Secunda Secundae · Charity

Of the Gift of Wisdom

II-II, q. 45 · Six articles

Prooemium · Thomas's plan for this question

Deinde considerandum est de dono sapientiae, quod respondet caritati. Et primo, de ipsa sapientia; secundo, de vitio opposito. Circa primum quaeruntur sex. Primo, utrum sapientia debeat numerari inter dona spiritus sancti. Secundo, in quo sit sicut in subiecto. Tertio, utrum sapientia sit speculativa tantum, vel etiam practica. Quarto, utrum sapientia quae est donum possit esse cum peccato mortali. Quinto, utrum sit in omnibus habentibus gratiam gratum facientem. Sexto, quae beatitudo ei respondeat.

We must now consider the gift of wisdom which corresponds to charity; and firstly, wisdom itself, secondly, the opposite vice. Under the first head there are six points of inquiry:

(1) Whether wisdom should be reckoned among the gifts of the Holy Ghost?

(2) What is its subject?

(3) Whether wisdom is only speculative or also practical?

(4) Whether the wisdom that is a gift is compatible with mortal sin?

(5) Whether it is in all those who have sanctifying grace?

(6) Which beatitude corresponds to it?

1 Whether Wisdom Should Be Reckoned Among the Gifts of the Holy Ghost?
2 Whether Wisdom Is in the Intellect As Its Subject?
3 Whether Wisdom Is Merely Speculative, or Practical Also?
4 Whether Wisdom Can Be Without Grace, and with Mortal Sin?
5 Whether Wisdom Is in All Who Have Grace?
6 Whether the Seventh Beatitude Corresponds to the Gift of Wisdom?

Articulus I

Whether Wisdom Should Be Reckoned Among the Gifts of the Holy Ghost?

Arg. 1 Objection 1

Ad primum sic proceditur. Videtur quod sapientia non debeat inter dona spiritus sancti computari. Dona enim sunt perfectiora virtutibus, ut supra dictum est. Sed virtus se habet solum ad bonum, unde et Augustinus dicit, in libro de Lib. Arb., quod nullus virtutibus male utitur. Ergo multo magis dona spiritus sancti se habent solum ad bonum. Sed sapientia se habet etiam ad malum, dicitur enim Iac. III quaedam sapientia esse terrena, animalis, diabolica. Ergo sapientia non debet poni inter dona spiritus sancti.

It would seem that wisdom ought not to be reckoned among the gifts of the Holy Ghost. For the gifts are more perfect than the virtues, as stated above (I-II, Q. 68, A. 8). Now virtue is directed to the good alone, wherefore Augustine says (De Lib. Arb. ii, 19) that "no man makes bad use of the virtues." Much more therefore are the gifts of the Holy Ghost directed to the good alone. But wisdom is directed to evil also, for it is written (James 3:15) that a certain wisdom is "earthly, sensual, devilish." Therefore wisdom should not be reckoned among the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Arg. 2 Objection 2

Praeterea, sicut Augustinus dicit, XIV de Trin., sapientia est divinarum rerum cognitio. Sed cognitio divinarum rerum quam homo potest per sua naturalia habere, pertinet ad sapientiam quae est virtus intellectualis, cognitio autem divinorum supernaturalis pertinet ad fidem quae est virtus theologica, ut ex supradictis patet. Ergo sapientia magis debet dici virtus quam donum.

Further, according to Augustine (De Trin. xii, 14) "wisdom is the knowledge of Divine things." Now that knowledge of Divine things which man can acquire by his natural endowments, belongs to the wisdom which is an intellectual virtue, while the supernatural knowledge of Divine things belongs to faith which is a theological virtue, as explained above (Q. 4, A. 5; I-II, Q. 62, A. 3). Therefore wisdom should be called a virtue rather than a gift.

Arg. 3 Objection 3

Praeterea, Iob XXVIII dicitur, ecce timor domini ipsa est sapientia, habetur, ecce, pietas ipsa est sapientia. Ubi secundum litteram Septuaginta, qua utitur Augustinus, habetur, ecce, pietas ipsa est sapientia. Sed tam timor quam pietas ponuntur dona spiritus sancti. Ergo sapientia non debet numerari inter dona spiritus sancti quasi donum ab aliis distinctum.

Further, it is written (Job 28:28): "Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil, that is understanding." And in this passage according to the rendering of the Septuagint which Augustine follows (De Trin. xii, 14; xiv, 1) we read: "Behold piety, that is wisdom." Now both fear and piety are gifts of the Holy Ghost. Therefore wisdom should not be reckoned among the gifts of the Holy Ghost, as though it were distinct from the others.

Sed contra On the contrary

Sed contra est quod Isaiae XI dicitur, requiescet super eum spiritus domini, sapientiae et intellectus, et cetera.

On the contrary, It is written (Isa. 11:2): "The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him; the spirit of wisdom and of understanding."

Respondeo I answer that

Respondeo dicendum quod secundum philosophum, in principio Metaphys., ad sapientem pertinet considerare causam altissimam, per quam de aliis certissime iudicatur, et secundum quam omnia ordinari oportet. Causa autem altissima dupliciter accipi potest, vel simpliciter, vel in aliquo genere. Ille igitur qui cognoscit causam altissimam in aliquo genere et per eam potest de omnibus quae sunt illius generis iudicare et ordinare, dicitur esse sapiens in illo genere, ut in medicina vel architectura, secundum illud I ad Cor. III, ut sapiens architectus fundamentum posui. Ille autem qui cognoscit causam altissimam simpliciter, quae est Deus, dicitur sapiens simpliciter, inquantum per regulas divinas omnia potest iudicare et ordinare. Huiusmodi autem iudicium consequitur homo per spiritum sanctum, secundum illud I ad Cor. II, spiritualis iudicat omnia; quia, sicut ibidem dicitur, spiritus omnia scrutatur, etiam profunda Dei. Unde manifestum est quod sapientia est donum spiritus sancti.

