Wisdom: The Difference Between Knowing and Understanding

Wisdom isn’t just about knowing facts or having a high IQ.

It’s about applying what you know in the right way, at the right time, for the right reasons. You can read every book in the world and still make poor decisions if you don’t hit the pause button to think, reflect, and listen to others.

A wise person isn’t quick to speak or react. They consider what’s in front of them, how it impacts others, and what the long-term effect might be. Wisdom comes from experience, but more importantly, it comes from learning from that experience.

Let’s say you own a business and one of your employees makes a mistake that costs you a client. A smart boss might fire them on the spot. But a wise boss pauses, asks questions, and listens. They realize the employee was overwhelmed, short-staffed, or simply made an honest mistake. Instead of punishment, the wise boss trains them better, helps them grow, and builds long-term loyalty and a stronger team.

Wisdom sees beyond the moment. It plays the long game. And in business and life, it’s often the difference between just surviving and truly thriving.

Please do check my other blogs on various topics as well as my book, Crisis=Opportunity: Finding Growth and Resilience in Challenging Times. Thank you.