To engage in the deep contemplation of God, one must first diligently cultivate a practical understanding. While practical skills can be developed independently, true contemplation cannot be achieved without this foundational knowledge. There are specific steps arranged in a deliberate sequence that allow human humility to ascend. When these steps are followed in order, they enable one to attain a height that cannot be reached if any single step is missing. Therefore, those who are not liberated from the defilement of sin strive in vain for the vision of God. For the Spirit of God retreats from wickedness and will not reside in a body enslaved by sin (Prem. 1:4, 5).
It is important to recognize that those who have not undergone certain spiritual experiences, as previously mentioned, cannot truly comprehend or convey these truths. If someone lacks the capacity for understanding, how can they instruct others? Even if they attempt to share insights about these spiritual matters, their hollow and ineffectual words will only resonate superficially with listeners. These words cannot penetrate the heart due to the absence of genuine deeds and their inherent emptiness. Such words do not arise from a well of pure conscience but are merely the outpouring of vain distractions. An impure spirit cannot attain spiritual wisdom, regardless of how diligently it engages in study. Just as one would not pour exquisite perfume or fine honey into a filthy and corrupt container, so too is it true that a vessel contaminated with a foul odor is more likely to spoil even the finest wine than to impart any pleasant aroma; it is far easier for the pure to be harmed than for the corrupt to be restored. In the same way, our hearts must first be cleansed from all the detestable impurities of vice before they are capable of receiving the sacred anointing described 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). Our hearts must also protect and cherish the spiritual truth found in the Holy Scriptures, which are sweeter than honey and 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).
It seems to us that this idea is entirely devoid of truth and lacks a sound basis. Those who have not embraced faith in Christ—and who distort doctrine through their wickedness, whether they be Jews, heretics, or even some orthodox individuals engaged in various sins—often take pride in their extensive knowledge of Sacred Scripture. In contrast, many holy men, whose hearts have been cleansed of all sin, are satisfied with a pure faith and do not delve into the secrets of deeper understanding. How can we reconcile the assertion that spiritual wisdom belongs solely to those with pure hearts?
He who fails to carefully consider the weight of each expressed thought misunderstands the depth of the definition. We stated that such individuals possess merely eloquence and the ability to compete in rhetoric, but they remain unaware of the essence of Holy Scripture and its profound spiritual truths. True understanding is granted only to those who sincerely reverence God; those who do not heed this are described in Scripture: “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 you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from the priesthood before Me” (Hos. 4:6).
Since all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ (Col. 2:3), how could one who properly claims to have gained wisdom, yet is unwilling to seek Christ or who profanes Him with blasphemous words or sinful actions, truly possess it? “For the Holy Spirit of wisdom will depart from wickedness and will not dwell in a body enslaved to sin” (Prem. 1:4-5). Hence, spiritual understanding is only achievable through that path which one of the prophets wisely illustrated: “Sow in you righteousness, reap the hope of life, shine in you the lamp of knowledge” (Hosea 10:12). Therefore, we must first sow righteousness—actively practicing goodness through virtuous actions; then we will reap the hope of life—collecting the fruits of spiritual virtues by shedding fleshly passions, thus illuminating the lamp of knowledge.
The psalmist directs us along this path, declaring: “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). Notably, he does not say first, “Blessed are those who keep His revelations, and then, ‘Blessed are the blameless in the way,’” but initiates with “Blessed are the blameless in the way.” This order clearly indicates that no one can truly grasp the testimonies of God—including the Holy Scriptures—unless they first walk blamelessly in the way of Christ through righteous deeds. Consequently, those whom I described do not achieve authentic spiritual wisdom, which remains unattainable for the unclean, but rather a false knowledge. The blessed Apostle admonishes: “O Timothy, guard what is delivered unto thee, abhorring unprofitable idle talk and false knowledge” (1 Tim. 6:20).
Regarding those who think they possess some knowledge or those who, despite diligently reading sacred texts and memorizing Scripture while clinging to their sinful habits, Scripture rightly compares them to: “What a gold ring is in the nose of a pig to a woman beautiful and reckless” (Proverbs 11:22). What value has one in acquiring the beauty of divine teachings and the precious truths of Scripture if they utilize them for impure actions or corrupt desires, thus trampling upon them? “Praise is not red in the mouth of a sinner” (Sir. 15:9). It is stated through the prophet: “that thou preachest my statutes, and takest my covenant in thy mouth” (Ps. 49:16).
Proverbs also speaks of souls who, devoid of the fear of God, believe they can grasp the meaning of Scripture through constant meditation: “What is the use of treasure in the hands of a foolish man? He has no mind to acquire wisdom” (Proverbs 17:16). This genuine spiritual knowledge is markedly distinct from worldly learning tainted by carnal desires, revealing itself in surprising ways even among those who are uneducated and nearly illiterate. The examples of the Apostles and many holy individuals show that they were not swayed by philosophical pride but bore the genuine fruits of spiritual wisdom. The Acts of the Apostles notes: “Seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and noticing that they were unlettered and simple men, they marvelled” (Acts 4:13).
Therefore, if you earnestly desire to attain spiritual understanding, diligently seek from the Lord the purity of heart and body. No one dominated by carnal passions, especially thoughts of immorality, can gain true spiritual insight. For wisdom rests within a good heart, and those who fear the Lord will find knowledge in truth (Proverbs 14:33). The blessed Apostle teaches that obtaining spiritual insight must follow a proper order. When he desired to highlight not only his virtues but also their sequence and interrelation, he enumerated various qualities and added: “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 of virtues, he clearly intended to demonstrate that one must advance from vigilance and fasting to purity, from purity to wisdom, from wisdom to generosity, from generosity to kindness, from kindness to the Holy Spirit, and from the Holy Spirit to unfeigned love. If you embrace this teaching and order, you will attain spiritual knowledge, possessing not a barren or stagnant doctrine but a living and fruitful message, the seed of the salvific Word, which, sown in the hearts of listeners, will be nourished by the abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit. As the prophet promises, it shall rain upon your seed wherever you sow on the earth, and the bread, the fruit of your land, shall be abundant and rich (Isaiah 30:23).