I answer that, According to the Philosopher (Metaph. i: 2), it belongs to wisdom to consider the highest cause. By means of that cause we are able to form a most certain judgment about other causes, and according thereto all things should be set in order. Now the highest cause may be understood in two ways, either simply or in some particular genus. Accordingly he that knows the highest cause in any particular genus, and by its means is able to judge and set in order all the things that belong to that genus, is said to be wise in that genus, for instance in medicine or architecture, according to 1 Cor. 3:10: "As a wise architect, I have laid a foundation." On the other hand, he who knows the cause that is simply the highest, which is God, is said to be wise simply, because he is able to judge and set in order all things according to Divine rules.

Now man obtains this judgment through the Holy Ghost, according to 1 Cor. 2:15: "The spiritual man judgeth all things," because as stated in the same chapter (1 Cor. 2:10), "the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God." Wherefore it is evident that wisdom is a gift of the Holy Ghost.

Ad 1 Reply to Objection 1

Ad primum ergo dicendum quod bonum dicitur dupliciter. Uno modo, quod vere est bonum et simpliciter perfectum. Alio modo dicitur aliquid esse bonum, secundum quandam similitudinem, quod est in malitia perfectum, sicut dicitur bonus latro vel perfectus latro, ut patet per philosophum, in V Metaphys. Et sicut circa ea quae sunt vere bona invenitur aliqua altissima causa, quae est summum bonum, quod est ultimus finis, per cuius cognitionem homo dicitur vere sapiens; ita etiam in malis est invenire aliquid ad quod alia referuntur sicut ad ultimum finem, per cuius cognitionem homo dicitur esse sapiens ad male agendum; secundum illud Ierem. IV, sapientes sunt ut faciant mala, bene autem facere nescierunt. Quicumque enim avertitur a fine debito, necesse est quod aliquem finem indebitum sibi praestituat, quia omne agens agit propter finem. Unde si praestituat sibi finem in bonis exterioribus terrenis, vocatur sapientia terrena; si autem in bonis corporalibus, vocatur sapientia animalis; si autem in aliqua excellentia, vocatur sapientia diabolica, propter imitationem superbiae Diaboli, de quo dicitur Iob XLI, ipse est rex super universos filios superbiae.

A thing is said to be good in two senses: first in the sense that it is truly good and simply perfect, secondly, by a kind of likeness, being perfect in wickedness; thus we speak of a good or a perfect thief, as the Philosopher observes (Metaph. v, text. 21). And just as with regard to those things which are truly good, we find a highest cause, namely the sovereign good which is the last end, by knowing which, man is said to be truly wise, so too in evil things something is to be found to which all others are to be referred as to a last end, by knowing which, man is said to be wise unto evil doing, according to Jer. 4:22: "They are wise to do evils, but to do good they have no knowledge." Now whoever turns away from his due end, must needs fix on some undue end, since every agent acts for an end. Wherefore, if he fixes his end in external earthly things, his "wisdom" is called "earthly," if in the goods of the body, it is called "sensual wisdom," if in some excellence, it is called "devilish wisdom" because it imitates the devil's pride, of which it is written (Job 41:25): "He is king over all the children of pride."

Ad 2 Reply to Objection 2

Ad secundum dicendum quod sapientia quae ponitur donum differt ab ea quae ponitur virtus intellectualis acquisita. Nam illa acquiritur studio humano, haec autem est de sursum descendens, ut dicitur Iac. III. Similiter et differt a fide. Nam fides assentit veritati divinae secundum seipsam, sed iudicium quod est secundum veritatem divinam pertinet ad donum sapientiae. Et ideo donum sapientiae praesupponit fidem, quia unusquisque bene iudicat quae cognoscit, ut dicitur in I Ethic.

The wisdom which is called a gift of the Holy Ghost, differs from that which is an acquired intellectual virtue, for the latter is attained by human effort, whereas the latter is "descending from above" (James 3:15). In like manner it differs from faith, since faith assents to the Divine truth in itself, whereas it belongs to the gift of wisdom to judge according to the Divine truth. Hence the gift of wisdom presupposes faith, because "a man judges well what he knows" (Ethic. i, 3).

Ad 3 Reply to Objection 3

Ad tertium dicendum quod sicut pietas, quae pertinet ad cultum Dei, est manifestativa fidei, inquantum per cultum Dei protestamur fidem; ita etiam pietas manifestat sapientiam. Et propter hoc dicitur quod pietas est sapientia. Et eadem ratione timor. Per hoc enim ostenditur quod homo rectum habet iudicium de divinis, quod Deum timet et colit.

Just as piety which pertains to the worship of God is a manifestation of faith, in so far as we make profession of faith by worshipping God, so too, piety manifests wisdom. For this reason piety is stated to be wisdom, and so is fear, for the same reason, because if a man fear and worship God, this shows that he has a right judgment about Divine things.

Articulus II

Whether Wisdom Is in the Intellect As Its Subject?

