Cunning vs. Wise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 28, 2024
Cunning involves cleverness and deceit for personal gain, focusing on short-term advantages, while wisdom encompasses insight, experience, and a broader understanding for long-term benefits.
Difference Between Cunning and Wise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cunning is marked by the ability to achieve goals through crafty and sometimes deceptive means, often with a focus on immediate or short-term outcomes. On the other hand, wisdom is characterized by deep understanding, thoughtful judgment, and the ability to foresee and consider the long-term consequences of actions.
Individuals who are cunning are adept at manipulating situations and people to their advantage, using their sharp minds to navigate complex scenarios. Whereas, wise individuals draw on their knowledge, experience, and ethical considerations to make decisions that benefit not only themselves but others as well.
While cunning can sometimes lead to quick successes, it may not always foster trust or lasting relationships, as it can involve deceit or exploitation. Conversely, wisdom builds respect and trust among peers, promoting harmony and sustainable success through honest and ethical behavior.
Cunning strategies often involve outsmarting opponents or competitors, possibly at their expense. Wisdom, however, encourages collaboration, understanding, and the pursuit of common goals, recognizing the value of mutual respect and shared achievements.
The pursuit of cunning can be seen as a way to navigate through life's challenges with agility and opportunism, focusing on self-benefit. Wisdom, however, suggests a more holistic approach, considering the well-being of oneself and others, and the impact of decisions on the future.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Short-term gain, immediate outcomes
Long-term benefits, holistic understanding
Means
Craftiness, deceit, manipulation
Insight, experience, ethical judgment
Outcome Orientation
Often self-serving, may not build trust
Beneficial to self and others, builds trust
Strategy
Outsmarting, exploiting opportunities
Collaborative, considers mutual respect
Perspective
Opportunistic, situational agility
Holistic, considers future implications
Compare with Definitions
Cunning
Characterized by shrewd manipulation.
Her cunning negotiation tactics secured the deal.
Wise
Considers long-term effects and ethical implications.
He made a wise choice that benefited both the company and its employees.
Cunning
Focuses on exploiting opportunities.
He used his cunning to navigate through the complex bureaucracy.
Wise
Possessing deep understanding and sound judgment.
The wise elder's advice saved the village from famine.
Cunning
Using cleverness or deceit to achieve goals.
The cunning fox devised a plan to steal the pie.
Wise
Balances personal gain with the well-being of others.
Choosing to mentor the youth was a wise way to give back to her community.
Cunning
Prioritizes self-benefit, possibly at others' expense.
His cunning strategies often left his competitors at a disadvantage.
Wise
Encourages mutual respect and collaboration.
The wise leader fostered a culture of teamwork and respect.
Cunning
Often involves trickery or deceit.
The spy used cunning disguises to gather information.
Wise
Applies experience and knowledge for good decisions.
Her wise investments ensured her financial security.
Cunning
Marked by or given to artful subtlety and deceptiveness.
Wise
Having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious
A wise leader.
Cunning
Executed with or exhibiting ingenuity.
Wise
Exhibiting common sense; prudent
A wise decision.
Cunning
Delicately pleasing; pretty or cute
A cunning pet.
Wise
Shrewd; crafty
Made a wise move selling the house when he did.
Cunning
Skill in deception; guile.
Wise
Provided with information; informed. Often used with to
I'm wise to your tricks. We were none the wiser after reading the report.
Cunning
Skill or adeptness in execution or performance; dexterity.
Wise
(Slang) Rude and disrespectful; impudent.
Cunning
Sly; crafty; clever in surreptitious behaviour.
Wise
Method or manner of doing; way
In no wise.
In any wise.
Cunning
(obsolete) Skillful, artful.
Wise
Showing good judgement or the benefit of experience.
Storing extra food for the winter was a wise decision.
They were considered the wise old men of the administration.
"It is a profitable thing, if one is wise, to seem foolish" - Aeschylus
Cunning
(obsolete) Wrought with, or exhibiting, skill or ingenuity; ingenious.
Cunning work
Wise
Disrespectful.
Don't get wise with me!
Cunning
Cute, appealing.
Wise
(colloquial) Aware, informed.
Be careful: the boss is wise to your plan to call out sick.
