Chapter XIII.
The beauty of wisdom is made plain by the divine
testimony. From this he goes on to prove its connection with the
other virtues.
64.
Is
there any
one who would like to be beautiful in face and at the same time to have
its charm spoilt by a beast-like body and fearful talons? Now the
form of virtues is so wonderful and glorious, and especially the beauty
of wisdom, as the whole of the Scriptures tell us. For it is more
brilliant than the sun, and when compared with the stars far outshines
any constellation. Night takes their light away in its train, but
wickedness cannot overcome wisdom.
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65. We have spoken of its beauty, and proved
it by the witness of Scripture. It remains to show on the
authority of Scripture
475
that there can be
no fellowship between it and vice, but that it has an inseparable union
with the rest of the virtues. “It has a spirit sagacious,
undefiled, sure, holy, loving what is good, quick, that never forbids a
kindness, kind, steadfast, free from care, having all power, overseeing
all things.” And again:
476
“She teacheth temperance and justice and
virtue.”
474
Wisd. vii. 29, 30
.
475
Wisd. vii. 22, 23
.
476
Wisd. viii. 7
.