Ares word of wisdom

Sometimes in life, words of wisdom have a way of sinking into your brain and changing your life for the better.

Words of wisdom are helpful to anyone looking to get inspired through words that are as powerful as they are meaningful.

Let us know your favorite words of wisdom quotes in the comment section below.

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According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, people regularly exposed to words of wisdom had higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being.

This suggests that wise sayings and quotes can positively impact our mental health and happiness.

What are the benefits of reading these words of wisdom?

Learning from others can be a great way to realize our dreams and avoid making common mistakes.

These impactful words of wisdom will:

• Inspire you to dig deeper
• Increase your sense of purpose
• Help you learn to cope with challenges

Inspirational quotes play a meaningful role in helping us realize our potential.

We’re counting down the ten most motivational wisdom quotes for students and workers.

Check out our most popular quote article, a list of short inspirational quotes for daily inspiration. 

Our inspirational quote category page has even more inspirational and educational quotes.

Words of wisdom to bring out the best in you

In a survey conducted by the National Endowment for Financial Education, 9 out of 10 Americans agreed that there is a strong connection between financial well-being and having access to financial advice and words of wisdom.

This indicates that wise words can help individuals make smart financial decisions.

1. “The best way out is always through.”- Robert Frost

When caught up in an unseemly situation, we usually look for the easy way out. And unfortunately, procrastination is the natural response. This quote serves us with a reminder that perhaps the best route is going “through” the problem, rather than around it. As a result, you find that good things begin to happen when you cease to delay and beat about the bush and take matters into your hand to resolve it.

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2. Carpe Diem – Latin Proverb

Coined in 23 BC by Horace, the term is derived from a poem in the Odes (book 1, number 11), and means “Seize the moment”. The Latin term over the years has evolved into the most quoted Latin phrase because of its implications to capture life’s opportunity and live life to the fullest!

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3. “Always Do What You Are Afraid To Do” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

In each of our lives, there is this one person – if not ourselves – who holds us back in accomplishing our dreams. What better feeling to prove that every person is wrong by conquering your worst fears and doubts.

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Words of wisdom to help you fulfill your potential

According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, reading inspirational quotes can improve people’s mood and increase their resilience to stress.

This suggests that regularly reading words of wisdom can have a positive impact on our overall well-being.

4. “Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail.” – Charles Kettering

Believe that it is absolutely impossible to fail, and you might just start acting as per your thinking as well! In spite of the worries that things may not work out, believe in its possibility, and your actions will reflect this positivity too!

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5. “Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success depends at last upon yourself.” – Theodore T. Hunger

Hunter tells us about how ultimately, our success and failure comes down to us- our hard work, our tenacity, and our perseverance.

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6. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu

Your goal may be big, and at times, it may seem impossible and difficult. You will feel like you’re failing and you’re not getting anywhere. But perseverance, belief and conviction in those small steps that you’re taking towards those goals is what you need to be confident about. Consistently follow your life mission, one step at a time, no matter how small the step may be.

Also check out these amazing American Dream quotes to motivate you.

Words of wisdom to help unlock your full potential

A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 71% of respondents reported feeling significant levels of stress.

By sharing motivational quotes and encouraging readers to reflect on their meaning, articles like “Words of Wisdom” can provide a helpful coping mechanism for those dealing with stress and anxiety.

7. “Opportunity is always knocking. The problem is that most people have the self-doubt station in their heads turned up way too loud to hear it” – Brian Vaszily

This funny motivational quote by Vaszily succinctly describes how we are the biggest enemies of ourselves, standing in the way of our success and accomplishments. Either we do not understand out true potential, or we begin to doubt our skills. It’s time to put aside all the worries to focus on what and how we can achieve excellence.

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8. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi

Every day we see the violence around us. While there is very little that we can do, the Indian political leader says it best. Start with the man in the mirror. Be the change you want to see within others. While you can’t influence the world, you can be a better human, and become the testament of the change.

You will also enjoy our article on wise quotes about love.

9. “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” – Dr. Robert Schuller

As the weather gets harsher and tougher, it’s time to brace yourself! The difficult times are simply temporary, but it is due to those tough and difficult times that you are stronger today. The best part is that you are now tougher today than you were yesterday! And more importantly, you got through it all. Celebrate your strength!

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10. “You must not only aim right, but draw the bow with all your might.” – Henry David Thoreau

So you’re focused and know exactly what you want? It’s not enough. Thoreau tells us through a beautifully accurate metaphor how it’s not just enough to know the right direction, but also do everything possible to get to the finish line!

If you’re enjoying this article, make sure to also check out these wise sayings about life to expand your understanding.

Words of wisdom to inspire and motivate you

A study by the University of Konstanz found that reading and reflecting on wise sayings can improve cognitive functioning and problem-solving abilities.

This highlights the potential benefits of regularly exposing ourselves to words of wisdom.

11. “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” – Elbert Hubbard

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12. “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” – William James

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13. “I’m always doing things I can’t do. That’s how I get to do them.” – Pablo Picasso

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14. “There are three constants in life…change, choice and principles.” –Stephen Covey

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15. “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.” – Andre Gide

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16. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

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17. “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” – Rosa Parks

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18. “Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein

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19. “The best revenge is massive success.” – Frank Sinatra

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20. “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” – Thomas Paine

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21. “Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.” – Og Mandino

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22. “You can never plan the future by the past.” —Edmund Burke

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23. “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” —Friedrich Nietzsche

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24. “Lost time is never found again.” —Benjamin Franklin

25. “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” —Robert Frost

Don’t also forget to read these memorable Uncle Iroh quotes celebrating his endless wisdom.

Words of wisdom to broaden your thoughts

A study by the University of California, Riverside, found that individuals who practice daily affirmations are more likely to experience increased life satisfaction and well-being.

Incorporating motivational quotes into daily routines could help improve overall happiness and mental health.

26. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln

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27. “No” simply means begin again at one level higher.” – Peter Diamandis

28. “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair

29. “Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” – Oprah Winfrey

30. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller

31. “Everyone has inside them a piece of good news. The good news is you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is.” – Anne Frank

32. “Soon, when all is well, you’re going to look back on this period of your life and be so glad that you never gave up.” – Brittany Burgunder

33. “It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever – the one who recognizes the challenges and does something about it.” – Vince Lombardi

34. “The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.” – Mark Caine

35. “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison

Words of wisdom to elevate your perspective

Research by the American Psychological Association reveals that positive self-talk, such as engaging with motivational quotes, can lead to better coping skills and stress management.

Incorporating words of wisdom into one’s life can help build resilience in the face of adversity.