Arg. 1 Objection 1

Ad secundum sic proceditur. Videtur quod sapientia non sit in intellectu sicut in subiecto. Dicit enim Augustinus, in libro de gratia novi Test., quod sapientia est caritas Dei. Sed caritas est sicut in subiecto in voluntate, non in intellectu, ut supra habitum est. Ergo sapientia non est in intellectu sicut in subiecto.

It would seem that wisdom is not in the intellect as its subject. For Augustine says (Ep. cxx) that "wisdom is the charity of God." Now charity is in the will as its subject, and not in the intellect, as stated above (Q. 24, A. 1). Therefore wisdom is not in the intellect as its subject.

Arg. 2 Objection 2

Praeterea, Eccli. VI dicitur, sapientia doctrinae secundum nomen eius est. Dicitur autem sapientia quasi sapida scientia, quod videtur ad affectum pertinere, ad quem pertinet experiri spirituales delectationes sive dulcedines. Ergo sapientia non est in intellectu, sed magis in affectu.

Further, it is written (Ecclus. 6:23): "The wisdom of doctrine is according to her name," for wisdom (sapientia) may be described as "sweet-tasting science (sapida scientia)," and this would seem to regard the appetite, to which it belongs to taste spiritual pleasure or sweetness. Therefore wisdom is in the appetite rather than in the intellect.

Arg. 3 Objection 3

Praeterea, potentia intellectiva sufficienter perficitur per donum intellectus. Sed ad id quod potest fieri per unum superfluum esset plura ponere. Ergo non est in intellectu.

Further, the intellective power is sufficiently perfected by the gift of understanding. Now it is superfluous to require two things where one suffices for the purpose. Therefore wisdom is not in the intellect.

Sed contra On the contrary

Sed contra est quod Gregorius dicit, in II Moral., quod sapientia contrariatur stultitiae. Sed stultitia est in intellectu. Ergo et sapientia.

On the contrary, Gregory says (Moral. ii, 49) that "wisdom is contrary to folly." But folly is in the intellect. Therefore wisdom is also.

Respondeo I answer that

Respondeo dicendum quod, sicut supra dictum est, sapientia importat quandam rectitudinem iudicii secundum rationes divinas. Rectitudo autem iudicii potest contingere dupliciter, uno modo, secundum perfectum usum rationis; alio modo, propter connaturalitatem quandam ad ea de quibus iam est iudicandum. Sicut de his quae ad castitatem pertinent per rationis inquisitionem recte iudicat ille qui didicit scientiam moralem, sed per quandam connaturalitatem ad ipsa recte iudicat de eis ille qui habet habitum castitatis. Sic igitur circa res divinas ex rationis inquisitione rectum iudicium habere pertinet ad sapientiam quae est virtus intellectualis, sed rectum iudicium habere de eis secundum quandam connaturalitatem ad ipsa pertinet ad sapientiam secundum quod donum est spiritus sancti, sicut Dionysius dicit, in II cap. de Div. Nom., quod Hierotheus est perfectus in divinis non solum discens, sed et patiens divina. Huiusmodi autem compassio sive connaturalitas ad res divinas fit per caritatem, quae quidem unit nos Deo, secundum illud I ad Cor. VI, qui adhaeret Deo unus spiritus est. Sic igitur sapientia quae est donum causam quidem habet in voluntate, scilicet caritatem, sed essentiam habet in intellectu, cuius actus est recte iudicare, ut supra habitum est.

I answer that, As stated above (A. 1), wisdom denotes a certain rectitude of judgment according to the Eternal Law. Now rectitude of judgment is twofold: first, on account of perfect use of reason, secondly, on account of a certain connaturality with the matter about which one has to judge. Thus, about matters of chastity, a man after inquiring with his reason forms a right judgment, if he has learnt the science of morals, while he who has the habit of chastity judges of such matters by a kind of connaturality.

Accordingly it belongs to the wisdom that is an intellectual virtue to pronounce right judgment about Divine things after reason has made its inquiry, but it belongs to wisdom as a gift of the Holy Ghost to judge aright about them on account of connaturality with them: thus Dionysius says (Div. Nom. ii) that "Hierotheus is perfect in Divine things, for he not only learns, but is patient of, Divine things."

Now this sympathy or connaturality for Divine things is the result of charity, which unites us to God, according to 1 Cor. 6:17: "He who is joined to the Lord, is one spirit." Consequently wisdom which is a gift, has its cause in the will, which cause is charity, but it has its essence in the intellect, whose act is to judge aright, as stated above (I-II, Q. 14, A. 1).

Ad 1 Reply to Objection 1

Ad primum ergo dicendum quod Augustinus loquitur de sapientia quantum ad suam causam. Ex qua etiam sumitur nomen sapientiae, secundum quod saporem quendam importat.

Augustine is speaking of wisdom as to its cause, whence also wisdom (sapientia) takes its name, in so far as it denotes a certain sweetness (saporem). Hence the Reply to the Second Objection is evident, that is if this be the true meaning of the text quoted. For, apparently this is not the case, because such an exposition of the text would only fit the Latin word for wisdom, whereas it does not apply to the Greek and perhaps not in other languages. Hence it would seem that in the text quoted wisdom stands for the renown of doctrine, for which it is praised by all.

