by Debra K. Carey

Created on: January 31, 2008

To obtain wisdom you first must be wise. Sound contradictory? It isn't, really. Let me explain first, what wisdom isn't.

Wisdom is not the same as knowledge. Knowledge is merely acquaintance with the facts of a subject. Knowledge is awareness. Information plus inference (thought) equals knowledge. Understanding is not wisdom. Understanding is being able to think abstractly about the facts. It is comprehending, interpreting, and assigning meaning to the facts. Neither knowing nor understanding the facts is wisdom.

So what is wisdom, and can a human acquire it? Here are some thoughts on wisdom.

Wisdom is a trait that is developed by experience but not taught.

Wisdom is the best use of knowledge.

Wisdom is pure reason.

Wisdom is a virtue such as courage or justice.

Wisdom is one of the four cardinal virtues according to the Catholic church.

The Greeks loved wisdom. They even had a goddess of wisdom, Sophia.

Modern psychologists say this about wisdom: There is an overlap of the implicit theory of wisdom with intelligence, perceptiveness, spirituality, and shrewdness; it is evident that wisdom is a distinct term and not a composite of other terms.

In the Hebrew scriptures in the book of Exodus it says... and thou shalt speak to the wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom. Clearly this says you must be wise to receive wisdom.

In the book of Solomon we read that the King of Israel (Solomon) sought wisdom and found it. In the book of Psalms and again in the book of Proverbs we read that we must apply our heart (to seek) to wisdom and seek it with diligence. All through the Jewish and Christian Bible, wisdom is gained by experiencing the truth about the facts revealed.

So what is wisdom? It is the best use of knowledge, it is the best use of understanding. It is utilizing that knowledge and understanding in making choices. It is being able to discern and perceive differences in the choices available and choose what is the best.

How does a human being come to acquire wisdom? If the Hebrew writers were correct we must seek for wisdom. I take this to mean we must learn the facts or truth about a matter and practice making right choices. We must educate ourselves on what works the best and what is true. Not easy in a society that practices situational ethics.

If the Catholics are correct in their definition of wisdom, it is a virtue to be sought after. Virtues are ethical and right behavior towards mankind and God. To be wise is equal with being just or courageous. It means to do the right thing. For most humans, that is not always an easy thing. Especially, when everyone else is taking the easy road.

Can a human being acquire wisdom? It seems to do so, you must first acknowledge that wisdom comes from God and is not a natural inborn human trait. You must first seek and find what is true, understand or comprehend why it is true, and then use the truth you have grasped to make the best choice, then you may aquire wisdom.

It seems to me that a wise man will seek after the truth and endeavor to be filled with wisdom. Wisdom is knowing the truth, understanding the truth and basing your actions on the truth.

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