36. “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” – Confucius

37. “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” – Soren Kierkegaard

38. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

39. “Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.” – Lou Holtz

40. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau

41. “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” – Mahatma Gandhi

42. “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.” – Tommy Lasorda

43. “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy

44. “No one can compete with you on being you. Most of life is a search for who and what needs you the most.” – Naval Ravikant

45. “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” – Jim Rohn

If you’re enjoying this article, make sure also to check our collection of eyes quotes that will intrigue you to look past what you see.

Words of wisdom to enlighten you

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, a positive psychology researcher at the University of North Carolina, found that positive emotions, like those elicited by motivational quotes, can broaden an individual’s perspective and help them build valuable skills.

Reading words of wisdom can contribute to personal growth and long-term success.

46. “Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen.” – Conan O’Brien

47. “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker

48. “The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up.” – John C. Maxwell

49. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

50. “What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives, we need to stretch our minds.” – Wayne Dyer

51. “Press forward. Do not stop, do not linger in your journey, but strive for the mark set before you.” – George Whitefield

52. “Show the world how much you’ll fight for the winners circle.” – Pat Riley

53. “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle Onassis

54. “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot. Make it hot by striking.” – William Butler Yeats

55. “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent Van Gogh

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Words of wisdom to live by

In a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, 72% of Americans reported feeling that their personal lives were at least somewhat meaningful.

Sharing words of wisdom can help readers tap into and strengthen their sense of purpose, which can contribute to a greater sense of meaning in life.

56. “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” — Albert Einstein

57. “Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got. There is no yesterday, no tomorrow, it’s all the same day.” – Janis Joplin

58. “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” — George Bernhard Shaw

59. “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.” – Margaret Fuller

60. “He who fears he will suffer, already suffers because he fears.” — Michel De Montaigne

61. “Forget about the fast lane. If you really want to fly, just harness your power to your passion.” – Oprah Winfrey

62. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” — Confucius
If you’re enjoying these quotes, make sure to check out our collection of simple quotes that will help you live a simply beautiful life.

63. “The opinion which other people have of you is their problem, not yours.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

64. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” — Mary Engelbreit

65. “You are more powerful than you know; you are beautiful just as you are.” – Melissa Etheridge

Words of wisdom to elevate your mind

The World Health Organization has identified stress as a leading cause of illness and disability worldwide, with approximately 1 in 5 people experiencing significant levels of stress.

This statistic highlights the importance of mental health and self-care, and can encourage readers to seek out words of wisdom to help them cope with stress and promote well-being.

66. “The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.” —Charles Kingsleigh

67. “You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.” — George Lorimer

68. “Man is only truly great when he acts from the passions; never irresistible but when he appeals to the imagination.” —Benjamin Disraeli

69. “Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see further.” —Thomas Carlyle

70. “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” —Paulo Coelho

71. “The individual who says it is not possible should move out of the way of those doing it.” —Tricia Cunningham

72. “We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” —Marie Curie

73. “Build your own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” —Farrah Gray

74. “Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.” —Neil Gaiman

75. “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” —Earl Nightingale

Words of wisdom that will change the way you think

According to a survey conducted by YouGov, the most commonly cited source of inspiration for Americans is their own personal experiences.

This statistic highlights the value of personal growth and introspection, and can encourage readers to reflect on their own experiences and seek out words of wisdom to guide them through life’s challenges.

76. “Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”― Roy T. Bennett

77. “I believe in only one thing, the power of human will.”― Joseph Stalin

78. “Laughter is poison to fear.”― George R.R. Martin

79. “A wise warrior learns from her mistakes.”― Leigh Bardugo

80. “Begin, be bold, and venture to be wise.”― Horace

81. “The well-bred contradict other people. the wise contradict themselves.”― Oscar Wilde

82. “I don’t fancy colors of the face, I’m always attracted to colors of the brain.”― Michael Bassey Johnson

83. “I don’t agree that when you love, you are blind or fool. You just get wiser and see clearer what is best and of worth.”― Hark Herald Sarmiento

84. “Like a missing tooth, sometimes an absence is more noticeable than a presence.”― Jodi Picoult

85. “Love the people who love you back.”― Laura Ruby

Words of wisdom to inspire you to greatness

A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that reading inspirational quotes can increase feelings of hope and optimism.

This statistic can encourage readers to seek out and share words of wisdom, potentially improving their mood and outlook on life.

86. “It’s the questions we can’t answer that teach us the most. They teach us how to think. If you give a man an answer, all he gains is a little fact. But give him a question and he’ll look for his own answers.”― Patrick Rothfuss

87. “Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”― Roy T. Bennett

88. “Dieting is the only game where you win when you lose!”― Karl Lagerfeld
If you’re enjoying these quotes, make sure to read our collection of Karl Lagerfeld quotes that will make you see the art in life.

89. “No matter how tiny you look, you can lead huge men if you have what the huge men don’t have.”― Michael Bassey Johnson

90. “I criticize by creation, not by finding fault.”― Marcus Tullius Cicero

91. “Faith keeps our ships moving, while empathy and the memories of our experiences lead to wisdom.”― Suzy Kassem

92. “The wisest men follow their own direction.”― Euripides

93. “Make your lives a masterpiece, you only get one canvas.”― E.A. Bucchianeri

94. “The weak are dominated by their ego, the wise dominate their ego, and the intelligent are in a constant struggle against their ego.”― Hamza Yusuf

95. “The choice to make good choices is the best choice you can choose. Fail to make that choice and on most choices you will lose.”― Ryan Lilly
If you’re enjoying this collection of quotes, then you’ll love our collection of short inspirational quotes that will help you remain positive and optimistic.

Words of wisdom to empower you

96. “Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”― Roy T. Bennett

97. “Circumstances are the rulers of the weak; they are but the instruments of the wise.”― Samuel Lover

98. “Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.”― Steve Maraboli

99. “Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action. ”― William James

100. “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”― Confucius

101. “You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.”― Eleanor Roosevelt

102. “Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.”― Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you’re enjoying these quotes, read our collection of ambition quotes to set your sights sky high.

103. “In the end, you have to choose whether or not to trust someone.”― Sophie Kinsella

104. “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”― Pablo Picasso

105. “Don’t fear failure. — Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.”― Bruce Lee
If you’re enjoying these quotes, make sure to read our collection of Bruce Lee quotes from the iconic actor and fighter.

Powerful words of wisdom

106. “Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes.”― Roy T. Bennett

107. “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”― Napoleon Hill

108. “Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.”― Zig Ziglar

109. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”― Jim Rohn

110. “The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.”― Arthur C. Clarke

111. “Only he who attempts the absurd is capable of achieving the impossible.”― Miguel de Unamuno

112. “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”― Wayne W. Dyer

113. “Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.”― Jim Rohn

114. “Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.”― Helen Keller

115. “I cannot let the fear of the past color the future.”― Julie Kagawa

116. “Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

117. “Don’t settle for what life gives you; make life better and build something.” — Ashton Kutcher

118. “You never really learn much from hearing yourself speak.” ― George Clooney

119. “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” – Les Brown

120. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” — Abraham Lincoln

You might also like these demotivational quotes celebrating your uninspired side.