Ad 2 Reply to Objection 2

Unde patet responsio ad secundum. Si tamen iste sit intellectus illius auctoritatis. Quod non videtur, quia talis expositio non convenit nisi secundum nomen quod habet sapientia in Latina lingua. In Graeco autem non competit; et forte nec in aliis linguis. Unde potius videtur nomen sapientiae ibi accipi pro eius fama, qua a cunctis commendatur.

—

Ad 3 Reply to Objection 3

Ad tertium dicendum quod intellectus habet duos actus, scilicet percipere, et iudicare. Ad quorum primum ordinatur donum intellectus, ad secundum autem, secundum rationes divinas, donum sapientiae; sed secundum rationes humanas, donum scientiae.

The intellect exercises a twofold act, perception and judgment. The gift of understanding regards the former; the gift of wisdom regards the latter according to the Divine ideas, the gift of knowledge, according to human ideas.

Articulus III

Whether Wisdom Is Merely Speculative, or Practical Also?

Arg. 1 Objection 1

Ad tertium sic proceditur. Videtur quod sapientia non sit practica, sed speculativa tantum. Donum enim sapientiae est excellentius quam sapientia secundum quod est intellectualis virtus. Sed sapientia secundum quod est intellectualis virtus est speculativa tantum. Ergo multo magis sapientia quae est donum est speculativa, et non practica.

It would seem that wisdom is not practical but merely speculative. For the gift of wisdom is more excellent than the wisdom which is an intellectual virtue. But wisdom, as an intellectual virtue, is merely speculative. Much more therefore is wisdom, as a gift, speculative and not practical.

Arg. 2 Objection 2

Praeterea, practicus intellectus est circa operabilia, quae sunt contingentia. Sed sapientia est circa divina, quae sunt aeterna et necessaria. Ergo sapientia non potest esse practica.

Further, the practical intellect is about matters of operation which are contingent. But wisdom is about Divine things which are eternal and necessary. Therefore wisdom cannot be practical.

Arg. 3 Objection 3

Praeterea, Gregorius dicit, in VI Moral., quod in contemplatione principium, quod Deus est, quaeritur, in operatione autem sub gravi necessitatis fasce laboratur. Sed ad sapientiam pertinet divinorum visio, ad quam non pertinet sub aliquo fasce laborare, quia ut dicitur Sap. VIII, non habet amaritudinem conversatio eius, nec taedium convictus illius. Ergo sapientia est contemplativa tantum, non autem practica sive activa.

Further, Gregory says (Moral. vi, 37) that "in contemplation we seek the Beginning which is God, but in action we labor under a mighty bundle of wants." Now wisdom regards the vision of Divine things, in which there is no toiling under a load, since according to Wis. 8:16, "her conversation hath no bitterness, nor her company any tediousness." Therefore wisdom is merely contemplative, and not practical or active.

Sed contra On the contrary

Sed contra est quod dicitur ad Coloss. IV, in sapientia ambulate ad eos qui foris sunt. Hoc autem pertinet ad actionem. Ergo sapientia non solum est speculativa, sed etiam practica.

On the contrary, It is written (Col. 4:5): "Walk with wisdom towards them that are without." Now this pertains to action. Therefore wisdom is not merely speculative, but also practical.

Respondeo I answer that

Respondeo dicendum quod, sicut Augustinus dicit, in XII de Trin., superior pars rationis sapientiae deputatur, inferior autem scientiae. Superior autem ratio, ut ipse in eodem libro dicit, intendit rationibus supernis, scilicet divinis, et conspiciendis et consulendis, conspiciendis quidem, secundum quod divina in seipsis contemplatur; consulendis autem, secundum quod per divina iudicat de humanis, per divinas regulas dirigens actus humanos. Sic igitur sapientia, secundum quod est donum, non solum est speculativa, sed etiam practica.

I answer that, As Augustine says (De Trin. xii, 14), the higher part of the reason is the province of wisdom, while the lower part is the domain of knowledge. Now the higher reason according to the same authority (De Trin. xii, 7) "is intent on the consideration and consultation of the heavenly," i.e. Divine, "types" [Cf. I, Q. 79, A. 9; I-II, Q. 74, A. 7]; it considers them, in so far as it contemplates Divine things in themselves, and it consults them, in so far as it judges of human acts by Divine things, and directs human acts according to Divine rules.

Accordingly wisdom as a gift, is not merely speculative but also practical.

Ad 1 Reply to Objection 1

Ad primum ergo dicendum quod quanto aliqua virtus est altior, tanto ad plura se extendit; ut habetur in libro de causis. Unde ex hoc ipso quod sapientia quae est donum est excellentior quam sapientia quae est virtus intellectualis, utpote magis de propinquo Deum attingens, per quandam scilicet unionem animae ad ipsum, habet quod non solum dirigat in contemplatione, sed etiam in actione.

The higher a virtue is, the greater the number of things to which it extends, as stated in De Causis, prop. x, xvii. Wherefore from the very fact that wisdom as a gift is more excellent than wisdom as an intellectual virtue, since it attains to God more intimately by a kind of union of the soul with Him, it is able to direct us not only in contemplation but also in action.

Ad 2 Reply to Objection 2

Ad secundum dicendum quod divina in se quidem sunt necessaria et aeterna, sunt tamen regulae contingentium, quae humanis actibus subsunt.

Divine things are indeed necessary and eternal in themselves, yet they are the rules of the contingent things which are the subject-matter of human actions.

