A wise person is one who knows how to manage his time, his resources, his affairs and others well. A wise person is also one who can get along well with anybody.
Now what the world terms as being wise, albeit its agreement with the above mentioned statement, is entirely different. Wisdom as most of us know is from God. But if we are not careful, what the world terms as wisdom can subtly lead us to fall into the trap of manipulation.
Many are led to believe that in order to manage people, resources or time, they have to 'be nice' to people. So they will normally tend to make use of people by being very obliging to them when they need them and disregard them when they are of no more use to them.
Let us say Tom needs help from Simon. He will buy expensive gifts for Simon to impress him. He will seem to like what Simon likes, eat what he eats, go where he goes and even worship whomever or whatever he worships. Once Tom's need has been met, and if he does not need any more services from Simon, he will immediately change his tune. The way he will now respond to Simon will be different. He may even begin to shun Simon. Here Tom has been manipulative in his dealings with Simon and he considers himself as being wise.
Some use fear as a tool to manage their affairs. For example, I know of someone who gets her way and her work done by instilling fear in her subordinates. This too is manipulation though she may think otherwise.
What then is being wise? Loving the other person as you would love yourself is the key to real wisdom. When you have love within you and when you begin to exercise unconditional love, then the Author of Love will reside within you and fill you with His Wisdom. True wisdom is focusing on God and doing what He wants you to do. Only then, I believe, you will be wise and not otherwise.
Blessings
Mary Augustine
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