\Wis"dom\ (-d[u^]m), n. [AS. w[imac]sd[=o]m. See {Wise},
a., and {-dom}.]
1. The quality of being wise; knowledge, and the capacity to
   make due use of it; knowledge of the best ends and the
   best means; discernment and judgment; discretion;
   sagacity; skill; dexterity.
         We speak also not in wise words of man's wisdom, but
         in the doctrine of the spirit.        --Wyclif (1
                                               Cor. ii. 13).
         Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to
         depart from evil is understanding.    --Job xxviii.
                                               28.
         It is hoped that our rulers will act with dignity
         and wisdom that they will yield everything to
         reason, and refuse everything to force. --Ames.
         Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world
         calls wisdom.                         --Coleridge.
2. The results of wise judgments; scientific or practical
   truth; acquired knowledge; erudition.
         Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the
         Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
                                               --Acts vii.
                                               22.
Syn: Prudence; knowledge.
Usage: {Wisdom}, {Prudence}, {Knowledge}. Wisdom has been
       defined to be ``the use of the best means for
       attaining the best ends.'' ``We conceive,'' says
       Whewell, `` prudence as the virtue by which we select
       right means for given ends, while wisdom implies the
       selection of right ends as well as of right means.''
       Hence, wisdom implies the union of high mental and
       moral excellence. Prudence (that is, providence, or
       forecast) is of a more negative character; it rather
       consists in avoiding danger than in taking decisive
       measures for the accomplishment of an object. Sir
       Robert Walpole was in many respects a prudent
       statesman, but he was far from being a wise one. Burke
       has said that prudence, when carried too far,
       degenerates into a ``reptile virtue,'' which is the
       more dangerous for its plausible appearance.
       Knowledge, a more comprehensive term, signifies the
       simple apprehension of facts or relations. ``In
       strictness of language,'' says Paley, `` there is a
       difference between knowledge and wisdom; wisdom always
       supposing action, and action directed by it.''
             Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one, Have
             ofttimes no connection. Knowledge dwells In
             heads replete with thoughts of other men;
             Wisdom, in minds attentive to their own.
             Knowledge, a rude, unprofitable mass, The mere
             materials with which wisdom builds, Till
             smoothed, and squared, and fitted to its place,
             Does but encumber whom it seems to enrich.
             Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much;
             Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.
                                               --Cowper.
{Wisdom tooth}, the last, or back, tooth of the full set on
   each half of each jaw in man; -- familiarly so called,
   because appearing comparatively late, after the person may
   be supposed to have arrived at the age of wisdom. See the
   Note under {Tooth}, 1.