Life’s Purpose #18 - Sharing Wisdom
“As I learn and grow from my experiences, I want to share that wisdom with others.”
Wisdom is the word that jumped out at me. We learn and grow from our experiences. Is that the meaning of wisdom? The dictionary says wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgement. Another definition says wisdom is insight or the soundness of a decision or action with regard to the application of experience, knowledge and good judgement. So it seems true that we gain wisdom as we learn and grow from our experiences.
Knowledge of what is true or right along with just judgement as to action is another definition for wisdom. We can have all the information in the world stored in our brains, but if we don’t know how to apply it and move that knowledge to action, we don’t have wisdom. Wisdom is knowing when and how to use your knowledge, being able to put situations into perspective, and how to impart that knowledge to others.
In contrast to knowledge, wisdom is guidance or direction about what to do in any given situation. Wisdom is not only experience but an understanding of how to apply your life experiences to the present. When you make wise decisions, you need to keep your immediate needs in mind as well as hold a long-term perspective. This is the key to making choices that bring you joy. Wisdom also allows you to make better contributions to your community by balancing your needs and boundaries with those of others.
What is the difference between an intelligent person and a wise person? Intelligence and wisdom are two sides of the same coin. They are both our mental ability to succeed and live in this world. Intelligence is a person’s capacity to store and use information while wisdom is more practical knowledge gained through experience.
The most likely way to identify a wise person is to have a conversation with them about life. This likely means to talk about a shared, or personal, event that has already taken place. One of your life experiences.
Here are some characteristics of a wise person. They educate themselves. They are life-long learners. A wise person is disciplined. They admit their mistakes and learn from them. They are patient and they take instruction humbly. They can handle rejection and failure. They know they can only control themselves and they are guided by wisdom.
King Solomon was known as a very wise king. At a young age, Solomon was called by God to do a very big job. He knew that he needed help in knowing how to be a good King and take good care of his kingdom. Solomon asked God for wisdom. He could have asked God for money or material possessions but instead, he asked for wisdom.
The Bible says in Proverbs 4:6-7, "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get understanding."
James 1:5 tells us that if you ask for wisdom, God will give it generously without finding fault: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Wisdom is a virtue that isn’t innate. It can only be acquired through experience. If you are interested in trying new things and reflecting on the process, you have the ability to gain wisdom. By learning as much as you can, analyzing your experiences and putting your knowledge to the test, you can become a wiser person. Get as much life experience as possible. Spend time reading. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Listen more than speak. Develop critical thinking skills. Listen to understand what others want. Accept that you cannot force your wisdom on others.
Wisdom allows us to succeed by putting what we know into action. When we apply the information we have acquired we can resolve a variety of issues, situations and concerns that we have not previously witnessed, experienced or studied.
Wisdom provides contentment, joy and peace. Wisdom helps you make wise decisions that are beneficial for you and others.
# living life abundantly # published author # travelling tuesdays
