Commentary on Proverbs

Clement of Alexandria (150–215)

The proverb, according to barbarian philosophy, is called a mode of prophecy, and the parable is so called, and the enigma in addition. Further also, they are called wisdom; and again, as something different from it, "instruction and words of prudence," and "turnings of words" and "true righteousness"; and again, "teaching to direct judgment" and "subtlety to the simple," which is the result of training, and "perception and thought," with which the young catechumen is imbued.

There are things practiced in a vulgar style by some people, such as control over pleasures. For as among the heathen there are those who, from the impossibility of obtaining what one sees and from fear of men, and also for the sake of greater pleasures, abstain from the delights before them, so also, in the case of faith, some practice self-restraint, either out of regard to the promise or from fear of God. [Indeed] such self-restraint is the basis of knowledge, and an approach to something better, and an effort after perfection. For "the fear of the Lord," it is said, "is the beginning of wisdom."

See also

• More works by Clement of Alexandria

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