Roschelle Nelson

Which Would You Rather Have - Courage or Wisdom?



Posted: Saturday, July 19, 2008

by

Courage is defined as a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger without showing fear. Wisdom, on the other hand, is defined as the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight.

Whatever your personal choice is, there can be no argument that possessing either of these honorable qualities greatly enhances your character.

This topic reminds me of the bible story about King Solomon and the two women who both claimed to be the mother of the infant. If I remember correctly, King Solomon's decision was to cut the baby in half so that each woman would have an equal part of the child.

Of course, the king never would have done this. In his infinite wisdom, he knew the real mother would rather lose the child to the other woman than to have any harm come to him. Therefore, the woman that cried out first asking the king to spare the life of the child (as only a mother would) had to be the actual mother.

Wisdom, according to the definition, is achieved through the utilization of knowledge and experiences. In other words, you are applying your life experiences to certain situations and utilizing what you've learned to dictate the way you handle these issues.

Maybe a third defining phrase to tack onto the definition of wisdom is "good judgment". Common sense and insight might be adequate enough. Adding good judgment into the mix gives additional support to the true meaning of wisdom. Since we all can admit to knowing someone who seems to lack common sense and has about as much insight as one of the many over night guests at Madame Tussaud's.

I would choose wisdom. I base my decision on the premise that a person who is considered wise possesses a vast amount of knowledge concerning many things. Hopefully, one of those things is how to overcome fear.

Once fear is overcome we are able to approach people, events, and other issues in our lives in a more courageous way - a way that can often prevent us from being or placing others in danger.

Remember courage, as stated in the definition earlier, does not say one is fearless. It simply states that fear is not shown.

So, ask yourselves - would you rather be courageous but scared to death on the inside or possess the wisdom to conquer the things in life we fear the most?

Where there is no fear - every man is courageous...

Roschelle Nelson is a Registered Nurse by profession and mother, freelance writer, mentor, friend and genuine lover of life by choice. Roschelle has achieved success with several business ventures. She enjoys writing, meeting new people and considers life a precious gift. View her blog Inconsequential Logic to see what she's chirping about these days! Her views on life, current news, work and family are never dull and often sprinkled with humor and wit. 
This Article has been viewed 2,508 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)
» left by sue thom
from nj
3 years 179 days ago.
hi Roschelle,
 excellent article. we are very similar. even the way you joined searchwarp and began writing a lot, getting better and better, and getting more and more stars, and now, look at you, article highlight.
i'm so happy for you, you're a good writer, and people need to hear what you have to say.
thanks for sharing,
best regards,
sue
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by Roschelle Nelson 3 years 179 days ago.
35 fans. Follow Roschelle Nelson on twitter!
Thanks Sue,
 
Writing is my method of de-stressing. I pull out the old lap top, fall across the bed or plop down in my favorite chair and the words just begin to flow.
 
It's therapeutic. And if anything I've written or will write can help, enrich, uplift, encourage, inspire or simply tickle someone, it's even much more satisfying.
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by Roschelle 3 years 179 days ago.
My son just read this article and thought it was...."ok". Any ways, he reminded me of a prayer I'm sure you all remember either hanging on the wall at Grandmas or being recited several times by friends, family member, etc. This simple yet powerful prayer binds wisdom and courage together. The author is asking God not to grant him one without the other.
 
The Serenity Prayer
 
God, grant me the serenity
 
to accept the things I can not change;
 
courage to change the things I can;
 
and wisdom to know the difference.
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by Jay Hopson
3 years 179 days ago.
20 fans.
Roschelle.
 
Another great article. Thanks, I was just reading today about King Solomon. When asked by God what he desired he chose wisdom. and because of that choice God grated him riches and honor. Good Choice!
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by Roschelle Nelson 3 years 178 days ago.
35 fans. Follow Roschelle Nelson on twitter!
Thanks for commenting Jay. With wisdom comes some some other good characteristics.
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by Judi Lake
3 years 178 days ago.
99 fans. Follow Judi Lake on twitter!
Roschelle, like you, I think I'd choose wisdom. Good article and good eye-opener. Looking forward to more of your articles!
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by Roschelle Nelson 3 years 178 days ago.
35 fans. Follow Roschelle Nelson on twitter!
Thanks for commenting Judi. Glad to have you in the wisdom woodpile (lol)
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by Avis Ward 3 years 178 days ago.
131 fans.
Roschelle, count me as a chip off the ole woodpile, too! Excellent article! I thoroughly enjoy your writing. You've a knack of making one think and deeply. Hope you've enjoyed a lovely weekend. :)
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by Roschelle Nelson 3 years 178 days ago.
35 fans. Follow Roschelle Nelson on twitter!
Glad to know I inspire you to pull out the ole "thinking cap". And yes, this weekend has been lovely (much needed rest and relaxation). I guess that's why I've written so much.
 
Bless you,
Roschelle
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by Avis Ward
3 years 178 days ago.
131 fans.
Excellent! My Pastor has taught from the book of Proverbs all summer. One would have thought you were in our midst. :)
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by Roschelle Nelson 3 years 178 days ago.
35 fans. Follow Roschelle Nelson on twitter!
thanks for commenting "Avis".
 
Roschelle
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by straight talk
3 years 177 days ago.
111 fans. Follow straight talk on twitter!
Solomon prayed for Wisdom and from that I would know when to show my courage or run like hell.[wink]. Another good job. Robert.
Please log in to respond to this comment.
» left by Roschelle Nelson 3 years 177 days ago.
35 fans. Follow Roschelle Nelson on twitter!
thanks robert...wisdom does often keep us out of trouble
 
Roschelle
Please log in to respond to this comment.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.