One Hundred And Fifty Lessons For Life

Lesson Ninety Seven: Who Is Wise?

Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) was asked to describe a wise man. He replied:

Translation

The wise is one who puts everything in its right place.[^1]

Brief Description

A lot is said about the meaning and concept of wisdom, but the above definition says it all so succinctly in one short phrase. A better interpretation will be hard to find. Wisdom is nothing other than putting everything in its right place: giving everybody the place they merit, showing grief and happiness, friendship and enmity, mildness and harshness, kindness and severity according to the circumstances , adopting correct priorities in worship, work and healthy recreation . In short, doing the right thing in the right way at the right time.

[^1]: Nahjul Balaghah