Inspirational words of wisdom

121. “We generate fears while we sit. We overcome them by action.” — Dr. Henry Link

122. “Enjoy your sweat because hard work doesn’t guarantee success, but without it, you don’t have a chance.” — Alex Rodriguez

123. “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure.” — Confucius

124. “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” — Chris Grosser

125. “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” — Jim Ryun

126. “Rarely have I seen a situation where doing less than the other guy is a good strategy.” — Jimmy Spithill

127. “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” — Pablo Picasso

128. “If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” — Oprah Winfrey

129. “Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are.” — Theodore Roosevelt

130. “What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” — Oscar Wilde

Words of wisdom about change

131. “Play to your strengths. If you aren’t great at something, do more of what you’re great at.” – Jason Lemkin

132. “Change before you have to.” – Jack Welch

133. “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy

134. “Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality.” – Nikos Kazantzakis

135. “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” – Winston Churchill

136. “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” – Albert Einstein

137. “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates

138. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa

139. “There is nothing permanent except change.” – Heraclitus

140. “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John C. Maxwell

Words of wisdom you won’t forget

141. “Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular.” —Roy T. Bennett

142. “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” —Helen Keller

143. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” —Arthur Ashe

144. “Do one thing every day that scares you.” —Eleanor Roosevelt

145. “By changing nothing, nothing changes.” —Tony Robbins

146. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” —Oscar Wilde

147. “You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” —Stephen King

148. “Your big opportunity may be right where you are standing right now.” —Napoleon Hill

149. “For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

150. “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” —C.S. Lewis

More words of wisdom

151. “Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other.”- Brian Tracy

152. “It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” – William James

153. “People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”- Rob Siltanen

154. “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell

155. “Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.”- Dalai Lama

156. “Happiness is not by chance, but by choice.” – Jim Rohn

157. “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”- Walt Disney

158. “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

159. “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Dean

160. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Words of wisdom you need to live by

161. “Spread love everywhere you go.” — Mother Teresa

162. “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

163. “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!’” — Audrey Hepburn

164. “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” — Carol Burnett

165. “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” — Michael Altshuler

166. “You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.” — Oprah Winfrey

167. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — Malala Yousafzai

168. “You can be everything. You can be the infinite amount of things that people are.” — Kesha

169. “Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” — Walt Whitman

170. “Do not allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put some sunglasses on.” — Lady Gaga

Short words of wisdom quotes

171. “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” — Jim Rohn

172. “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” — Napoleon Bonaparte

173. “O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!” — Walter Scott

174. “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” — Lewis Carroll

175. “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” — Will Rogers 

176. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” — Jim Elliot

177. “What happens is not as important as how you react to what happens.” — Ellen Glasgow

178. “There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

179. “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” — William Arthur Ward

180. “A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.” — John C. Maxwell

Words of wisdom about progress

181. “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass

182. “A little progress every day adds up to big results.” – Satya

183. “The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.” – Charles Kettering

184. “Progress is not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.” – Khalil Gibran

185. “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw

186. “Failure is success in progress.” – Albert Einstein

187. “Success is steady progress toward one’s personal goals.” – Jim Rohn

188. “Some quit due to slow progress. Never grasping the fact that slow progress is progress.” – Jeff Olson

189. “Progress comes with practice, and practice comes with purpose. Know your “why.”” – Melissa Steginus

190. “Whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King

Motivational words of wisdom

191. “Do the scary thing first and get scared later.”― Lemony Snicket

192. “Don’t work to hard on appearing to be right, but on being right.”― Yuri van der Sluis

193. “Your mistakes can give you best lessons.”― Brajesh Kumar Singh

194. “You have to have drive and commitment – as well as an honest sense of what is and isn’t possible.”― Marcus Luttrell

195. “Look for the miracles in every moment.”― Lailah Gifty Akita

196. “If the journey wasnt challenging the destination wouldn’t be rewarding.
It’s the challenge that makes it great”― Foster Mkhabele

197. “There is no hurdle too high for you to jump over.”― Michael H. Forde

198. “Discipline is the bridge between goals and reality.”― Rodman Lu

199. “No man is a failure, for only he must not quit.”― Davinder Pahra

200. “You don’t know what happiness lies before you yet, you are now only in the commencement of your journey.”― Anne Brontë

Words of wisdom about life

201. “It is intuitive that people who smile and cut out negativity from their life will live longer, healthier lives.” – Deena B. Chopra

202. “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.” —Eleanor Roosevelt

203. “Life doesn’t exist to meet our expectations.” – Jerry Dorsman and Bob Davis, How to Achieve Peace of Mind

204. “Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.” —Dalai Lama

205. “Living a more positive life comes down to attitude and action.” – Catherine Pulsifer

206. “He that respects himself is safe from others.” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

207. “Life is a learning process, and you have the opportunity to make a change right here and now.” – Lori Hill, 5 Gifts to Give Yourself

208. “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain

209. “Life is defined more by its risks than by its samenesses.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

210. “There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt

Deep words of wisdom

211. “Don’t waste your time with explanations, people only hear what they want to hear.” – Paulo Coelho

212. “It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it.”― Maurice Switzer

213. “Pain can change you, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a bad change. Take that pain and turn it into wisdom.” – Dalai Lama

214. “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”― John Lennon

215. “If we manage ego wisely, we get the upside it delivers followed by strong returns.” – Dave Marcum

216. “Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.” ― Isaac Asimov

217. “For me, a sense of prosperity often comes with less rather than more.” – Lori Hill

218. “Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.”― Martin Luther King Jr.

