Wisdom and Virtue: Reflections for a Full Life

Discover how wisdom and virtue can guide your decisions and actions toward a fuller and more meaningful life

In our lives, we often find ourselves at crossroads where we clearly know what we should do, but we lack the strength or courage to act. As a philosopher whose name I can’t remember now said, “wisdom consists in knowing what the next step is and virtue in carrying it out.” This phrase invites us to reflect on the importance of not stopping halfway.

Sometimes, wisdom is a gift from the Holy Spirit. We know what we have to do, but we don’t always find the strength to do it. Many people confess to knowing the right path, but they lack the necessary push. “Father, I know what I have to do, but I don’t do it. I don’t have the strength, I haven’t given myself the time,” is a common phrase that reveals a worrying truth.

The Hierarchy of Actions

There are different degrees of importance in the actions we must take. Some things are not immediate or necessary, while others are crucial and obligatory. For example, leaving a person who is not good for us is something that should be done immediately, but many times we lack the strength to do it. The situation becomes even more serious when it comes to addictions or self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse or frequenting places that harm us.

Long-Term Projects and Goals

On the other hand, there are projects that are nice and beneficial, but that require time and dedication. Learning a new language, investing in our children’s education, or simply spending more time with our family are examples of goals that, although not immediate, have a profound impact on our lives. These projects require planning and continuous effort.

The Virtue of Action

Wisdom is knowing what needs to be done, but virtue is the strength we need to do it. We must not stop halfway. It is essential to examine our conscience and develop a life and family project. Let us ask ourselves how far we want to go with our loved ones, what level of unity and development we wish to achieve.

Priorities and Concrete Examples

It is vital to discern which actions are immediate and which can be carried out over time. For example, planning a family trip can be an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties, something that can be achieved in a short period. However, teaching our children a new language or motivating them to develop artistic and sports skills are projects that require years of dedication.


At the end of the day, it is essential to be clear about our goals and have the virtue to achieve them. Let us do all the good we can and trust that God will give us the strength to move forward.

Life is full of decisions and actions that shape our future. Wisdom guides us on the right path, but it is virtue that drives us to act. Don’t stop halfway. Plan, act, and trust that God will always bless you.

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