Wisdom

1. Definition:
1. 1828: The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or practice. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness.
1. Knowledge (information)
2. Choice (decision)
3. Discerning (perceptive)
1. Having wisdom is having a clear understanding of something. But not only having the information (for having denotes only knowledge), rather, having a clear idea of how to use the knowledge for good.
2. Quotes:
1. “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” (William Arthur Ward)
1. This quote does not even mention wisdom. But I think it’s very telling of what wisdom is. The realist here actually does something to change his situation. He applies his knowledge and actually tries to change his situation for the better.
2. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” (The Serenity Prayer)
1. The difference between submission and active change is the attribute of wisdom. A wise man knows that difference, and acts on it.
3. “We may know so much, yet learn so little. ‘Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?’ Again I ask, Where is wisdom?...Wisdom is to be found in pure intelligence—in that divine light which can guide people in all countries, all climes, and all continents.” (Russell M. Nelson, Where is Wisdom)
3. Scriptures:
1. “And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88: 118)
1. We are told that we must seek and teach wisdom to others. That we can gain that wisdom through study and faith.
2. “And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship” (Exodus 31: 3)
1. To restate this verse with Hebraic definitions added (found here: http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/40_exodus2.html): “And I have filled him with the spirit of God, with the ability to distinguish between the good and the bad, and with the ability to discern the processes of construction, and with an intimate ability to perform the tasks, and in all manner of workmanship”
3. “O be wise; what can I say more?” (Jacob 6:12)
4. Personal Definition:

Wisdom is perceiving the difference between the good and evil choices and acting on those. We must seek and teach wisdom to others. We are told to be wise, and if we are there is not much else we can do to be better.