219. “I not only use all the brains that I have but all that I can borrow.” – Woodrow Wilson

220. “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”― Sharon Salzberg

Words Of Wisdom To Sharpen Your Wit

221. “The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice.” — Brian Herbert

222. “A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.” — Bruce Lee

223. “You don’t get character because you’re successful; you build character because of the hardships you face.” — Herman Edwards

224. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Confucius

225.  “When the wisdom speaks, be silent. Do not waste your candle when the sun is there.” — Mehmet Murat Ildan

226. “If small things have the power to disturb you, then who you think you are is exactly that: small.” — Eckhart Tolle

227. “A person’s tongue can give you the taste of his heart.” — Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya

228. “You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough.” — William Blake

229. “True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.” — Socrates

230. “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” — Thomas Jefferson

Words of Wisdom To Give You Joy in What You Do

231. “Joy comes not through possession or ownership but through a wise and loving heart.” — Gautama Buddha

232. “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” — Marcus Tullius Cicero

233. “Control your destiny or somebody will.” — Jack Welch

234.  “Conquering others requires force. Conquering oneself requires strength.” — Laozi

235. “We must enhance the light, not fight the darkness.” — A. D. Gordon

236. “Don’t stumble over something behind you.” — Seneca the Younger

237. “It’s less about what you do and more about who you are doing it with.” — Joseph Gordon-Levitt

238. “To enjoy the rainbow, first enjoy the rain.” — Paulo Coelho

239. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” — Seneca the Younger

240. “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” — Zig Ziglar

Words of Wisdom to Improve Your Thinking

241. “You’ve heard that it’s wise to learn from experience, but it is wiser to learn from the experience of others.” ― Rick Warren

242. “Self-improvement and success go hand in hand. Taking the steps to make yourself a better and more well-rounded individual will prove to be a wise decision.” ― Frank Long

243. “The wise man hath his thoughts in his head; the fool, on his tongue.” ― Ivan Panin

244. “We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.” ― George Bernard Shaw

245. “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.” ― Lao Tzu

246. “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” ― Albert Einstein

247. “Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.” ― Francis Bacon

248. “It is said that wisdom lies not in seeing things, but seeing through things.” ― Manly P. Hall

249. “Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness.” ― Sophocles

250. “To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.” ― Bertrand Russell

Words of Wisdom To Live In The Moment

251. “Neither can the wave that has passed by be recalled, nor the hour which has passed return again.” ― Ovid

252. “Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all.” ― Hypatia

253. “The more you know the less you need to say.” ― Jim Rohn

254. “To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to.” ― Khalil Gibran

255. “What you do to-day that is worthwhile, inspires others to act at some future time.” ― Marcus Garvey

256. “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” ― Aristotle

257. “Happiness belongs to the self sufficient.” ― Aristotle

258. “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.” ― Bruce Lee

259. “Most good things have been said far too many times and just need to be lived.” ― Shane Claiborne

260. “It’s never too late to learn.” ― Malcolm Forbes

Words of Wisdom To Sharpen Your Wit

261. “Easy to do are things that are bad and harmful to oneself. But exceedingly difficult to do are things that are good and beneficial.” ― Gautama Buddha

262. “The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.” ― Socrates

263. “Do not give your attention to what others do or fail to do; give it to what you do or fail to do.” ― Gautama Buddha

264. “The real destroyer of inner peace is fear and distrust. Fear develops frustration, frustration develops anger, anger develops violence.” ― Dalai Lama

265. “Joy comes not through possession or ownership but through a wise and loving heart.” ― Gautama Buddha

266. “You are never alone or helpless. The force that guides the stars guides you too.” ― Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar

267. “Never does any pride enter the heart of a man ex­cept that his in­tel­li­gence de­creases by the same amount.” ― Muhammad al-Baqir

268. “Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.” ― Plato

269. “Honour may not win power, but it wins respect. And respect earns power.” ― Ishida Mitsunari

270. “When I have listened to my mistakes, I have grown.” ― Hugh Prather

Which of these words of wisdom was your favorite?

We hope that one, or even all, of these words of wisdom quotes, will serve you well and inspire you to seize every day.

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Which of the quotes was your favorite?

Tell us in the comment section below.

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I’ve spent 10+ hours doing one thing:

Curate the wisest words from Einstein, Buddha, Socrates, Emerson, Thoreau, Plato, Bruce Lee, and many more.

Here’s a list of THE top 100 words of wisdom ever written.

I guarantee you’ll find some insights from these amazing minds.

Enjoy!

Doubt is the origin of wisdom. Augustine of Hippo

The truest wisdom is a resolute determination. Napoleon Bonaparte

Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life. Immanuel Kant

Foolishness is a twin sister of wisdom. Witold Gombrowicz

Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it. Albert Einstein

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Wisdom is the power to put our time and our knowledge to the proper use. Thomas J. Watson

It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor. Seneca

A wise man never loses anything, if he has himself. Michel de Montaigne

Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom. Francis Bacon

Discipline is wisdom and vice versa. M. Scott Peck

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Great wisdom is generous; petty wisdom is contentious. Zhuangzi

Wisdom sails with wind and time. John Florio

A symptom of wisdom is curiosity. The evidence is calmness and perseverance. The causes are experimentation and understanding. Maxime Lagacé

A fool is known by his speech; and a wise man by silence. Pythagoras

The most certain sign of wisdom is cheerfulness. Michel de Montaigne

Related

• 150 Buddha Quotes And Buddhist Quotes
• 135 Rumi Quotes On Love, Beauty, Friendship
• Albert Einstein Quotes On Life, Education, Humanity

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The fool wonders, the wise man asks. Benjamin Disraeli

There is only a finger’s difference between a wise man and a fool. Diogenes

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens. Jimi Hendrix

Never say no twice if you mean it. Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Wisdom is nothing but a preparation of the soul, a capacity, a secret art of thinking, feeling and breathing thoughts of unity at every moment of life. Hermann Hesse

Everything comes in time to him who knows how to wait. Leo Tolstoy

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Irrigators channel waters; fletchers straighten arrows; carpenters bend wood; the wise master themselves. Buddha

Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end. Leonard Nimoy

A lot of wisdom is just realizing the long-term consequences of your actions. The longer term you’re willing to look, the wiser you’re going to seem to everybody around you. Naval Ravikant

A weak reaction is to rush things. A strong reaction is to go slow and steady. Maxime Lagacé

We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us. Marcel Proust

The best words are the ones you are ready for. Maxime Lagacé

Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh, and too selfish to seek other than itself. Kahlil Gibran

Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children. Kahlil Gibran

A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit. David Elton Trueblood

The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one. Honoré de Balzac

The wise know they are fools. Fools think they are wise. Maxime Lagacé

Maturity is when you stop being surprised by anything. Wisdom is when you start again. Maxime Lagacé

Wisdom and deep intelligence require an honest appreciation of mystery. Thomas Moore

The greatest wealth is to live content with little. Plato

What Is Wisdom?

