![Wisdom](http://josephmichael.coach/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Wisdom-300x300.png)
Description
Wisdom is the guardian of our choices. It helps us to discern the right path at the right moment. It gives us clarity of thought and deeper understanding. We use our best judgment, resisting the pull of impulse and desire. Wisdom gives us the maturity and patience to make sustainable decisions. We seek knowledge, enter reflection and open ourselves to inspiration. We consider carefully, then act confidently. Wisdom takes us beyond thought to a deeper knowing. Wisdom grounds us in grace.
Quote
“I, Wisdom, am mistress of discretion, the inventor of lucidity of thought. Good advice and sound judgment belongs to me, perception….strength…”
— Proverbs 8:12-14
The Practice of Wisdom
- I make discerning choices.
- I resist destracting impulses.
- I listen to my better judgment.
- I reflect before I act.
- I seek spiritual guidance.
- I trust my deepest truth.
Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.
In Family Life
The virtue of Wisdom in a family manifests as a collective ability to make thoughtful and informed decisions while nurturing open communication and understanding among its members. It’s demonstrated through the family’s capacity to consider the long-term consequences of their actions, prioritize harmony over fleeting disagreements, and seek solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Wise families encourage active listening, value diverse perspectives, and create an environment where each member’s experiences and insights are respected. This virtue is reflected in their choices as they navigate challenges with patience and discernment, fostering an atmosphere of mutual growth, shared learning, and unconditional support.
Balancing Wisdom
Several virtues can be our allies to maintain a balanced approach to wisdom.
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- Courage: Courage complements wisdom by encouraging us to act when necessary, even in uncertainty. Courage allows us to take calculated risks and move forward with conviction, bridging the gap between wisdom and action.
- Humility: Humility helps keep wisdom in check. By acknowledging that we do not have all the answers and that our judgments may not always be infallible, humility encourages us to seek input from others and remain open to different perspectives. This ensures that our wisdom is not tainted by arrogance or a closed mind.
- Compassion: Compassion reminds us to consider the well-being of others in our decisions, preventing wisdom from becoming self-serving or callous. Compassion reminds us that the true power of wisdom lies in its ability to benefit ourselves and those around us.
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These virtues allow us to navigate life’s complexities with grace and integrity. In doing so, we unlock the full potential of wisdom as a guiding force that enriches our lives and those of others.