In the journey of life, we often encounter two types of people: the wise and the cunning. Although these terms might seem similar, they reflect very different attitudes and behaviors. Understanding the difference is essential, especially from a Christian perspective. The Bible provides profound insights into wisdom and cunning, guiding us to discern between the two.
Definition of Wisdom
Wisdom is a virtue. It combines knowledge, experience, and good judgment. A wise person knows what to do and when to do it. Wisdom often grows from learning and life experiences. It is not just about knowing many things; it’s about understanding the deeper meaning of life and making decisions that lead to good outcomes.
In Christianity, wisdom is highly valued. Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This verse emphasizes that true wisdom comes from a relationship with God. It is about aligning our thoughts and actions with His will.
Definition of Cunning
Cunning, on the other hand, has a negative connotation. It refers to the ability to achieve one’s ends by deceitful or dishonest means. A cunning person is clever and strategic, but their motives are often selfish. They use their intelligence to manipulate situations and people to their advantage.
The Bible warns against cunning behavior. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus advises His disciples, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Here, Jesus distinguishes between being wise and being cunning. He encourages wisdom but warns against harming others through deceit.
Characteristics of Wisdom
1. Humility: Wise people are humble. They recognize their limitations and seek guidance from others. They do not boast about their knowledge but use it to help others.
2. Patience: Wisdom involves patience. Wise individuals understand that good things take time. They do not rush into decisions but think things through carefully.
3. Discernment: A wise person can discern right from wrong. They see beyond the surface and understand the deeper implications of their actions.
4. Compassion: Wisdom is often accompanied by compassion. Wise individuals care about others and seek to act in ways that benefit everyone.
5. Integrity: Wise people have integrity. They are honest and uphold strong moral principles. They do not compromise their values for personal gain.
Characteristics of Cunning
Deceitfulness: Cunning individuals often resort to lying or misleading others. They manipulate facts to serve their purposes.
Selfishness: Cunning behavior is driven by self-interest. Such individuals prioritize their gains over the well-being of others.
Manipulation: Cunning people are skilled at influencing others. They exploit weaknesses and use people as means to an end.
Short-sightedness: While cunning individuals might achieve short-term success, they often fail to consider the long-term consequences of their actions.
Lack of Integrity: Cunning behavior lacks moral integrity. These individuals are willing to compromise their values to achieve their goals.
Biblical Examples of Wisdom
Solomon: King Solomon is a prime example of wisdom in the Bible. When God asked what he wanted, Solomon chose wisdom to govern his people. His wise judgment is illustrated in the story of the two women claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3:16-28). Solomon’s decision revealed his deep understanding and fairness.
Joseph: Joseph’s wisdom is evident in his ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41). He advised storing grain during the seven years of abundance to prepare for the seven years of famine. His wisdom saved Egypt from disaster.
Biblical Examples of Cunning
Jacob: Jacob’s cunning nature is seen in his deception of his father Isaac (Genesis 27). He disguised himself as his brother Esau to receive the blessing meant for him. Though Jacob was chosen by God, his deceitful actions brought conflict and strife.
Judas Iscariot: Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, is known for his betrayal. He used cunning to negotiate with the chief priests to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). His deceitful act led to Jesus’ crucifixion.
The Consequences of Wisdom and Cunning
The outcomes of wisdom and cunning are starkly different. Wisdom leads to peace, prosperity, and respect. A wise person’s actions are blessed by God and benefit the community. In contrast, cunning behavior often results in distrust, conflict, and eventual downfall. The Bible teaches that God opposes the deceitful but grants favor to the humble and wise (Proverbs 3:34).
How to Cultivate Wisdom
Seek God’s Guidance: Prayer and reading the Bible are crucial. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Learn from Experience: Reflect on past experiences. Learn from mistakes and successes. Wisdom grows with time and experience.
Listen to Others: Be open to advice and feedback. Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
Practice Humility: Recognize that you do not have all the answers. Be willing to admit when you are wrong and learn from others.
Act with Integrity: Make decisions that align with your values and beliefs. Do not compromise your principles for short-term gains.
Avoiding Cunning Behavior
Be Honest: Always speak the truth. Avoid lying or misleading others, even if it seems beneficial.
Think Long-Term: Consider the long-term consequences of your actions. Do not sacrifice future stability for immediate gains.
Respect Others: Treat others with respect and fairness. Do not use people as means to an end.
Develop Empathy: Understand and care about the feelings of others. Empathy can deter manipulative behavior.