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Wisdom is knowing when you can’t be wise. Paul Engle

Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences. Norman Cousins

Wisdom is the knowledge of good and evil, not the strength to choose between the two. John Cheever

The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forbearing. Epictetus

Wisdom and understanding can only become the possession of individual men by travelling the old road of observation, attention, perseverance, and industry. Samuel Smiles

Wisdom is keeping a sense of fallibility of all our views and opinions. Gerald Brenan

Much wisdom often goes with fewest words. Sophocles

Part 2. Words of Wisdom That Are…

Inspirational Words of Wisdom

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He that composes himself is wiser than he that composes a book. Benjamin Franklin

Fast thinking looks cool but it’s deep thinking that makes all the difference. And deep thinking is always slow thinking. @TheAncientSage

Who then is free? The wise man who can command himself. Horace

He who would begun has half done. Dare to be wise; begin. Horace

Man is wise and constantly in quest of more wisdom; but the ultimate wisdom, which deals with beginnings, remains locked in a seed. There it lies, the simplest fact of the universe and at the same time the one which calls forth faith rather than reason. Hal Borland

One part of wisdom is knowing what you don’t need anymore and letting it go. Jane Fonda

Do now what your future you will thank you for. Maxime Lagacé

First of all, to understand truth you must stand alone, entirely and wholly alone. No Master, no teacher, no guru, no system, no self-discipline will ever lift for you the veil which conceals wisdom. Wisdom is the understanding of enduring values and the living of those values. No one can lead you to wisdom. Jiddu Krishnamurti

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The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. Paulo Coelho (Source)

Men who know themselves are no longer fools. They stand on the threshold of the door of wisdom. Havelock Ellis

Wisdom consists not so much in knowing what to do in the ultimate as knowing what to do next. Herbert Hoover

The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself a fool. Anatole France

Silence at the proper season is wisdom, and better than any speech. Plutarch

True wisdom is remembering that in the end, no matter what, everything will be fine. Maxime Lagacé

It’s better to be alone than to spend time with toxic people. It’s better to do nothing than to work on something that doesn’t matter. It’s better to rest than to climb the wrong mountain. James Clear

If the fool would persist in his folly he would become wise. William Blake

Related: 79 Positive Quotes To Uplift Yourself

Short Words of Wisdom

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One-liners, short words of wisdom, sayings, thoughts, and captions for your bio, social status, self-talk, motto, mantra, signs, posters, wallpapers, and backgrounds.

Knowledge shrinks as wisdom grows. Alfred North Whitehead

The more you know the less you say. Sahil Lavingia (Source)

Don’t try to become, let go of who you’re not. Maxime Lagacé

The truest sayings are paradoxical. Lao Tzu (Tao Te Ching)

Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers. Alfred Lord Tennyson

One principle eliminates a thousand decisions. Johnny Uzan

Wisdom comes by disillusionment. George Santayana

Wisdom has never made a bigot, but learning has. Josh Billings

Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another. Juvenal

The wisest of the wise may err. Aeschylus

Pain is the doorway to wisdom and to truth. Keith Miller

I prefer the folly of enthusiasm to the indifference of wisdom. Anatole France

No man was ever wise by chance. Seneca

Wisdom is knowledge which has become a part of one’s being. Orison Swett Marden

Kindness is wisdom. Philip James Bailey

Wisdom begins in wonder. Socrates

Wisdom outweighs any wealth. Sophocles

The wise are those who know the Self. Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Related: 117 Short Quotes That Will Inspire You (Fast)

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Deep Words of Wisdom

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I would rather be a man of paradoxes than a man of prejudices. Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom. Terry Pratchett

The wise man belongs to all countries, for the home of a great soul is the whole world. Democritus

For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else. Ralph Waldo Emerson

The best words of wisdom will create confusion, action, understanding and ultimately, peace. Maxime Lagacé

If you succeed in judging yourself rightly, then you are indeed a man of true wisdom. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Cleverness is like a lens with a very sharp focus. Wisdom is more like a wide-angle lens. Edward de Bono

It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err. Mahatma Gandhi

We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. Dakota (Native American saying)

Has fortune dealt you some bad cards. Then let wisdom make you a good gamester. Francis Quarles

The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil. Marcus Tullius Cicero

Genius unrefined resembles a flash of lightning, but wisdom is like the sun. Franz Grillparzer

Wisdom is knowing what to ignore. Shane Parrish (Source)

A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men. Roal Dahl

Real wisdom is not the knowledge of everything, but the knowledge of which things in life are necessary, which are less necessary, and which are completely unnecessary to know. Leo Tolstoy

Wisdom is seeing wounds and obstacles as blessings. Maxime Lagacé

Innocence dwells with wisdom, but never with ignorance. William Blake

It’s wisdom to recognize necessity, when all other courses have been weighed, though as folly it may appear to those who cling to false hope. J. R. R. Tolkien

The small wisdom is like water in a glass: clear, transparent, pure. The great wisdom is like the water in the sea: dark, mysterious, impenetrable. Rabindranath Tagore

Wisdom is the knowledge of good and evil, not the strength to choose between the two. John Cheever

Words should be weighed, not counted. Yiddish proverb

Related: The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living (Amazon book)

Conclusion

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Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give. William A. Ward

Key Takeaways

• Wise people prefer
  • Questions over answers
  • Listening over talking
  • Doubts over confidence
• Wise people don’t care about
  • rewards
  • criticism
  • what they don’t control
• Keep in mind: life is chaos. Being a little foolish can help.
• Want to become wiser? Forget schooling. Fail, reflect and learn instead.
• Tools to become wise?
  • Discipline
  • Acceptance
  • Meditation (mindful.org)

Further Readings (For Wisdom And Life Lessons)

• Topic: Life
• 83 Life Quotes To Transform Your Life Today
• 100 Stoic Quotes For A Wiser Perspective On Life
• 115 Philosophy Quotes From The Best Philosophers
• 77 Life Lessons Quotes (To Learn And Grow)
• 7 Secrets Of Wise People (huffingtonpost.ca)
• 87 Deep Quotes That Will Make You Think
• 155 Of The Most Famous Quotes Of All Time
• The Power Of Words – 3 Ways They Can Change Your Life
• 21 Life-Changing Questions To Ask Yourself Today

Hope you enjoyed these beautiful words of wisdom. If you did, please share them with a friend today!

Do you consider yourself wise? What are your favorite words of wisdom? And remember: words can transform your life, if you find the right ones.

Asked by: Katharina Abshire DVM

Score: 4.8/5
(44 votes)

The Word of Wisdom is a law of health for the physical and spiritual benefit of God’s children. It includes instruction about what foods are good for us and those substances to avoid. … Church members believe the «Word of Wisdom» was a revelation from God to church-founder Joseph Smith in 1833.

How do you explain Word of Wisdom?

The Word of Wisdom is a law of health revealed by the Lord for our physical and spiritual benefit. In this revelation, which is recorded in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord tells us which foods are good for us to eat and which substances are not good for our bodies.

Is hot chocolate against the Word of Wisdom?

The only revealed answer to the question of why hot drinks (interpreted at present as coffee and tea) are prohibited by the Word of Wisdom is «because God told us they are.» Faithful members of the Church accept the revelations recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants as scripture, as sustained by a personal witness of …

Why do LDS not drink coffee?

