Special and chosen sermons of D. Martin Luther collected out of his writings and…

Wherefore, albeit men look into the Scripture, which setteth forth the kingdom of Christ, affirming it to be most precious, nevertheless they have not such a care what the words signify, neither do they mark that true wisdom is hidden therein, which excelleth our wisdom by many degrees. For it is not Christian wisdom to have to do with men which are accounted wise, and skilful, and to make mention, and talk of them,¹ but to be occupied among the unwise and them that lack understanding, not that delight & pleasure should be taken thereof, but that they may come from sin and foolishness to righteousness and sound understanding. Hereof it appeareth that Christian wisdom doth consist in this, not that we look aloft, & consider those things which are high and wise, and behold and see our selves in them as it were in a glass, but that we look to those things that are below, & mark that which is humble & foolish. He which knoweth this, let him give thanks unto God. For by this knowledge he becometh such a one as is able to prepare and apply him self to every thing which is in the world. But ye shall find many, yea even among them that preach the Gospel, which are not yet come thus far. Hitherto we have been so instructed & accustomed, that none must come unto Christ, before he be altogether clean, thou must therefore forsake that opinion, that thou mayest attain to true understanding, that thou mayest know Christ aright, how he is the true and good shepherd, whereof we have heard sufficient.

Wherfore, albeit men looke into the Scripture, which setteth forth the kingdome of Christ, affirming it to be most precious, neuertheles they haue not such a care what the wordes signifie, neither doe they marke that true wisedom is hidden therein, which excelleth our wisedom by many degrees. For it is not Christian wisedom to haue to doe with men which are accounted wise, and skilfull, and to make mention, and talke of them,¹ but to be occupied among the vnwise and them that lack vnderstanding, not that delight & pleasure should be taken thereof, but that they may come from sinne and foolishnes to righteousnes and sound vnderstanding. Hereof it appeareth that Christian wisedom doth consist in this, not that we looke aloft, & consider those thinges which are high and wise, and behold and see our selues in thē as it were in a glasse, but that we looke to those things that are belowe, & marke that which is humble & foolish. He which knoweth this, let him giue thankes vnto God. For by this knowledge he becommeth such a one as is able to prepare and apply him selfe to euery thing which is in the world. But ye shall finde many, yea euen among them that preach the Gospell, which are not yet come thus farre. Hitherto we haue bene so instructed & accustomed, that none must come vnto Christ, before he be altogether cleane, thou must therefore forsake that opinion, that thou maist attaine to true vnderstanding, that thou maist knowe Christ aright, howe he is the true and good shepeheard, whereof we haue heard sufficient.