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| Kindness |
Jewish thought does not define kindness as wisdom. In classical Jewish thought, kindness is not the highest or lowest form of wisdom. It is a quality, a feeling. Wisdom is not a product of knowledge or intellect, since feelings can change knowledge and intellect in negative ways. The best way to learn kindness is by experience.
Kindness is a value
There are many benefits to demonstrating kindness. In addition to easing people's anxiety, it also boosts their self-awareness, joy, and mood. Kindness is also proven to alleviate feelings of depression and loneliness, and strengthens their immune systems. It's important to practice kindness, regardless of the situation you find yourself in.
A study of business leaders revealed that kindness is a key driver of employee loyalty and commitment. It is also linked to higher financial performance and employee retention.
It is not a kind of wisdom
Regardless of whether it's classical Jewish or modern thought, kindness is one of the greatest gifts that we can give others. But unlike other forms of wisdom, kindness is a feeling, and not a type of knowledge. Knowledge derived from feelings and intellect may have negative consequences. Therefore, we must be aware of the nature of feelings before we can know whether they are helpful or harmful.
It is not a kind of virtue
Wisdom of kindness is not a kind of virtuous action, despite the name. Virtues are the qualities that motivate the good actions of creatures. Those who practice virtues are motivated by an emotion or inclination, not by rational choice. This distinction is important in explaining why wisdom of kindness is not a kind of virtue.
Virtues are actions at benefiting others and avoiding suffering. They also include acts to establish truth and repay debts.
It is not a virtue
According to the Bible, wisdom begins with the fear of God and continues to be a development of kindness. The formula for godly wisdom is revealed in James 3:17-18: Wisdom from above is pure, peaceful, reasonable, full of mercy, without hypocrisy, and without partiality.
A virtue is the quality of being good, which means that it is a quality that is intrinsic to all creatures. That is why, any answer to the question, "What should I do?" appeals to a virtue.