Cleverness Quote by John Calvin
“it must be plain also that we should not anxiously strive for riches and honors by relying on our own diligence or cleverness or by depending on the favor of men or by trusting in the notion of good luck, but that we should always expect the Lord to direct us to the lot he has provided for us.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1536
We should not rely on personal effort or luck for prosperity, but trust that God will provide our destiny.
In simple terms: Trust God, not personal cleverness, for your path.
Key Takeaway
Seek divine guidance over self‑reliance.
Themes
faith
humility
trust
divine providence
Mood
reflective
reverent
Type
spiritual
theological
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- financial planning
- spiritual discernment
- life purpose
- risk management
Key Concepts
theodicy
providence
spiritual dependence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern God's direction?
- What role does personal effort play in faith?
A Different Perspective
Human effort can be misguided; divine plans may be unclear.
