Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Jeremiah 9:23

Eastern Fathers

Clement of Alexandria

What is the philosophy that the apostle bids us shun? This, then, "the wisdom of the world is foolishness with God." "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." Let no one therefore glory on account of pre-eminence in human thought. For it is written well in Jeremiah, "Let not the wise person glory in his wisdom, and let not the mighty person glory in his might, and let not the rich person glory in his riches. …

The Stromata Book 1 ↗

Clement of Rome

Let us therefore, brethren, be of humble mind, laying aside all haughtiness, and pride, and foolishness, and angry feelings; and let us act according to that which is written (for the Holy Spirit saith, "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, neither let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in the Lord, in diligently seeking Him, and doing judgment and righteousness"), being especially mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus which He spake, teaching us …

1 Clement 13 ↗

Cyprian

We must trust in God only, and in him we must glory. In Jeremiah: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the strong man glory in his strength, nor let the rich man glory in his riches. But let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows that I am the Lord, who does mercy, and judgment, and righteousness upon the earth, because in them is my pleasure, says the Lord."

Treatise XII. Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews 3:10 ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, and let not the strong man boast in his strength, and let not the rich man boast in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord." All of humanity's pride is removed, as their wisdom, strength, and wealth are considered as nothing. …

Commentary on Jeremiah ↗

Bonaventure

If you glory in wisdom, by that very fact you lose wisdom. "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, and let not the strong man glory in his strength." And the cause of this is given in Ezekiel, where it is said: "You, full of wisdom and beauty, were in the delights of the paradise of God: you lost your wisdom on account of your beauty."

Collationes de Septem Donis, Collation 9 ↗