Thursday, December 30, 2010

Tao Bible - 2 Chronicles 1:11-12

And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
~ King James version ~

True wisdom teaches that simplicity and humility are the way of the sage.
~ possible Taoist alternative ~
God not only gives Solomon "wisdom and knowledge" but, because Solomon didn't request grandeur as well, God throws that in as a bonus.

The sage knows that wealth and honor are bound up in desire. How ever much we possess, we want more. The sage has no use for such pretensions. A simple life without vain encumbrances leaves the heart much more open to Tao.

If you're interested in reading more from this experimental series, go to the Tao Bible Index page.

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