What does Love have in common with Wisdom other than both are Virtues?
In my previous post I stated why I did not concur with a statement “most virtues are an imperfect balance” and will explore the virtue of Wisdom (or Prudence).
Definition
Wisdom is defined the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise, as behavior showing high moral standards.
One synonym of wisdom is sagacity, “acuteness of mental discernment and soundness of judgment.”
One antonym of wisdom is foolish, (of a person or action) lacking good sense or judgment; unwise.
Aspects of Wisdom
Wisdom is probably the most controversial word used in the world because of politics, religions, and philosophy. For example, in politics, some may believe in the Democrat Party and another in the Republican Party as wise. As for philosophers, their opinions are contingent on your choice or fancy who you prefer to believe. Problem with philosophers, in my opinion, is because they are human, they and their philosophy is fallible and subject to change.
King Solomon considered a fool as a person who did not believe in God in addition his or her actions, or choices of folly. In our modern time, fool has many negatives connotations added such as stupid, dumb, etc.
Wisdom (or Prudence) as a Virtue – Excerpt
Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it; “the prudent man looks where he is going.” [Prov. 14:15] “Keep sane and sober for your prayers.” [Lev. 19:15]
Prudence is “right reason in action,” writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle. [STh II-II,47,2] It is not to be confused with timidity or fear, nor with duplicity or dissimulation. It is called auriga virtutum (the charioteer of the virtues); it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure. It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance with this judgment. With the help of this virtue we apply moral principles to particular cases without error and overcome doubts about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid.
Practical Wisdom – Excerpt
“The wisdom to answer such questions and to act wisely was distinctly practical, not theoretical. It depended on our ability to perceive the situation, to have the appropriate feelings and desires about it, to deliberate about what is appropriate in the circumstances, and to act.
Divine Wisdom in the Bible
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 NIV)
King Solomon
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
King Solomon was said to be able to repeat from memory over three thousand proverbs of both practical and philosophical wisdom. However, he became a fool in his lifetime and recognized his failings and wasting his short time in life “chasing the wind.”
What is My Point?
Notice that both Divine Love and Wisdom are subject to Commandments, or belief in duty to our Creator. In my opinion, if all mankind would fulfill our duties to obey these Commandments of Love and Wisdom, this world would indeed be a better place.
Also, notice how Courage is associated to Wisdom “as the right reason” in the above orange highlighted statements. Courage as a Virtue is a “charioteer” which propels us to Divine Perfection, only if we obey the Commandments associated with Love and Wisdom. In other words, you cannot achieve moral perfection if you choose to disobey the Commandments associated with Love and Wisdom.
As for this comment which I do not concur in Post One, “(such as courage being a balance between running headlong into danger and cowardly running away),” This statement, which associated virtue with a vice, is what is out of balance with the virtues of Love and Wisdom.
For example, the heroes who threw themselves on a grenade to save their comrades did not take time to discern their action of courage. Yes, wisdom does indeed include discernment before action. However, it was love, rather than duty, that ‘charioted” the hero’s courage and choice to do what he knew was needed.
John 15:13 New King James Version (NKJV)
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
In My Next Post
I will explore how King Solomon managed to “take” courage, as David advised him. Also to explain why everyone has been blessed with Divine Love even though they may have no religious faith beliefs, including atheists, etc.
Regards and goodwill blogging.
Related Sources
Prudence, A Cardinal Virtue HERE
The Virtue of Courage HERE
LDivine Wisdom HERE
Previous Post
Post One HERE
Post Two HERE
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