Wisdom is difficult to describe. Many misdefine wisdom. Wisdom is not knowledge. Wisdom is not demonstrated by superior knowledge or by good decisions. Wisdom is seen in one’s life, in one’s practice. One shows oneself wise by what one does. Wisdom is visible in right living.
Wisdom is not to be equated with knowing what is right. Wisdom is developed little by little in our lives by committing to and practicing what is right, and by noticing the results of that commitment. Our commitment to do what is right sometimes seems to suceed and sometimes seems to fail, at least according to point of view of the world. But in God’s eyes, doing what is right always succeeds.
One who is committed to doing what is right and lives out that commitment will become wise. Wise people do not have to be certain of the results before they act. Wisdom is significantly different than pragmatism. Wise people do not act for self interests but for the interest of what is right. Wisdom is free to act, trusting that a commitment to what is right, and a commitment to God, godliness and the imitation of Christ, will bring to life the results that glorify God and teach God’s people what we need to know.