Flavor #25: Practical Action (Sophia; Ergon)

(Complete list and links to the 31 Flavors of Wisdom)

Meaning, Essence, and Significance: The Greek term Sophia embodies wisdom that integrates both practical skill and profound insight. It represents wisdom graciously given by God, enabling you to discern what choices and actions are best for you and in your interaction(s) with others. Sophia alludes to a wisdom that transcends human knowledge by combining spiritual, moral and ethical understanding with actionable application. Ergon, or work, informs us the wise actions we practice, perform and employ are to be good, are a reflection of who we are (Character, #7), what we consider important, and have eternal value. Developing and practicing Sophia and Ergon allows you to navigate life’s complexities with viewpoints enlightened by your Higher Power, as your thoughts and actions reflect a deep comprehension and focus on producing life-giving, life-affirming, and life-altering behavior that results in practical and wise outcomes, which deserve to be repeated due to the value, significance and meaning they have with you.

Practical Appearance and Nutritional Value: Practically, Sophia and Ergon manifests as the ability to make sound decisions that are spiritually guided, ethically grounded and result in good works for your benefit (1.5) and for the benefit of others (2.0). It involves not only understanding what is right but also effectively applying that knowledge in various situations that deserves wise outcomes again and again, (Skilled Behavior, #27 and Skilled Outcomes, #28). The “nutritional value” of Sophia and Ergon lies in their ability to cultivate discernment, integrity, and compassion—resulting in personal growth and positively influencing others through the practical expression of your actions.

Who deserves some of this seasoning?  “My spouse deserves the seasoning of Sophia and Ergon from me, especially when good, sound and practical actions are asked of (or intuited by) me.  The more I grow and become proficient in grasping the values of understanding and compassion, I’m led to think about, suggest, then offer solutions and actions that are ‘win-win’ for the two of us.”  

So thanks again for looking at these 31 Flavors of Wisdom and hopefully, participating in the 31 Day Wisdom Challenge, and for reading this excerpt from Cultivating Love: Wisdom for Life. As time permits, please visit the other blogs written by Dr. Ken McGill: Daily Bread for Life and “3–2- 5–4–24” for additional information that could be helpful.