Stay Accountable: Surround yourself with people who hold you accountable. They can provide guidance and help you stay on the right path.
See Also: What Does Leviticus Say About Marriage?
Wisdom in Daily Life
Wisdom can be applied in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional decisions. In relationships, wisdom involves empathy, patience, and effective communication. It means resolving conflicts peacefully and making decisions that strengthen the bond.
In the workplace, wisdom is crucial for leadership. Wise leaders inspire trust and respect. They make decisions that benefit the team and the organization in the long run. They handle challenges with grace and guide their team with integrity.
In personal growth, wisdom involves self-reflection and continuous learning. It means being open to new experiences and learning from them. Wise individuals set goals that align with their values and work steadily towards achieving them.
Cunning in Daily Life
Cunning behavior can be detrimental in various contexts. In personal relationships, it leads to distrust and conflict. Manipulative actions may bring short-term gains but ultimately damage the relationship.
In the workplace, cunning individuals may achieve temporary success through deceitful means. However, this often leads to a toxic work environment. Colleagues may become distrustful, and the individual’s reputation can suffer.
For personal growth, cunning behavior is counterproductive. It focuses on short-term success at the expense of long-term development. It hinders genuine learning and self-improvement.
Biblical Encouragement for Wisdom
The Bible is rich with encouragement for those seeking wisdom. James 1:5 offers reassurance: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This verse underscores God’s willingness to grant wisdom to those who seek it sincerely.
Proverbs is filled with advice on wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 states, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” This emphasizes the value of wisdom and the effort required to attain it.
The Role of Faith in Wisdom
Faith plays a crucial role in developing wisdom. Trusting in God and His plan provides a foundation for wise decision-making. It involves seeking God’s will in all aspects of life and aligning actions with His teachings.
Faith also provides comfort and guidance in difficult times. It reassures us that God’s wisdom is perfect, even when we do not understand His ways. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
The Dangers of Cunning in Faith
Cunning behavior contradicts the principles of faith. It involves deceit, which is contrary to the teachings of Jesus. In John 8:44, Jesus describes the devil as “a liar and the father of lies.” Engaging in cunning behavior aligns one with deceit, rather than truth and righteousness.
Furthermore, cunning behavior can erode one’s faith. It shifts focus from trusting God to relying on one’s manipulative skills. This can lead to a sense of isolation and spiritual decline.
Wisdom and Community
Wisdom benefits not only the individual but also the community. A wise person contributes positively to society. Their actions foster trust, cooperation, and harmony. They serve as role models and mentors, guiding others towards virtuous living.
In the church, wisdom is vital for leadership. Wise church leaders inspire and guide the congregation. They make decisions that reflect God’s will and promote spiritual growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between wise and cunning is profound. Wisdom, rooted in humility, patience, and integrity, leads to long-term success and harmony. It is a gift from God, nurtured through faith, learning, and experience. Cunning, characterized by deceit and selfishness, leads to short-term gains but long-term downfall. The Bible provides clear guidance on cultivating wisdom and avoiding cunning behavior. Byseeking God’s wisdom and aligning our actions with His will, we can lead fulfilling and righteous lives, contributing positively to our communities and glorifying God in all we do.
FAQ on Cunning, Cleverness, and Wisdom
What is a cunning person?
A cunning person is someone who is skillful in achieving their goals, often through deceit or evasion. They are adept at manipulating situations and people to their advantage, using their intelligence and craftiness to navigate complex scenarios.
Does cunning mean smart?
Cunning implies a certain type of intelligence, specifically one that involves shrewdness and often a degree of deception. While a cunning person is indeed smart, their intelligence is typically associated with craftiness and strategic thinking rather than straightforward intellectual ability or knowledge.
What is the difference between cunning and clever?
Cunning: Involves being crafty, sly, and often deceptive. It usually has a negative connotation because it implies achieving goals through dishonest means.
Clever: Refers to quick thinking, resourcefulness, and the ability to understand or solve things rapidly. Cleverness is generally seen in a positive light and doesn’t necessarily involve deceit.
Which is better, wise or clever?
Wise: Wisdom involves sound judgment, knowledge, and the ability to make prudent decisions based on experience and deep understanding. A wise person is often respected for their insight and ability to see the bigger picture.
Clever: Cleverness is about being quick-witted and able to think on one’s feet. While cleverness can lead to immediate solutions and innovative ideas, it doesn’t always consider long-term consequences or ethical implications.