Ad 3 Reply to Objection 3

Ad tertium dicendum quod prius est considerare aliquid in seipso quam secundum quod ad alterum comparatur. Unde ad sapientiam per prius pertinet contemplatio divinorum, quae est visio principii; et posterius dirigere actus humanos secundum rationes divinas. Nec tamen in actibus humanis ex directione sapientiae provenit amaritudo aut labor, sed potius amaritudo propter sapientiam vertitur in dulcedinem, et labor in requiem.

A thing is considered in itself before being compared with something else. Wherefore to wisdom belongs first of all contemplation which is the vision of the Beginning, and afterwards the direction of human acts according to the Divine rules. Nor from the direction of wisdom does there result any bitterness or toil in human acts; on the contrary the result of wisdom is to make the bitter sweet, and labor a rest.

Articulus IV

Whether Wisdom Can Be Without Grace, and with Mortal Sin?

Arg. 1 Objection 1

Ad quartum sic proceditur. Videtur quod sapientia possit esse sine gratia, cum peccato mortali. De his enim quae cum peccato mortali haberi non possunt praecipue sancti gloriantur, secundum illud II ad Cor. I, gloria nostra haec est, testimonium conscientiae nostrae. Sed de sapientia non debet aliquis gloriari, secundum illud Ierem. IX, non glorietur sapiens in sapientia sua. Ergo sapientia potest esse sine gratia, cum peccato mortali.

It would seem that wisdom can be without grace and with mortal sin. For saints glory chiefly in such things as are incompatible with mortal sin, according to 2 Cor. 1:12: "Our glory is this, the testimony of our conscience." Now one ought not to glory in one's wisdom, according to Jer. 9:23: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom." Therefore wisdom can be without grace and with mortal sin.

Arg. 2 Objection 2

Praeterea, sapientia importat cognitionem divinorum, ut dictum est. Sed aliqui cum peccato mortali possunt habere cognitionem veritatis divinae, secundum illud Rom. I, veritatem Dei in iniustitia detinent. Ergo sapientia potest esse cum peccato mortali.

Further, wisdom denotes knowledge of Divine things, as stated above (A. 1). Now one in mortal sin may have knowledge of the Divine truth, according to Rom. 1:18: "(Those men that) detain the truth of God in injustice." Therefore wisdom is compatible with mortal sin.

Arg. 3 Objection 3

Praeterea, Augustinus dicit, in XV de Trin., de caritate loquens, nullum est isto Dei dono excellentius, solum est quod dividit inter filios regni aeterni et filios perditionis aeternae. Sed sapientia differt a caritate. Ergo non dividit inter filios regni et filios perditionis. Ergo potest esse cum peccato mortali.

Further, Augustine says (De Trin. xv, 18) while speaking of charity: "Nothing surpasses this gift of God, it is this alone that divides the children of the eternal kingdom from the children of eternal perdition." But wisdom is distinct from charity. Therefore it does not divide the children of the kingdom from the children of perdition. Therefore it is compatible with mortal sin.

Sed contra On the contrary

Sed contra est quod dicitur Sap. I, in malevolam animam non introibit sapientia, nec habitabit in corpore subdito peccatis.

On the contrary, It is written (Wis. 1:4): "Wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body subject to sins."

Respondeo I answer that

Respondeo dicendum quod sapientia quae est donum spiritus sancti, sicut dictum est, facit rectitudinem iudicii circa res divinas, vel per regulas divinas de aliis, ex quadam connaturalitate sive unione ad divina. Quae quidem est per caritatem, ut dictum est. Et ideo sapientia de qua loquimur praesupponit caritatem. Caritas autem non potest esse cum peccato mortali, ut ex supradictis patet. Unde relinquitur quod sapientia de qua loquimur non potest esse cum peccato mortali.

I answer that, The wisdom which is a gift of the Holy Ghost, as stated above (A. 1), enables us to judge aright of Divine things, or of other things according to Divine rules, by reason of a certain connaturalness or union with Divine things, which is the effect of charity, as stated above (A. 2; Q. 23, A. 5). Hence the wisdom of which we are speaking presupposes charity. Now charity is incompatible with mortal sin, as shown above (Q. 24, A. 12). Therefore it follows that the wisdom of which we are speaking cannot be together with mortal sin.

Ad 1 Reply to Objection 1

Ad primum ergo dicendum quod illud intelligendum est de sapientia in rebus mundanis; sive etiam in rebus divinis per rationes humanas. De qua sancti non gloriantur, sed eam se fatentur non habere, secundum illud Prov. XXX, sapientia hominum non est mecum. Gloriantur autem de sapientia divina, secundum illud I ad Cor. I, factus est nobis sapientia a Deo.

These words are to be understood as referring to worldly wisdom, or to wisdom in Divine things acquired through human reasons. In such wisdom the saints do not glory, according to Prov. 30:2: "The wisdom of men is not with Me": But they do glory in Divine wisdom according to 1 Cor. 1:30: "(Who) of God is made unto us wisdom."

Ad 2 Reply to Objection 2

Ad secundum dicendum quod ratio illa procedit de cognitione divinorum quae habetur per studium et inquisitionem rationis. Quae potest haberi cum peccato mortali, non autem illa sapientia de qua loquimur.

This argument considers, not the wisdom of which we speak but that which is acquired by the study and research of reason, and is compatible with mortal sin.

Ad 3 Reply to Objection 3

Ad tertium dicendum quod sapientia, etsi differat a caritate, tamen praesupponit eam; et ex hoc ipso dividit inter filios perditionis et regni.

Although wisdom is distinct from charity, it presupposes it, and for that very reason divides the children of perdition from the children of the kingdom.

