremiah 5:21). Furthermore, ‘since thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee from the priesthood before Me’ (Hos. 4:6). Since all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ (Col. 2:3), can we believe that one who has truly gained understanding while spurning Christ, or who uttered blasphemies against Him, or who sullies the orthodox faith with immoral actions, possesses genuine understanding? ‘For the Holy Spirit of wisdom shall depart from wickedness and shall not dwell in a body enslaved to sin’ (Prem. 1:4-5). Therefore, spiritual knowledge is reached through a specific order, depicted by one of the prophets: ‘Sow in you righteousness, reap the hope of life, shine in you the lamp of knowledge’ (Hosea 10:12).
Thus, we must first sow righteousness, translating into active perfection through righteous deeds; next, we reap the hope of life by overcoming sinful passions, allowing us to illuminate our understanding with the light of knowledge. The Psalmist reinforces this principle: ‘Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep His revelations’ (Ps. 118:1-2). He began with ‘Blessed are the blameless in the way’ to indicate that one cannot properly grasp God’s testimonies without first walking blamelessly in the path of Christ through active living. As a result, those mentioned do not earn spiritual knowledge, which remains unattainable for the unclean, but rather false knowledge, as the blessed apostle warns: ‘O Timothy, guard what is delivered unto thee, abhorring unprofitable idle talk and false knowledge’ (1 Tim. 6:20).
Regarding those who seem to acquire some knowledge or those engaged in reading holy texts yet fail to abandon sinful behaviors, the Proverbs state, ‘What a gold ring in the nose of a pig is to a woman beautiful and reckless’ (Proverbs 11:22). What good does it do for anyone to gain the beauty of divine truths and the precious wisdom of the Scriptures if they trample them underfoot through sinful behavior? ‘Praise is not red in the mouth of a sinner’ (Sir. 15:9). The prophet speaks to such people, saying, ‘that thou preachest my statutes, and takest my covenant in thy mouth’ (Ps. 49:16). It is said in Proverbs concerning those who lack God’s fear and attempt to attain understanding of Scripture through constant reading: ‘What is the use of treasure in the hands of a foolish man? He has no mind to acquire wisdom’ (Proverbs 17:16).
True, spiritual knowledge is distinct from worldly wisdom, tainted by fleshly impurities. It can sometimes flourish astonishingly in those who lack formal education or are nearly illiterate, illustrated by the Apostles and many saints who, devoid of philosophical vanity, bore the genuine fruits of spiritual understanding. The Acts of the Apostles records: ‘Seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and noticing that they were unlettered and simple men, they marvelled’ (Acts 4:13). Hence, if you earnestly desire to attain spiritual knowledge, first strive diligently for purity of heart. No one under the sway of carnal desires, particularly sexual immorality, can gain spiritual insight. Wisdom rests in a good heart, and those who fear God discover knowledge in truth (Proverbs 14:33).
The blessed Apostle also emphasizes the necessity of this order for attaining spiritual knowledge. When outlining his virtues, he not only lists them but indicates the sequence among them, stating: ‘in vigils, in fasting, in purity, in prudence, in generosity, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in unfeigned love’ (2 Cor. 6:5-6). Through this arrangement, he appears to teach that vigilance and fasting lead to purity, which in turn leads to prudence, then to magnanimity, kindness, the Holy Spirit, and ultimately, to genuine love. Therefore, when you achieve spiritual knowledge following this doctrine and order, you will possess a doctrine that is alive and fruitful, sowing the seed of the saving word in the hearts of listeners, nurtured by the abundant rain of the Holy Spirit. According to the prophet's promise, it shall rain upon your seed wherever you sow in the earth, and the bread, the fruit of your land, shall be abundant and rich (Isaiah 30:23).
