Wisdom, Discernment and Sound Judgment

I’ve always said I want to be remembered when I’m gone as being wise.

But I got a new perspective and understanding of just what that means recently when I picked up a book and read three chapters on wisdom, discernment and sound judgment.   Very short chapters, actually, but for me, very long on insight.

I always thought being wise meant smart, intelligent and able to give people good advice.  I
remember being asked in a job interview once if I considered myself smart.  I answered that I think there are two kinds of smart….book smart and common sense smart.
I think I have a good mix of both.   I’m not a super brainiac, but I am privileged to have two great parents who trained me to face life head on, to prosper and thrive by making good and effective decisions and choices.  Compared to many, I am, I think, smarter than average.

What I understood in a new way after reading the book is that wisdom is sometimes a gift one is born with, but that it can also be nurtured and developed.  Wisdom leads to
discernment and sound judgment.   And that discernment and sound judgment yield many tangible and intangible life benefits.  Wisdom can protect you from being taken advantage of, from being sucked in by people who don’t have your best interests in mind or who are downright evil.  Wisdom is what keeps you open to new ideas.    It helps drive away fear and cope with disaster.  Wisdom protects us from making bad choices.   Wisdom makes us discerning and able to make sound judgments which yield those aforementioned benefits.

Now, more than ever, I want to be remembered as being wise.

The book, by the way, is the Bible.  Proverbs, Chapters 2, 3 and 4.  Worth the read no matter what your religious persuasion.