Peace of the simple and the prosperity of the fools
Saint Nikolai mostwise bishop of Ochrid and Zicha
"For the turning away of the simple shall slay them and the prosperity
of
fools shall destroy them" (Proverbs 1:32).
Does peace kill? Yes, godless peace kills. Does prosperity destroy?
Yes,
prosperity without God and contrary to the laws of God can destroy.
Simple
are they who seek such a peace and they who run after such prosperity
are
fools. For, in essence, they do not seek peace but rather the sword and
are
not running after prosperity but rather after destruction. What is the
peace of the simple and what is the prosperity of fools? The peace of
the
simple is physical peace and the prosperity of fools is physical
feasting.
King Herod wanted such a peace and he was consumed by worms. Jezebel
wanted
such a prosperity and dogs consumed her.
By what name would we call a man who, in deciding to build a house,
thinks
that he will place the roof in the air first and afterward erect walls
and
then lay the foundation of the house? We would call him a simpleton and
a
fool. Much the same are all those who are attempting to establish peace
in
the world without interior peace and to establish exterior prosperity
for
men without interior prosperity. The Christian Faith is the only one
which
builds from the foundation and the foundation is Christ, a firm and
indestructible rock. Thus, the Christian Faith for the peace and
prosperity
of men builds on Christ. An internal, blessed and joyful peace is built
on
Christ the Lord and on this peace, external peace is built. So also is
true
and lasting prosperity. It is still better to say that true peace and
true
prosperity is like a well-built house and external peace and prosperity
are
like the external adornments of the house. However, if the adornments
fall,
the house will stand but if the house is destroyed, will the
adornments
then hang in the air?
O my brethren, the Christian teaching is the only reasonable teaching
about
peace and prosperity. All else is madness and foolishness. For, how
could
the servants build a mansion on the estate of the Master without
permission
of the Master and without His help?
O Lord, the source of eternal true peace and true prosperity, save us
from
the peace of the simple and the prosperity of fools.
To You be glory and thanks always. Amen.