Wisdom Against Covetous Power

Scripture sets two houses before us. One is filled with gold, renown, and hard questions answered; the other is built by men who lie awake devising how to seize fields and houses when morning comes. Solomon’s glory drew the nations because wisdom from God was found in him. As Irenaeus says, “and all kings of the earth sought an interview with him (quærebant faciem ejus) that they might hear the wisdom which God had conferred upon him.” But Micah shows what becomes of power when wisdom is cast aside: the strong use the night to plan theft and the day to perform it. God does not overlook such men. He prepares a yoke for those who laid yokes on others.

Proverbs teaches where this corruption begins: in the proud heart, the loose tongue, the man who delights not in understanding but in exposing himself. Origen warns, “For to sink to the state of being proud has its consequences according to the text: ‘Before ruin the heart of man is exalted and before glory it is humble.’” Therefore seek not the splendor of Solomon but the humility that made his wisdom worth hearing. Better a mouth that becomes a fountain of life than lips that kindle strife; better to receive reproof than to harden into contempt.

Yet judgment is not God’s last word. Micah also speaks of a gathered remnant. The Lord who scatters the violent gathers the meek. If we would dwell among that flock, we must cease from covetousness, bridle the tongue, and walk lowly now, before the day when God makes a division between the oppressor and the obedient.