Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Word of the Week: Sapient

Sapient (adjective)

Pronunciation

SAY-pee-uhnt

Definition
Sage; wise; discerning

Example Sentence

Tim was not exactly sapient when it came to relationships, which is why his friends were unsurprised when his third girlfriend in as many weeks broke up with him.

---

The word “sapient” comes from the Latin root "sapere," meaning “to taste or know.” It has origins in the 15th century and is closely related to the word “sage.”

Are you sapient? The book of Proverbs repeatedly praises wisdom and encourages the pursuit of wisdom, saying it is more precious than anything money can buy.

Proverbs 3:13-14 says, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”

But how are we to find wisdom?

Proverbs 2:6 explains that “…the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 13:10 says wisdom “is found in those who take advice,” and 15:33 states that “the fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom.”

It’s interesting that those who take advice, not give it, are considered wise.

This week, if you have the desire, spend some time in Proverbs or Ecclesiastes. Both “wisdom books” have a lot to say on the subject and will definitely make you a more sapient person.


Definition and pronunciation taken from dictionary.reference.com

No comments:

Post a Comment