Articulus V

Whether Wisdom Is in All Who Have Grace?

Arg. 1 Objection 1

Ad quintum sic proceditur. Videtur quod sapientia non sit in omnibus habentibus gratiam. Maius enim est sapientiam habere quam sapientiam audire. Sed solum perfectorum est sapientiam audire, secundum illud I ad Cor. II, sapientiam loquimur inter perfectos. Cum ergo non omnes habentes gratiam sint perfecti, videtur quod multo minus omnes habentes gratiam sapientiam habeant.

It would seem that wisdom is not in all who have grace. For it is more to have wisdom than to hear wisdom. Now it is only for the perfect to hear wisdom, according to 1 Cor. 2:6: "We speak wisdom among the perfect." Since then not all who have grace are perfect, it seems that much less all who have grace have wisdom.

Arg. 2 Objection 2

Praeterea, sapientis est ordinare; ut philosophus dicit, in principio Metaphys. Et Iac. III dicitur quod est iudicans sine simulatione. Sed non omnium habentium gratiam est de aliis iudicare aut alios ordinare, sed solum praelatorum. Ergo non omnium habentium gratiam est habere sapientiam.

Further, "The wise man sets things in order," as the Philosopher states (Metaph. i, 2): and it is written (James 3:17) that the wise man "judges without dissimulation [Vulg.: 'The wisdom that is from above . . . is . . . without judging, without dissimulation']". Now it is not for all that have grace, to judge, or put others in order, but only for those in authority. Therefore wisdom is not in all that have grace.

Arg. 3 Objection 3

Praeterea, sapientia datur contra stultitiam; ut Gregorius dicit, in II Moral. Sed multi habentes gratiam sunt naturaliter stulti, ut patet de amentibus baptizatis, vel qui postmodum sine peccato in amentiam incidunt. Ergo non in omnibus habentibus gratiam est sapientia.

Further, "Wisdom is a remedy against folly," as Gregory says (Moral. ii, 49). Now many that have grace are naturally foolish, for instance madmen who are baptized or those who without being guilty of mortal sin have become insane. Therefore wisdom is not in all that have grace.

Sed contra On the contrary

Sed contra est quod quicumque qui est sine peccato mortali diligitur a Deo, quia caritatem habet, qua Deum diligit; Deus autem diligentes se diligit, ut dicitur Prov. VIII. Sed Sap. VII dicitur quod neminem diligit Deus nisi eum qui cum sapientia inhabitat. Ergo in omnibus habentibus gratiam, sine peccato mortali existentibus, est sapientia.

On the contrary, Whoever is without mortal sin, is beloved of God; since he has charity, whereby he loves God, and God loves them that love Him (Prov. 8:17). Now it is written (Wis. 7:28) that "God loveth none but him that dwelleth with wisdom." Therefore wisdom is in all those who have charity and are without mortal sin.

Respondeo I answer that

Respondeo dicendum quod sapientia de qua loquimur, sicut dictum est, importat quandam rectitudinem iudicii circa divina et conspicienda et consulenda. Et quantum ad utrumque, ex unione ad divina secundum diversos gradus aliqui sapientiam sortiuntur. Quidam enim tantum sortiuntur de recto iudicio, tam in contemplatione divinorum quam etiam in ordinatione rerum humanarum secundum divinas regulas, quantum est necessarium ad salutem. Et hoc nulli deest sine peccato mortali existenti per gratiam gratum facientem, quia si natura non deficit in necessariis, multo minus gratia. Unde dicitur I Ioan. II, unctio docet vos de omnibus. Quidam autem altiori gradu percipiunt sapientiae donum, et quantum ad contemplationem divinorum, inquantum scilicet altiora quaedam mysteria et cognoscunt et aliis manifestare possunt; et etiam quantum ad directionem humanorum secundum regulas divinas, inquantum possunt secundum eas non solum seipsos, sed etiam alios ordinare. Et iste gradus sapientiae non est communis omnibus habentibus gratiam gratum facientem, sed magis pertinet ad gratias gratis datas, quas spiritus sanctus distribuit prout vult, secundum illud I ad Cor. XII, alii datur per spiritum sermo sapientiae, et cetera.

I answer that, The wisdom of which we are speaking, as stated above (A. 4), denotes a certain rectitude of judgment in the contemplation and consultation of Divine things, and as to both of these men obtain various degrees of wisdom through union with Divine things. For the measure of right judgment attained by some, whether in the contemplation of Divine things or in directing human affairs according to Divine rules, is no more than suffices for their salvation. This measure is wanting to none who is without mortal sin through having sanctifying grace, since if nature does not fail in necessaries, much less does grace fail: wherefore it is written (1 John 2:27): "(His) unction teacheth you of all things."

Some, however, receive a higher degree of the gift of wisdom, both as to the contemplation of Divine things (by both knowing more exalted mysteries and being able to impart this knowledge to others) and as to the direction of human affairs according to Divine rules (by being able to direct not only themselves but also others according to those rules). This degree of wisdom is not common to all that have sanctifying grace, but belongs rather to the gratuitous graces, which the Holy Ghost dispenses as He will, according to 1 Cor. 12:8: "To one indeed by the Spirit is given the word of wisdom," etc.

Ad 1 Reply to Objection 1

Ad primum ergo dicendum quod apostolus loquitur ibi de sapientia secundum quod se extendit ad occulta mysteria divinorum, sicut et ibidem dicitur, loquimur Dei sapientiam in mysterio absconditam.