In Doctrine and Covenants 89:8–9, the Lord forbids our using tobacco and “hot drinks,” which, Church leaders have explained, means tea and coffee. Modern prophets and apostles have frequently taught that the Word of Wisdom warns us against substances that can harm us or enslave us to addiction.

What is the biblical meaning of Word of Wisdom?

It is a wisdom that speaks of those things that God has prepared for those who love him. … Among Charismatics, the gift is often defined as a revelation of the Holy Spirit that applies scriptural wisdom to a specific situation that a Christian community faces.

45 related questions found

words of wisdom — перевод на русский

Показать ещё примеры для «мудрые слова»…

Показать ещё примеры для «слова мудрости»…

Oscuro — Words Of Wisdom. 3 трека

На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать грубую лексику.

На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать разговорную лексику.

слова мудрости

мудрые слова

слов мудрости

словами мудрости

words of wisdom

мудрых слов

мудрые советы

мудрыми словами

мудрым словам

словах мудрости

мудрые мысли

мудрость

мудростью

In the depths of despair, such words of wisdom give you hope, and a new perspective of life.

В глубинах отчаяния, такого слова мудрости дать вам надежду, и новую перспективу жизни.

It was about another decade before it really sunk in and I remembered those words of wisdom.

Прошло еще около десятилетия, прежде чем оно действительно впиталось, и я вспомнил эти слова мудрости.

Hearing these words of wisdom, the five fingers realised their mistake and bent their head in shame.

Услышав эти мудрые слова, пять пальцев поняли свою ошибку и стыдливо склонили головы.

It’s an honor to take in his words of wisdom.

All of us can learn from these words of wisdom.

Каждый из нас, конечно же, сможет извлечь свои уроки из этих слов мудрости.

There are no simple answers, no profound words of wisdom to impart here.

Здесь нет простых ответов, нет глубоких слов мудрости, чтобы передать.

Despite his quirks, he is a competent teacher and offers words of wisdom and advice to his students.

Несмотря на свои причуды, он компетентный учитель, предлагает слова мудрости и советы своим ученикам.

They eat the future fruit… and then they bring back words of wisdom.

Они едят фрукт будущего… и приносят обратно слова мудрости.

Terrifying, disturbing, unmedicated words of wisdom.

Ужасающие, обескураживающие, чистые, мудрые слова.

And I will expect one in return for the… words of wisdom I dole out.

И буду ждать одного в награду за… мои скромные слова мудрости.

Every day, I remember some of his many words of wisdom.

Минуло немало времени, но я помню многие его мудрые слова.

You know, words of wisdom and whatnot.

Their words of wisdom may also motivate others to set goals, embrace failure and learn from their mistakes.

Их слова мудрости могут также мотивировать других на то, чтобы ставить цели, обманывать и учиться на своих ошибках.

His words of wisdom inspire minds, open hearts, and motivate people into action.

Его слова мудрости воодушевляют умы, открывают сердца и дают людям мотивацию к действию.

I have no words of wisdom for them.

I hope that we all will learn from their words of wisdom.

Каждый из нас, конечно же, сможет извлечь свои уроки из этих слов мудрости.

Such are the words of wisdom that have been taken to…

We can certainly all learn from his words of wisdom.

Каждый из нас, конечно же, сможет извлечь свои уроки из этих слов мудрости.

And finally, leave the readers with some words of wisdom.

И в завершении скажи, пожалуйста, нашим читателям какие-нибудь слова мудрости.

Never forget these words of wisdom.

Ничего не найдено для этого значения.

Результатов: 428. Точных совпадений: 428. Затраченное время: 111 мс

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Индекс выражения: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200

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For the Pentecostal usage of this term, see word of wisdom.

The «Word of Wisdom» is the common name of an 1833 section of the Doctrine and Covenants,^[1] a book considered by many churches within the Latter Day Saint movement to be a sacred text. The section defines beliefs regarding certain drugs, nutritious ingredients in general, and the counsel to eat meat sparingly; it also offers promises to those who follow the guidance of the Word of Wisdom.^[2]

As practiced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the largest Latter Day Saint denomination, the Word of Wisdom explicitly prohibits the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee, and recreational drug use, and encourages healthy practices such as nutritious eating, the sparing use of meat, regular exercise, proper hygiene, and getting sufficient rest.^[2]

Compliance with the Word of Wisdom is necessary in the LDS Church to become a member and to participate in various church functions,^[3][4] however, violation of the code is not normally cause for a church membership council.^[5]

History[edit]

Beginnings under Joseph Smith[edit]

According to Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, the Word of Wisdom was received on February 27, 1833, as a revelation from God.^[2] The Word of Wisdom was first published as a stand-alone broadsheet in December 1833. In 1835, it was included as Section LXXX^[6] in the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. Brigham Young stated after Smith’s death that the revelation was given in response to problems encountered while conducting meetings in the Smith family home:^[7]

When they assembled together in this room after breakfast, the first they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, and spit all over the room, and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet [Joseph Smith] entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was the result of his inquiry.

In February 1834, Joseph Smith proposed a resolution before the high council of the church that stated, «No official member in this Church is worthy to hold an office after having the word of wisdom properly taught him; and he, the official member, neglecting to comply with and obey it.»^[8][9][10] This resolution was accepted unanimously by the council.^[8] The charge of «not observing the Word of Wisdom» was later one of five leveled against David Whitmer (who was an apostle, and one of the Three Witnesses) on April 13, 1838, which led to his excommunication.^[11]

Joseph Smith is however recorded at various times drinking wine,^[12] beer,^[13] and tea,^[14] and using tobacco.^[15] One account by Amasa Lyman, a member of the First Presidency under Smith, reports that Smith once finished preaching a sermon on the Word of Wisdom and immediately afterward rode through the streets smoking a cigar.^[16][17] Similarly, Almon W. Babbitt stated «that he had taken the liberty to break the Word of Wisdom, from the example of President Joseph Smith, Jun., and others, but acknowledged that it was wrong» when he was brought before the church’s high council on August 19, 1835, on the charge of «not keeping the Word of Wisdom».^[18] Joseph Smith had also been operating a hotel/tavern in Far West, Missouri, in 1838, and in June of that year, the high council of Far West felt compelled to remind Smith’s family that there was a ban on the sale and consumption of «ardent spirits in the place».^[19]

Post-succession crisis[edit]

In the LDS Church[edit]

After Smith’s death, several factions emerged from the Latter Day Saint movement. The largest of these groups, the LDS Church, was led by Brigham Young. At a church general conference on September 9, 1851, Young called on the attendees to «leave off the use of» items mentioned in the Word of Wisdom:

The Patriarch [John Smith] again rose to speak on the Word of Wisdom, and urging on the brethren to leave off using tobacco, &c.

President Young rose to put the motion and called on all the sisters who will leave off the use of tea, coffee, &c., to manifest it by raising the right hand; seconded and carried.

