WISDOM, n. s as z. [G. See Wise.]

1. 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. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion. If differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Prudence then is a species, of which wisdom is the genus. Wisdom gained by experience, is of inestimable value. – Scott. It is hoped that our rulers will act with dignity and wisdom; that they will yield every thing to reason, and refuse every thing to force. – Ames.
2. In Scripture, human learning; erudition; knowledge of arts and sciences. Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. – Acts vii.
3. Quickness of intellect; readiness of apprehension; dexterity in execution; as, the wisdom of Bezaleel and Aholiab. – Exod. xxxi.
4. Natural instinct and sagacity. – Job xxxii.
5. In Scripture theology, wisdom is true religion; godliness; piety; the knowledge and fear of God, and sincere and uniform obedience to his commands. This is the wisdom which is from above. – Ps. xc. Job xxviii.
6. Profitable words or doctrine. – Ps. xxxviii. The wisdom of this world, mere human erudition; or the carnal policy of men, their craft and artifices in promoting their temporal interests; called also fleshly wisdom. – 1 Cor. ii. 2 Cor. i. The wisdom of words, artificial or affected eloquence; or learning displayed in teaching. 1 Cor. i, ii.

1. The quality of being wise; knowledge, and the capacity to make due use of it; knowledge of the best ends and the best means; discernment and judgment; discretion; sagacity; skill; dexterity.
   
   

   We speak also not in wise words of man's wisdom, but in the doctrine of the spirit. Wyclif (1 Cor. ii. 13).

   Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job xxviii. 28.

   It is hoped that our rulers will act with dignity and wisdom that they will yield everything to reason, and refuse everything to force. Ames.

   Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom. Coleridge.

2. The results of wise judgments; scientific or practical truth; acquired knowledge; erudition.
   
   

   Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. Acts vii. 22.

   Syn. -- Prudence; knowledge. Wisdom, Prudence, Knowledge. Wisdom has been defined to be "the use of the best means for attaining the best ends." "We conceive," says Whewell, " prudence as the virtue by which we select right means for given ends, while wisdom implies the selection of right ends as well as of right means." Hence, wisdom implies the union of high mental and moral excellence. Prudence (that is, providence, or forecast) is of a more negative character; it rather consists in avoiding danger than in taking decisive measures for the accomplishment of an object. Sir Robert Walpole was in many respects a prudent statesman, but he was far from being a wise one. Burke has said that prudence, when carried too far, degenerates into a "reptile virtue," which is the more dangerous for its plausible appearance. Knowledge, a more comprehensive term, signifies the simple apprehension of facts or relations. "In strictness of language," says Paley, " there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom; wisdom always supposing action, and action directed by it."

   Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one,
   Have ofttimes no connection. Knowledge dwells
   In heads replete with thoughts of other men;
   Wisdom, in minds attentive to their own.
   Knowledge, a rude, unprofitable mass,
   The mere materials with which wisdom builds,
   Till smoothed, and squared, and fitted to its place,
   Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich.
   Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much;
   Wisdom is humble that he knows no more. Cowper.

   Wisdom tooth, the last, or back, tooth of the full set on each half of each jaw in man; -- familiarly so called, because appearing comparatively late, after the person may be supposed to have arrived at the age of wisdom. See the Note under Tooth, 1.