The Apostle speaks there of wisdom, as extending to the hidden mysteries of Divine things, as indeed he says himself (2 Cor. 1:7): "We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, a wisdom which is hidden."

Ad 2 Reply to Objection 2

Ad secundum dicendum quod quamvis ordinare alios homines et de eis iudicare pertineat ad solos praelatos, tamen ordinare proprios actus et de eis iudicare pertinet ad unumquemque; ut patet per Dionysium, in epistola ad Demophilum.

Although it belongs to those alone who are in authority to direct and judge other men, yet every man is competent to direct and judge his own actions, as Dionysius declares (Ep. ad Demophil.).

Ad 3 Reply to Objection 3

Ad tertium dicendum quod amentes baptizati, sicut et pueri, habent quidem habitum sapientiae, secundum quod est donum spiritus sancti, sed non habent actum, propter impedimentum corporale quo impeditur in eis usus rationis.

Baptized idiots, like little children, have the habit of wisdom, which is a gift of the Holy Ghost, but they have not the act, on account of the bodily impediment which hinders the use of reason in them.

Articulus VI

Whether the Seventh Beatitude Corresponds to the Gift of Wisdom?

Arg. 1 Objection 1

Ad sextum sic proceditur. Videtur quod septima beatitudo non respondeat dono sapientiae. Septima enim beatitudo est, beati pacifici, quoniam filii Dei vocabuntur. Utrumque autem horum pertinet immediate ad caritatem. Nam de pace dicitur in Psalm., pax multa diligentibus legem tuam. Et ut apostolus dicit, Rom. V, caritas Dei diffusa est in cordibus nostris per spiritum sanctum, qui datus est nobis; qui quidem est spiritus adoptionis filiorum, in quo clamamus, abba, pater, ut dicitur Rom. VIII. Ergo septima beatitudo magis debet attribui caritati quam sapientiae.

It seems that the seventh beatitude does not correspond to the gift of wisdom. For the seventh beatitude is: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Now both these things belong to charity: since of peace it is written (Ps. 118:165): "Much peace have they that love Thy law," and, as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:5), "the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts by the Holy Ghost Who is given to us," and Who is "the Spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba [Father]" (Rom. 8:15). Therefore the seventh beatitude ought to be ascribed to charity rather than to wisdom.

Arg. 2 Objection 2

Praeterea, unumquodque magis manifestatur per proximum effectum quam per remotum. Sed proximus effectus sapientiae videtur esse caritas, secundum illud Sap. VII, per nationes in animas sanctas se transfert, amicos Dei et prophetas constituit, pax autem et adoptio filiorum videntur esse remoti effectus, cum procedant ex caritate, ut dictum est. Ergo beatitudo sapientiae respondens deberet magis determinari secundum dilectionem caritatis quam secundum pacem.

Further, a thing is declared by its proximate effect rather than by its remote effect. Now the proximate effect of wisdom seems to be charity, according to Wis. 7:27: "Through nations she conveyeth herself into holy souls; she maketh the friends of God and prophets": whereas peace and the adoption of sons seem to be remote effects, since they result from charity, as stated above (Q. 29, A. 3). Therefore the beatitude corresponding to wisdom should be determined in respect of the love of charity rather than in respect of peace.

Arg. 3 Objection 3

Praeterea, Iac. III dicitur, quae desursum est sapientia primo quidem pudica est, deinde autem pacifica, modesta, suadibilis, bonis consentiens, plena misericordia et fructibus bonis, iudicans sine simulatione. Beatitudo ergo correspondens sapientiae non magis debuit accipi secundum pacem quam secundum alios effectus caelestis sapientiae.

Further, it is written (James 3:17): "The wisdom, that is from above, first indeed is chaste, then peaceable, modest, easy to be persuaded, consenting to the good, full of mercy and good fruits, judging without dissimulation [Vulg.: 'without judging, without dissimulation']." Therefore the beatitude corresponding to wisdom should not refer to peace rather than to the other effects of heavenly wisdom.

Sed contra On the contrary

Sed contra est quod Augustinus dicit, in libro de Serm. Dom. in monte, quod sapientia convenit pacificis, in quibus nullus motus est rebellis, sed obtemperans rationi.

On the contrary, Augustine says (De Serm. Dom. in Monte i, 4) that "wisdom is becoming to peacemakers, in whom there is no movement of rebellion, but only obedience to reason."

Respondeo I answer that

Respondeo dicendum quod septima beatitudo congrue adaptatur dono sapientiae et quantum ad meritum et quantum ad praemium. Ad meritum quidem pertinet quod dicitur, beati pacifici. Pacifici autem dicuntur quasi pacem facientes vel in seipsis vel etiam in aliis. Quorum utrumque contingit per hoc quod ea in quibus pax constituitur ad debitum ordinem rediguntur, nam pax est tranquillitas ordinis, ut Augustinus dicit, XIX de Civ. Dei. Ordinare autem pertinet ad sapientiam; ut patet per philosophum, in principio Metaphys. Et ideo esse pacificum convenienter attribuitur sapientiae. Ad praemium autem pertinet quod dicitur, filii Dei vocabuntur. Dicuntur autem aliqui filii Dei inquantum participant similitudinem filii unigeniti et naturalis, secundum illud Rom. VIII, quos praescivit conformes fieri imaginis filii sui, qui quidem est sapientia genita. Et ideo percipiendo donum sapientiae, ad Dei filiationem homo pertingit.

