If intelligence is the ability to know things, wisdom knows what to do with what you know.

For example…

Intelligent people know the rules of poker.

Wise people, “Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.”

Intelligent people know that OSU plays football.

Wise people know there’s only one Oklahoma and they win football.

Intelligent people know the difference between Star Trek and Star Wars.

Wise people know that arguing about it guarantees you’ll be single and living in your mother’s basement for life.

Intelligent people know that you can pick your friends and you can pick your nose.

Wise people know that you can’t wipe your friends on the back of the couch.

Intelligent people recognize a silly joke.

Wise people know when it’s time to move on.

Wisdom is the exponential effect of what happens when information, insight, understanding, discernment, and discretion combine.

There are lessons in life that are unavoidable. Experience teaches the lesson after the choice is made leaving you to struggle with the consequences of your actions. Through wisdom, you learn the same lesson but before the decision is made empowering you to avoid the unwanted or unprofitable repercussions of foolishness. More than that, wisdom gives you the capacity to exceed your own expectations and the expectations of others. It equips you for lasting success. It enables you, with humility, to choose the best path.

Our world is complicated. From politics to economics, religion to relationships, science, and morality, the daily decisions of our lives create unique challenges. What will it take for me to be happy? What’s the best way to manage my finances? Will I ever have a lasting, healthy relationship with another person? Which school should I attend? What job should I take? Where should I live? These are important choices that determine the quality and story of our lives.

It’s tempting to frame each choice through the lens of one question, “What’s the right thing to do?” Yet all too often the right thing is the most challenging thing to find. So many of our choices are not between right and wrong, but between what’s good, better, and best. Both jobs are good, but which one is better? Each community seems like a great place to live. But which one is best? We have a great relationship. Is she the one? Should I pop the question? Seeking the right thing to do often leaves us confused and unsatisfied. So let’s ask a better question.

Instead of asking, “What’s the right thing to do?” Let’s ask, “What’s the wise thing to do?” That’s a far better question.

Based on our past experiences, current circumstances, and our future hopes and dreams, “What’s the wise thing to do?”

Through our past experience, we’ve gained education. We’ve worked through the consequences of poor choices. Wisdom honors your past and informs your future. What’s the wise thing to do?

Our current circumstances are managed risks. The path on the left takes us one direction. The road on the right leads another. Will the choice we make at this moment become the story we’re proud to tell? Or will it be the choice that shames us into becoming liars for life? What’s the wise thing to do?

The future is filled with hopes and dreams. Each step we take draws us closer to our intended outcome or moves us further away from the life we’ve always wanted. What’s the wise thing to do?

An ancient king once said, “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you. Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.”

Wisdom is the principal thing. With every choice let’s pursue the wise thing to do.

Originally published in the Owasso Reporter