An exciting new book has recently been released. It is entitled Being Good: Christian Virtues for Everyday Life (Eerdmans), edited by Michael Austin and Douglas Geivett. The book features chapters on eleven different virtues—faith, open-mindedness, wisdom, zeal, hope, contentment, courage, love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. I was pleased to be among the contributors, which include many superb Christian philosophers. Each 
chapter aims to explain the essence of the virtue discussed with a view to benefiting readers in a practical way. My chapter is on the virtue of wisdom, and below is an overview of what I discuss.
Generally speaking, wisdom is a kind of practical moral insight. So it appears to be both a moral virtue and an intellectual virtue. For the wise person has knowledge of what is the best conduct in particular situations, and this knowledge is manifested in good conduct. So you might say that wisdom is a sort of “governing” virtue that is necessary, to some degree, for the development of all other virtues. This is why wisdom is especially important and perhaps why we find such a strong biblical emphasis on it.
How does one become wise? Is it just a matter of study and cognitive reflection? While we usually think in terms of beliefs determining behavior, Scripture suggests that the causal dynamic runs the other direction as well. The Old Testament wisdom literature tells us that God makes wise the simple and grants understanding to those who humble themselves (see Psalm 19:7, Psalm 25:9, Prov. 1:4, and Prov. 11:2). And some New Testament passages underscore the critical role of behavior when it comes to belief formation (e.g., Rom. 1:18-32, Eph. 4:18-19).
Alvin Plantinga has provided some insights regarding how vice undermines wisdom. He notes that cognitive faculties are like any other aspect of human beings, in so far as they were designed for a purpose (to form true beliefs) and that they function properly only under certain conditions. Like any physical organ, such as lungs or eyes, cognitive processes can malfunction because of corrupting influences. And moral vice, such pride, resentment, or the habitual indulgence in perverse behavior, is a major cause of cognitive malfunction. In other words, sin compromises a person’s capacity to form true beliefs, particularly regarding moral and spiritual matters.
Psychological studies have shown that, when faced with a conflict between their personal beliefs and behavior, people will often reconcile this conflict by changing the way they think about their behavior. Rather than alter their conduct, they will take the less demanding route and search for some way to rationalize it. This response is almost always unconscious, which of course makes for a morally insidious dynamic in contexts involving vicious behavior. These moral-psychological insights appear to confirm the Apostle Paul’s remarks in Romans 1:18-32 where he describes how wicked behavior leads to futile thinking.
So immorality undermines the quest for wisdom. But on the positive side, virtuous living leads to wisdom. By living rightly we diminish the corrupting impact of sin on the mind. Consequently, our cognitive processes can function properly, and we are more likely to form true beliefs about moral and spiritual issues. So those who faithfully obey God will grow wiser, just as Scripture tells us.
Richard Mann
Thanks, Jim for writing this piece on a too often overlooked topic.There’s a Goodwill Industries store in my neighborhood (right up the road from Valley Forge Park) that I frequent when in the vicinity. They offer valuable services to the community as you probably know, and move inventory quite rapidly, so you never know what kind of great deal is on the shelves. I happened by some years ago and noticed a quote encased beautifully with the title ‘Patience.’ Centered in the frame and inscribed on white stone, it read ‘a man’s wisdom gives patience’ …Proverbs 19:11.
For a mere $2.97, I scooped it up, and upon arriving home, hung it the bathroom, directly across from the commode. I’d figured that one day I’d put it to good use … when I needed patience. If it worked, it would confirm that I had wisdom.
I read it over and over for a few months, wanting to find a higher meaning … It’s been in a special place now for years, where it’s importance has grown more profound with time – as has my understanding and acceptance of the world, but especially of myself.