Глава XXIV

One must pray in order to understand what is not yet clear 46. Read this book diligently and, if you understand [something], give thanks to God, but if you do not understand something, pray to understand: for God will give you understanding. Remember what is written: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”270 This is the wisdom that comes from above, as the same Apostle James says. But drive away other wisdom from yourself and pray that it does not exist in you, for the apostle rejected it, saying: If you have bitter envy, and there are strife among you, then this is not wisdom that comes down from above, but earthly, spiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and strife, there is disorder and every evil deed. But the wisdom that comes from above is first pure, then peaceful, modest, obedient, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and unfeigned 271 . So, what good does the one who asked and received such wisdom from the Lord not have? And from here also understand grace: after all, if such wisdom were from us, then it would not be from above, and we should not ask it from God Himself, who created us. Brethren, pray also for us, that we may live in this age self-controlled, piously and righteously, awaiting the blessed hope and the appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” 272 to whom belongs honor and glory and power with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen. De gratia et libero arbitrio (CPL 352). Translation based on the publication: Patrologiae Cursus Completus. Series Latina. Accurante J.-P. Migne. Paris, 1845. T. 44, Col. 881–912.