PslamMeet

PsalmMeet: THE VIRTUE OF WISDOM

Intro

Through Psalms 19, 49 and 111, Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS invites us to be enlightened by the Lord’s Word in this reflection upon widom.

Highlight

Wisdom is not merely knowledge or intelligence, but the grace to see life as God sees it, to judge rightly and to walk in the path of truth. It is the light that guides our decisions, the clarity that orders our thoughts and the insight that directs our lives according to God’s Will.

Article

‘Lord, shed upon our darkened souls the brilliant light of your wisdom so that we may be enlightened and serve you with renewed purity.’ This beautiful prayer of St Ephrem, the deacon, teaches us about the importance of the virtue of wisdom. 

Wisdom is not merely knowledge or intelligence, but the grace to see life as God sees it, to judge rightly and to walk in the path of truth. It is the light that guides our decisions, the clarity that orders our thoughts and the insight that directs our lives according to God’s Will.

The Psalms are filled with divine wisdom; they instruct, enlighten and form the human heart. They teach us that true wisdom is received from God through reverence, reflection and obedience.

Psalm 19 – Wisdom that enlightens the mind

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple! (Psalm 19:7).

Psalm 19 reveals that God’s Word is the source of true wisdom. It enlightens the mind, strengthens the soul and leads us into truth. Wisdom here is illustrated as an ‘illumination’ reflected in the entire creation. God’s Wisdom is stamped upon the entire cosmos!

This Psalm reminds us that we receive wisdom by allowing God’s Word to shape our minds.

• Turn to God’s Word daily, allowing it to enlighten your mind

• Let Divine truth correct your thoughts and guide your choices

• Seek wisdom not in passing opinions, but in God’s revealed truth

Psalm 49 - Wisdom that understands life rightly

My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding (Psalm 49:3).

Psalm 49 reflects deeply on the meaning of life, wealth and human limitations. It teaches that earthly success cannot save and that true understanding comes from seeing life in the light of eternity.

Wisdom here is presented as ‘perspective’ – discerning what is lasting and what passes away.

• Do not measure life by wealth, success or status

• Reflect on life’s deeper meaning and its eternal destiny

• Live with the awareness that only God gives lasting value

Psalm 111 – Wisdom that flows from reverence for GodThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever (Psalm 111:10).

Psalm 111 brings us to the heart of wisdom: reverence for God. The Psalmist praises the works of the Lord and shows that wisdom grows when we live in awe and obedience before Him.

Wisdom here is presented as a ‘relationship’ – flowing from knowing God, loving Him and walking in His ways.

• Cultivate a deep reverence and love for God in daily life

• Praise God for His works and learn from His ways

• Let your life reflect obedience rooted in love

This month, let us specially practise the virtue of wisdom – that sees with God’s eyes and chooses according to His Will. It is allowing God to guide every thought and decision. St Augustine reminds us, ‘If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you do not like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself.’

Through Psalms 19, 49 and 111, we are invited to be enlightened by the Lord’s Word, to understand life rightly and to grow in reverence before Him. Wisdom, like all virtues, is not self-made; it is God-given and God-sustained. St Bernard the abbot, further teaches us: There are three ways for wisdom or prudence to abound in you: if you confess your sins, if you give thanks and praise, and if your speech is edifying.’

May our life boldly proclaim: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom!

God Bless! Live Jesus!