God in His wisdom has decided that He will reward no works but His own.

The quote "God in His wisdom has decided that He will reward no works but His own" by Johannes Tauler reflects the idea that human efforts, no matter how virtuous, are ultimately insufficient in achieving salvation or spiritual fulfillment. Tauler, a German mystic and theologian, is emphasizing that God’s wisdom determines that only divine works—the actions and grace of God—are worthy of reward. This suggests that even the best human deeds are incomplete and dependent on God's grace to be truly effective in the eyes of the divine.

Tauler’s statement points to the central Christian belief that salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned through human effort alone. While humans are called to live righteous lives and perform good works, those works are only meaningful if they align with and are inspired by God's will. Tauler suggests that human pride and self-reliance must be set aside in favor of recognizing that all true goodness and merit come from God.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Tauler’s mysticism, particularly his teachings on the relationship between the soul and God. He was influenced by the medieval Christian mystical tradition, which focused on the interior life and the need for personal union with God. Tauler often wrote and preached about the idea that divine grace, rather than human achievement, is the true source of spiritual growth. In this quote, he underscores the necessity of humility and surrender to God’s will, recognizing that humans can do nothing on their own to earn divine favor.

Ultimately, this quote serves as a reminder that true spiritual reward comes from God’s grace alone, and human works, no matter how noble, are not the source of salvation. It encourages believers to rely on God’s wisdom and acknowledge that it is through divine action that all spiritual growth and fulfillment are made possible.