And then put the following motion; calling on all the boys [sic] who were under ninety years of age who would covenant to leave off the use of tobacco, whisky, and all things mentioned in the Word of Wisdom, to manifest it in the same manner, which was carried unanimously.»

The Patriarch then said, may the Lord bless you and help you to keep all your covenants. Amen.

President Young amongst other things said he knew the goodness of the people, and the Lord bears with our weakness; we must serve the Lord, and those who go with me will keep the Word of Wisdom, and if the High Priests, the Seventies, the Elders, and others will not serve the Lord, we will sever them from the Church. I will draw the line, and know who is for the Lord and who is not, and those who will not keep the Word of Wisdom, I will cut off from the Church; I throw out a challenge to all men and women.^[20]

Though Young encouraged Mormons to follow the Word of Wisdom code, the church was tolerant of those who did not follow it. In 1860, Young counseled those chewing tobacco in church meetings to at least be discreet and not excessive, but did not charge users with sin.^[21] By 1870, he ended the practice of chewing and spitting tobacco in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.^[22]

Young also recognized a separation between using tobacco (which was discouraged), and selling it to non-Mormons as a business (which was encouraged).^[23] He also owned and maintained a bar in Salt Lake City for the sale of alcoholic beverages to non-Mormon travelers, on the theory that it was better for LDS Church authorities to run such establishments than for outsiders.^[24]

The modern LDS application of the Word of Wisdom has its beginnings in the presidency of Joseph F. Smith, who became LDS Church president in 1901 at a time when even notable church leaders drank alcohol and coffee. For example, George Albert Smith, apostle and later church president, «took brandy for medicinal reasons», Anthon H. Lund, First Counselor in the First Presidency, «enjoyed Danish beer and currant wine», Charles W. Penrose, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, «occasionally served wine», Matthias F. Cowley, apostle, «enjoyed Danish beer and currant wine», Brigham Young, Jr. and John Henry Smith, both apostles, argued in 1901 «that the Church ought not interdict beer, or at least not Danish beer», and Emmeline B. Wells, of the Relief Society presidency (and who was later president of the Relief Society), «drank an occasional cup of coffee». As church president, Joseph F. Smith emphasized the proscriptions on alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee. Adherence was still however not a prerequisite for entry into the temple, and in 1902 Smith encouraged stake presidents to be liberal when issuing temple recommends with old men who used tobacco and old ladies who drank tea. Of those who violated the revelation, it was mainly habitual drunkards that were excluded from the temple.^[25]

In 1921, LDS Church president Heber J. Grant finally made adherence to the Word of Wisdom a prerequisite for temple admission. Then, both the 1928 and 1934 editions of the Handbook — but not previous editions—listed «liquor drinking» and «bootlegging» among the «transgressions which are ordinarily such as to justify consideration by the bishop’s court.» To these the 1934 edition also added «drunkenness.»^[25] Violation of the Word of Wisdom is however not currently (no longer) cause for church discipline.^[5]

Popular application[edit]

Adherence to the Word of Wisdom in the LDS Church is required for baptism^[3] and participation in the church (such as entry into the temple, full-time missionary service, and attendance at church schools),^[4] however the church instructs its leaders that violation of the Word of Wisdom is not normally cause for a church membership council and that church discipline «should not be [used] to discipline or threaten members who do not comply with the Word of Wisdom».^[5]

A 2019 study of attitudes among Mormons within the U.S. said that a quarter to a half of such individuals interpret the Word of Wisdom in variance with the official interpretation by the LDS Church in some manner,^[26] and LDS Church leaders have counseled church members that they should not have personal interpretations of, or become extreme in their observance of the Word of Wisdom. One church leader specifically warned that adding additional unauthorized requirements, emphasizing it with excess zeal, or making it a «gospel hobby» is a sign of spiritual immaturity and sometimes apostasy.^[27]

Alcohol[edit]

LDS Church leaders teach that consumption of any form of alcohol, including beer, violates the Word of Wisdom,^[28][29][30] however, wine was used in the sacrament, and «mild drinks» (beers) were originally allowed.^{[25][31][32][33]}

Tobacco[edit]

In the LDS Church, tobacco is not allowed in any form, including smoking, chewing, or vaping. This also extends to any use of nicotine.^[28]

Tea and coffee[edit]

The LDS Church prohibits tea and coffee, as interpreted from the mention of «hot drinks» in the scripture; it is also taught that it does not matter whether or not the drinks are hot.^[34]

There is generally thought to be no prohibition against drinking herbal tea, coffee substitutes such as Pero and Postum, hot chocolate, malt drinks such as Ovaltine and Milo, or hot water.^[35]

Definition of the term «hot drinks»[edit]

«Hot drinks» is clarified for the LDS Church handbook:

The only official interpretation of «hot drinks» (D&C 89:9) in the Word of Wisdom is the statement made by early Church leaders that the term «hot drinks» means tea and coffee.^[36]

In 1842, Smith’s brother Hyrum, who was the Assistant President of the Church and its presiding patriarch, provided an interpretation of the Word of Wisdom’s proscription of «hot drinks»:

And again «hot drinks are not for the body, or belly;» there are many who wonder what this can mean; whether it refers to tea, or coffee, or not. I say it does refer to tea, and coffee.^[37]

According to a book written by LDS missionary and hymnographer Joel H. Johnson in 1881, Joseph Smith shared Hyrum’s interpretation:

I understand that some of the people are excusing themselves in using tea and coffee, because the Lord only said «hot drinks» in the revelation of the Word of Wisdom …. Tea and coffee … are what the Lord meant when He said «hot drinks».^[38][39]

Cola and other caffeinated beverages[edit]

A longstanding issue among members of the LDS Church is whether it is permissible to ingest drinks containing caffeine that are not tea or coffee. In 1918, Frederick J. Pack, a Mormon professor at the University of Utah, published an article in an official church magazine in which he reasoned that because Coca-Cola contained caffeine, which is also present in tea and coffee, Mormons should abstain from Coca-Cola in the same way that they abstain from the Word of Wisdom «hot drinks».^[40] Since Pack’s article, many Mormons have come to believe that the reason tea and coffee are proscribed is the presence of caffeine in the drinks. However, the church has never stated that this is the reason for the prohibition.

