wise

Everyday

1. Wise means having good sense and making good choices because of knowledge and experience. tree →
2. A wise decision or action is a sensible one. tree →
3. «Wise to» (informal) means knowing about a trick. tree →
4. A person who is wise about something knows a lot about it from experience, such as a horse-harness expert who is bridle-wise. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and fables, the wise old owl or the wise king gives good advice; wisdom is shown through good choices, not just knowing facts. In everyday life and safety, «it would be wise to wear a helmet» means it is the sensible choice. Phrases: «a wise choice», «wise words», «none the wiser» (still not knowing), «get wise to» (find out about a trick).

Examples

• The wise old owl gave good advice. tree →
• It was wise to bring an umbrella. tree →
• Grandma is very wise. tree →
• Making a wise choice takes thinking. tree →
• It is not wise to swim alone. tree →
• The king asked his wisest friend for help. tree →
• Learn from wise people's mistakes. tree →
• He took the toy back and nobody was any the wiser. tree →
• The wise woman nodded her head. tree →

Note

Comparison: wiser, wisest. The noun is «wisdom». A clever person knows a lot; a wise person uses it well — they are not the same. «Wise guy» is a rude word for someone who thinks they are clever.

In Jewish tradition

Skilled or clever, as in "wise-hearted" craftsmen, as well as sensible and understanding.

Interpretation. The "wise-hearted" who built the Tabernacle are read as people whose skill was a gift from God. Joseph is the model of a wise and discreet leader.

Examples

• If they were wise, they would understand this, they would discern their latter end. (Torah DEU.32.29, JPS 1917) tree →
• And let every wise-hearted man among you come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded: (Torah EXO.35.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. (Torah GEN.41.33, JPS 1917) tree →
• These also are sayings of the wise. (Writings PRO.24.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• Where are they, then, thy wise men? (Prophets ISA.19.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. (Writings PRO.8.33, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Comparison: wiser, wisest. The noun is «wisdom». A clever person knows a lot; a wise person uses it well — they are not the same. «Wise guy» is a rude word for someone who thinks they are clever.