I answer that, The seventh beatitude is fittingly ascribed to the gift of wisdom, both as to the merit and as to the reward. The merit is denoted in the words, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Now a peacemaker is one who makes peace, either in himself, or in others: and in both cases this is the result of setting in due order those things in which peace is established, for "peace is the tranquillity of order," according to Augustine (De Civ. Dei xix, 13). Now it belongs to wisdom to set things in order, as the Philosopher declares (Metaph. i, 2), wherefore peaceableness is fittingly ascribed to wisdom. The reward is expressed in the words, "they shall be called the children of God." Now men are called the children of God in so far as they participate in the likeness of the only-begotten and natural Son of God, according to Rom. 8:29, "Whom He foreknew . . . to be made conformable to the image of His Son," Who is Wisdom Begotten. Hence by participating in the gift of wisdom, man attains to the sonship of God.

Ad 1 Reply to Objection 1

Ad primum ergo dicendum quod caritatis est habere pacem, sed facere pacem est sapientiae ordinantis. Similiter etiam spiritus sanctus intantum dicitur spiritus adoptionis inquantum per eum datur nobis similitudo filii naturalis, qui est genita sapientia.

It belongs to charity to be at peace, but it belongs to wisdom to make peace by setting things in order. Likewise the Holy Ghost is called the "Spirit of adoption" in so far as we receive from Him the likeness of the natural Son, Who is the Begotten Wisdom.

Ad 2 Reply to Objection 2

Ad secundum dicendum quod illud est intelligendum de sapientia increata, quae prima se nobis unit per donum caritatis, et ex hoc revelat nobis mysteria, quorum cognitio est sapientia infusa. Et ideo sapientia infusa, quae est donum, non est causa caritatis, sed magis effectus.

These words refer to the Uncreated Wisdom, which in the first place unites itself to us by the gift of charity, and consequently reveals to us the mysteries the knowledge of which is infused wisdom. Hence, the infused wisdom which is a gift, is not the cause but the effect of charity.

Ad 3 Reply to Objection 3

Ad tertium dicendum quod, sicut iam dictum est, ad sapientiam, secundum quod est donum, pertinet non solum contemplari divina, sed etiam regulare humanos actus. In qua quidem directione primo occurrit remotio a malis quae contrariantur sapientiae, unde et timor dicitur esse initium sapientiae, inquantum facit recedere a malis. Ultimum autem est, sicut finis, quod omnia ad debitum ordinem redigantur, quod pertinet ad rationem pacis. Et ideo convenienter Iacobus dicit quod sapientia quae desursum est, quae est donum spiritus sancti, primum est pudica, quasi vitans corruptelas peccati; deinde autem pacifica, quod est finalis effectus sapientiae, propter quod ponitur beatitudo. Iam vero omnia quae sequuntur manifestant ea per quae sapientia ad pacem perducit, et ordine congruo. Nam homini per pudicitiam a corruptelis recedenti primo occurrit quod quantum ex se potest, modum in omnibus teneat, et quantum ad hoc dicitur, modesta. Secundo, ut in his in quibus ipse sibi non sufficit, aliorum monitis acquiescat, et quantum ad hoc subdit, suadibilis. Et haec duo pertinent ad hoc quod homo consequatur pacem in seipso. Sed ulterius, ad hoc quod homo sit pacificus etiam aliis, primo requiritur ut bonis eorum non repugnet, et hoc est quod dicit, bonis consentiens. Secundo, quod defectibus proximi et compatiatur in affectu et subveniat in effectu, et hoc est quod dicitur, plena misericordia et fructibus bonis. Tertio requiritur ut caritative emendare peccata satagat, et hoc est quod dicit, iudicans sine simulatione, ne scilicet, correctionem praetendens, odium intendat explere.

As stated above (A. 3) it belongs to wisdom, as a gift, not only to contemplate Divine things, but also to regulate human acts. Now the first thing to be effected in this direction of human acts is the removal of evils opposed to wisdom: wherefore fear is said to be "the beginning of wisdom," because it makes us shun evil, while the last thing is like an end, whereby all things are reduced to their right order; and it is this that constitutes peace. Hence James said with reason that "the wisdom that is from above" (and this is the gift of the Holy Ghost) "first indeed is chaste," because it avoids the corruption of sin, and "then peaceable," wherein lies the ultimate effect of wisdom, for which reason peace is numbered among the beatitudes. As to the things that follow, they declare in becoming order the means whereby wisdom leads to peace. For when a man, by chastity, avoids the corruption of sin, the first thing he has to do is, as far as he can, to be moderate in all things, and in this respect wisdom is said to be modest. Secondly, in those matters in which he is not sufficient by himself, he should be guided by the advice of others, and as to this we are told further that wisdom is "easy to be persuaded." These two are conditions required that man may be at peace with himself. But in order that man may be at peace with others it is furthermore required, first that he should not be opposed to their good; this is what is meant by "consenting to the good." Secondly, that he should bring to his neighbor's deficiencies, sympathy in his heart, and succor in his actions, and this is denoted by the words "full of mercy and good fruits." Thirdly, he should strive in all charity to correct the sins of others, and this is indicated by the words "judging without dissimulation [*Vulg.: 'The wisdom that is from above . . . is . . . without judging, without dissimulation'," lest he should purpose to sate his hatred under cover of correction.

Showing Thomas's answers only.