Clever

We see philosophical wisdom and practical wisdom. These are opinions we form for good both in method and in application. We see virtue as a moral standard for excelling in how we go about doing things involving others. But as we step back and examine these, we see that people don't always apply them to their lives. There is a part that helps us to accomplish our choices called cleverness. A person can be clever at doing what is good or bad. We admire those who get away with things they shouldn't at times; movies and t.v. capitalize on this. The core of a person's nature may be messed up and they chose to do bad things yet do them well. This cleverness isn't considered wise although we might call someone who is wise clever.

Goodness makes the difference. A person who has formed good habits of the mind will be more apt to go after good things. Some are more clever at it than others. You can be good but not very clever. It is possible to be smart or clever but to take routes that harm yourself or others. This shouldn't be confused with the wisdom; the difference is whether the objects of choice are good. Discreet and indiscreet people may both know the truth about something. A discreet person will take peoples feelings into consideration and use tact while an indiscreet person doesn't care if others are hurt. They both may be sharp and have things figured out but the discreet person is using wisdom in applying it in a good way. He is more interested in what is good for the person rather than showing his intelligence.

This can be applied in other areas too. Someone can have genuine love but not handle it well. We have all seen the person who is great with money and numbers and yet rips people off. Sometimes they take unnecessary risks due to greed. This person is clever but doesn't consider the good of others and himself. A person who is both considerate and clever is wise. Wisdom doesn't only consist of how much college a person has or how clever a person is.  It must have the addition of ethics where we care about what is good for ourselves and others. Not in a self defeating sense since there are always those people who don't respond the way we would like. We learn to treat others well and enjoy the good while we use diligence to accomplish what is in our heart...