A citation from the library
Patristic A.D. 254 · Historical Christian Faith commentaries database, on Sir 22:19 (HOMILIES ON GENESIS 12:5)

Origen, on Sir 22:19

Origen · c. A.D. 184–253
Sir 22:19 · Douay-Rheims
“A frame of wood bound together in the foundation of a building, shall not be loosed: so neither shall the heart that is established by advised counsel.”
On this verse:
“Let us try to do what Wisdom admonishes us, saying, "Drink the waters from your own springs and pools, and let your spring be your own." Make sure, O hearer, that you have your own well and spring, so that you, when you take in hand the book of the Scriptures, may also begin to express from your own learning some understanding of the text, and, in agreement with what you have learned in church, you too may also attempt to drink from the source of your own spirit. Within you is the source of living water, perennial veins and abundant currents flowing with rational understanding if they have not been obstructed by earth and detritus. But get busy so that you can dig out your earth and purify it from the filth, that is, in order to remove laziness from your soul and throw out the inactivity of your heart. For listen to what the Scripture says: "Sting the eye, and it will bring forth a tear; sting the heart, and it will bring forth understanding." Therefore you too should purify your spirit so that you may drink from your own living springs and may draw living water from your wells. For, in fact, if you have received in yourself the Word of God, if you have received living water from Jesus and have received it with faith, it will become in you a "fountain of water that springs up to eternal life."”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.

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