(العربية) مقال نيافة الأنبا إرميا – الحكمة (3) – أخبار اليوم – 4/5/2013

In the previous article, we mentioned types of wisdom, and some attributes of a wise person, such as humility, patience, longsuffering and meekness.
Today, we continue discussing wisdom, clarifying the difference between wisdom and intelligence, the difference between wisdom and knowledge, we will present fields where man’s wisdom is featured, and finally we will present some models of wise characters.

Wisdom & Intelligence:
Some people think wisdom is intelligence, but this is wrong, for intelligence is the ability to quickly perceive and grasp information. As for wisdom, it is using that perception and understanding to make right decisions at the right time, to be achieved practically in man’s life for his own good and that of humanity.

Man is free to use his intelligence and understanding, either for good or for evil. Many intelligent people used their intelligence to serve and help humanity and ease human sufferings, while others used theirs in evil and to trouble others.

Wisdom & Knowledge:
Some people think wisdom is knowledge that man can master in his life, and by increasing knowledge wisdom increases, but actually, knowledge relates to the mind and the information that man can obtain and grasp, yet wisdom takes man to a further depth, for it is related to behavior and practical life.

Wisdom doesn’t mean that man merely possesses a great amount of information in various fields, but he must have the ability to turn this knowledge into appropriate behavior at the right time to achieve the best outcomes.
Knowledge is good for man, but unless it turns into decent behavior that can be followed, then it loses its value, strength and impact. A wise man once said: “Wisdom is not perfect if it is learned only through reading.” And the Scripture says: “Knowledge puffs up” and “But with the humble is wisdom”. Thus, not everybody who has knowledge is a wise man, on the contrary every wise man has great knowledge, and it is said that science organizes man’s knowledge, but wisdom organizes his life.

I once read an admirable story about a wealthy young man, who wanted to offer a very precious present to his mother on Mother’s Day, and after deep thought, he bought her a very beautiful bluebird, capable of learning five languages. He paid thousands of dollars for it and sent it to his mother with a pleasant card congratulating her. On Mother’s Day, he phoned her to congratulate her and she made no mention of the present, so he asked: “Mother, have you received the present?” “Son, thank you for the nice card and your tender words”, she answered.
“Have you received the bird?” he asked.
“Yes, son! Thank you, it tasted delicious!” she answered.
The youth was shocked, because his mother slaughtered the thousand-dollar bird, while he was eagerly expecting that his mother would teach it some languages, then be entertained by conversing with it.
This is the case of someone with knowledge, but having no wisdom, thereby receiving no benefit.

Aspects Demonstrating Human Wisdom:

In Words:
Man’s wisdom is manifested whenever he selects his words and expressions very accurately, also when he selects the suitable and effective words, then his words will have the greatest impact and ability to change people who listen to him.

In Time:
The wise man knows how to choose the right words at the right time, as we have just mentioned, so that either his presentation or requests will have the greatest impact on others.

As he chooses the right time, he also appreciates time and its importance, so he never wastes his time in vain or in destructive matters, for he always concerns himself with self-edification and the edification of those around him. It is said that nine-tenths of wisdom is to be wise with regards to time.

In Management:
Man’s wisdom is manifested in his management and leadership ability to lead those around him to a safe harbor, for he is like a successful captain who leads the ship with all its passengers, at a time of calmness and stillness of the sea, as well as at a time of stormy weather and a raging sea, heading to the harbor safely.

Wise Characters:
King Solomon:
One of the wise characters, who could lead and rule the people at a peaceful and quiet time, is “Solomon the wise” the successor of his father David the prophet.

For Solomon requested wisdom of God, Who granted it to him with delight, in addition to granting him everything else, such that there was none like Solomon on earth: “Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?”
Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king – wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.”
Solomon ruled through wisdom, and all the people feared him, seeing his wisdom that was granted him by God.

Joseph the Righteous:
The other character that ruled during a stormy time is “Joseph the Righteous” who could save the whole world from a severe famine. When the Pharaoh of Egypt sensed Joseph’s wisdom, he told him: “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you”. So Joseph led the ship successfully, till the tempest had ended.
I’ll conclude my article with this story:

One day, there was an argument among the five fingers of the hand, each finger wanting to be the greatest, so the Thumb boasted of its greatness and grandeur, while the Index Finger boasted of its dominance, and the Middle Finger boasted of its length, as for the Ring Finger, it considered itself the best, then the Pinkie spoke so humbly about its service, love and support for all the fingers that lean on it.
So is the wise person, best only through love and service of everybody. “If riches are a desirable possession in life, what is richer than wisdom who effects all things?!”
To be continued…