The church does not have an official position on the consumption of caffeinated beverages, apart from the general statement that the Word of Wisdom does not specifically mention it. In 2012, in response to a report on Mormonism on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams, which claimed that LDS faithful were prohibited from drinking caffeine, the church wrote:

Despite what was reported, the Church revelation spelling out health practices (Doctrine and Covenants 89) does not mention the use of caffeine. The Church’s health guidelines prohibits alcoholic drinks, smoking or chewing of tobacco, and «hot drinks»—taught by Church leaders to refer specifically to tea and coffee.^[41]

In the past, a number of church leaders have discouraged the use of such products. For example, in 1922, church president Heber J. Grant counseled the Latter-day Saints:

I am not going to give any command, but I will ask it as a personal, individual favor to me, to let coca-cola [sic] alone. There are plenty of other things you can get at the soda fountains without drinking that which is injurious. The Lord does not want you to use any drug that creates an appetite for itself.^[42]

Two years after making this statement, Grant met with a representative of The Coca-Cola Company to discuss the church’s position on Coca-Cola; at the conclusion of their second meeting, Grant stated that he was «sure I have not the slightest desire to recommend that the people leave Coca-Cola alone if th[e] amount [of caffeine in Coca-Cola] is absolutely harmless, which they claim it is.»^[25] Grant never again spoke out against the use of cola drinks.

Approximately fifty years later, the church issued an official statement which stated:

With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on this matter, but the leaders of the Church have advised, and we do now specifically advise, against the use of any drink containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Any beverage that contains ingredients harmful to the body should be avoided.^[43]

Because of such statements, some adherents believe that caffeine is officially prohibited under the Word of Wisdom.^[44][45] In the mid-1950s, the director of the food services for Brigham Young University, a college owned by the LDS Church, decided not to sell caffeine on campus. This changed in September 2017 when the director of BYU Dining Services announced that caffeinated beverages would be sold on campus. Wright said this was the result of a change in customer preferences.^[46] Official church publications have occasionally published articles by medical practitioners that warn of the health risks of consuming caffeine.^[47][48][49] However, in November 2010, the Salt Lake Tribune noted that in the 2010 church Handbook, which sets out the official position of the church on health and social issues, no position on drinking Coca-Cola or caffeinated drinks is included.^[50] The Salt Lake Tribune concluded that the church «takes no official position on caffeine».^[51]

Meat[edit]

The Word of Wisdom states that «flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air … are to be used sparingly», and that «it is pleasing unto [God] that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.»^[52]

Many LDS Church leaders have expressed their views on the subject of meat. In 1868, church president Brigham Young counseled, «Flesh should be used sparingly, in famine and in cold.»^[53] In 1868, apostle George Q. Cannon said, «We are told that flesh of any kind is not suitable to man in the summer time, and ought to be eaten sparingly in the winter.»^[54] From 1897 to 1901, apostle and then church president Lorenzo Snow repeatedly emphasized the importance of eating meat sparingly, teaching that church members should refrain from eating meat except in case of dire necessity, and that this should be seen in light of Smith’s teaching that animals have spirits.^[25] In 1895, Snow stated, «Unless famine or extreme cold is upon us we should refrain from the use of meat.»^[55] Apostle George Teasdale taught the same thing, and held that eating pork was a more serious breach of the Word of Wisdom than drinking tea or coffee.^[25] When Joseph F. Smith succeeded Snow as president of the church in 1901, he preached regularly against the «unnecessary destruction of life», and emphasized kindness to animals and the important stewardship humans have toward them.^[56]

Despite these statements, restricting meat consumption was not given an explicit mention for worthiness in the LDS Church as the standards for obedience to the Word of Wisdom were made increasingly central to LDS Church doctrine and practice in the early 20th century.^[57] The increased emphasis on the Word of Wisdom took place during the presidency of Heber J. Grant, a long-time enthusiastic promoter of the Word of Wisdom. Although Grant did not emphasize restricting meat consumption, he continued to interpret it as part of the counsel in the Word of Wisdom. In the 1937 General Conference, at 80 years old, Grant said he worked long hours «without fatigue and without feeling the least injury». He attributed his excellent health, in part, to eating very little meat.^[58]

In a 1948 LDS general conference address, apostle Joseph F. Merrill emphasized the importance of not eating meat as «freely as many Americans are doing».^[59] In 1950, apostle and plant scientist John A. Widtsoe wrote, in relation to meat consumption, «they who wish to be well and gain the promised reward stated in the Word of Wisdom must obey all of the law, not just part of it as suits their whim or their appetite, or their notion of its meaning.»^[60] As recently as 2012, official church spokesperson Michael Otterson stated «the church has also encouraged limiting meat consumption in favor of grains, fruits and vegetables.^[61]

To this day, the LDS Church’s hymnal includes a hymn with the following lyrics:

That the children may live long / And be beautiful and strong, / Tea and coffee and tobacco they despise, / Drink no liquor, and they eat / But a very little meat; / They are seeking to be great and good and wise.^[62]

A student manual published by the church has suggested that limiting the consumption of meat to the wintertime may be to some degree of the time in which the «Word of Wisdom» was delivered by Smith:

This verse has caused some to ask if meat should be eaten in the summer. Meat has more calories than fruits and vegetables, which some individuals may need fewer of in summer than winter. Also, before fruits and vegetables could be preserved, people often did not have enough other food to eat in winter. Spoiled meat can be fatal if eaten, and in former times meat spoiled more readily in summer than winter. Modern methods of refrigeration now make it possible to preserve meat in any season. The key word with respect to the use of meat is sparingly.^[63]

Refined grain products[edit]

In a pamphlet written in 1930 called The Word of Wisdom, LDS Church apostle John A. Widtsoe taught that refined flour was contrary to the Word of Wisdom.^[25] The church, however, has never prohibited the use of refined flour.

Other areas[edit]

Speculation exists concerning the use of alcohol as a cooking ingredient or «alcohol-free» varieties of drinks.^[34] The LDS Church has taken no official stance on either.

Marijuana was banned by the LDS Church in August 1915.^[64] In 2019 the church clarified in New Era that medical marijuana should only be used «under the care of a competent physician.»^[65]

Members should not use any substance that contains illegal drugs. Nor should members use harmful or habit-forming substances except under the care of a competent physician.^[36]

Enstrom study regarding members of the LDS Church[edit]

A 14-year selective study conducted by UCLA epidemiologist James E. Enstrom tracked the health of 10,000 moderately active LDS Church members in California and ended in 1987.

Of these non-smoking, monogamous non-drinkers, Enstrom concluded from the study «that LDS Church members who follow religious mandates barring smoking and drinking have one of the lowest death rates, including from cancer and cardiovascular diseases—close to half that of the general population. … Moreover, the healthiest LDS Church members enjoy a life expectancy eight to eleven years longer than that of the general white population in the United States.» For LDS high priests who exercised, had proper sleep, and never smoked cigarettes, the mortality rate was even lower.

The results were largely duplicated in a separate study of an LDS-like subgroup of white non-smoking churchgoers in Alameda County, California.^[66]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Bibliography[edit]

External links[edit]

• Getting into the Meat of the Word of Wisdom