Miscellanies 6.11.93

Do you see the source of the branches of learning setting out from wisdom? To those who object, “What is the use of knowing the causes of how the sun moves, for instance, and the other stars, or of having studied geometrical theorems, or dialectic, or each of the other branches of learning? These are of no help toward the performance of duties; and Greek philosophy is human understanding, for it is not able to teach the truth,” we must say, first, that these people stumble concerning the greatest of things, that is, the choice of the mind. For “those who keep holy things holily,” it says, “will be made holy, and those who have been taught them will find a defense.” For the one who knows alone will with good reason do holily all that is to be done, as he has learned according to the Lord's teaching, having received it through men. And again one may hear: “For in his hand,” that is, in his power and wisdom, “are both we and our words, and all understanding and knowledge of crafts.” “For God loves nothing but the one who dwells with wisdom.” Next, they have not read what was said by Solomon. For, when he treats of the building of a ship, he says outright: “Wisdom the craftswoman built it; but your providence, Father, steers it.”