Wisdom

Wisdom implies not simply knowledge, but that type of knowing which is experienced and gives the capacity to judge; it has been defined as the correct and timely use of knowledge, knowledge itself arising from the practice of awareness. Such wisdom is inherent in the word philosophy, the love of wisdom.

Every culture and religion has prized wisdom, whether in the practical sense (knowledge of right living and the ability to pass that knowledge to others); or as an intellectual attainment: "...the price of wisdom is above rubies". In the practical sense, wisdom is demonstrated in the proverbs of China, and in the rational and practical good sense of the Old Testament; whereas intellectual wisdom gave rise to the Indian Vedic and classical Greek literature. In the Judaic tradition, wisdom is the highest ideal and is equated with true understanding of the law - Torah. King Solomon asked for wisdom above all gifts at the beginning of his reign and, as a reward, received riches and other endowments as well. The wisdom of Solomon became legendary. Wisdom is closely equated with religious observance - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111). The Socratic and Platonic traditional approach implies that wisdom brings knowledge of the self and of one's own ignorance, and also an awareness of orderly conduct and an appreciation of the beautiful. In Zen literature, when something is known or valued for its relation to life, that is said to be wisdom or buddhi; perfect wisdom, prajna is what is known by the 'Buddha-mind'. Some traditions suggest that the assimilation of wisdom is permanent and does not need to be re-acquired in subsequent lifetimes.

Wisdom as the perfection of man suggests, whether directly or indirectly, a knowledge of God. "Fear of the Lord, that is wisdom". According to St Thomas Aquinas there are three realizations  of wisdom:

• metaphysics , based on reason;
• theology, based on faith and reason; and
• mystical wisdom, the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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