Cunning
Practical knowledge or experience; aptitude in performance; skill, proficiency; dexterity.
Wise
To become wise.
Cunning
Practical skill employed in a secret or crafty manner; craft; artifice; skillful deceit; art or magic.
Wise
Usually with "up", to inform or learn.
Mo wised him up about his situation.
After Mo had a word with him, he wised up.
Cunning
The disposition to employ one's skill in an artful manner; craftiness; guile; artifice; skill of being cunning, sly, conniving, or deceitful.
Wise
(dialectal) To instruct.
Cunning
The natural wit or instincts of an animal.
The cunning of the fox or hare
Wise
(dialectal) To advise; induce.
Cunning
(obsolete) Knowledge; learning; special knowledge (sometimes implying occult or magical knowledge).
Wise
(dialectal) To show the way, guide.
Cunning
Knowing; skillful; dexterous.
"Tis beauty truly blent, whose red and whiteNature's own sweet and cunning hand laid on.
Esau was a cunning hunter.
Wise
(dialectal) To direct the course of, pilot.
Cunning
Wrought with, or exhibiting, skill or ingenuity; ingenious; curious; as, cunning work.
Over them Arachne high did lift
Wise
(dialectal) To cause to turn.
Cunning
Crafty; sly; artful; designing; deceitful.
They are resolved to be cunning; let others run the hazard of being sincere.
Wise
(archaic) Way, manner, or method.
Cunning
Pretty or pleasing; as, a cunning little boy.
Wise
Having knowledge; knowing; enlightened; of extensive information; erudite; learned.
They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
Cunning
Knowledge; art; skill; dexterity.
Let my right hand forget her cunning.
A carpenter's desertStands more in cunning than in power.
Wise
Hence, especially, making due use of knowledge; discerning and judging soundly concerning what is true or false, proper or improper; choosing the best ends and the best means for accomplishing them; sagacious.
When clouds appear, wise men put their cloaks.
From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.
Cunning
The faculty or act of using stratagem to accomplish a purpose; fraudulent skill or dexterity; deceit; craft.
Discourage cunning in a child; cunning is the ape of wisdom.
We take cunning for a sinister or crooked wisdom.
Wise
Versed in art or science; skillful; dexterous; specifically, skilled in divination.
Fal. There was, mine host, an old fat woman even now with me; but she's gone.Sim. Pray you, sir, was't not the wise woman of Brentford?
Cunning
Shrewdness in deception;
As cunning as a fox
Wise
Hence, prudent; calculating; shrewd; wary; subtle; crafty.
Nor, on the other side,Will I be penuriously wiseAs to make money, that's my slave, my idol.
Lords do not care for me:I am too wise to die yet.
Cunning
Shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
Wise
Dictated or guided by wisdom; containing or exhibiting wisdom; well adapted to produce good effects; judicious; discreet; as, a wise saying; a wise scheme or plan; wise conduct or management; a wise determination.
A very grave, state bachelor, my dainty one;He's wise in years, and of a temperate warmth.
You are too wise in years, too full of counsel,For my green experience.
Cunning
Drafty artfulness (especially in deception)
Wise
Way of being or acting; manner; mode; fashion.
To love her in my beste wyse.
This song she sings in most commanding wise.
Let not these blessings then, sent from above,Abused be, or spilt in profane wise.
Cunning
Attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness;
A cute kid with pigtails
A cute little apartment
Cunning kittens
A cunning baby
Wise
A way of doing or being;
In no wise
In this wise
Cunning
Marked by skill in deception;
Cunning men often pass for wise
Deep political machinations
A foxy scheme
A slick evasive answer
Sly as a fox
Tricky Dik
A wily old attorney
Wise
United States Jewish leader (born in Hungary) (1874-1949)
Cunning
Showing inventiveness and skill;
A clever gadget
The cunning maneuvers leading to his success
An ingenious solution to the problem
Wise
United States religious leader (born in Bohemia) who united reform Jewish organizations in the United States (1819-1900)
Wise
Having or prompted by wisdom or discernment;
A wise leader
A wise and perceptive comment
Wise
Marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters;
Judicious use of one's money
A sensible manager
A wise decision
Wise
Evidencing the possession of inside information
Wise
Able to take a broad view of negotiations between states
Wise
Carefully considered;
A considered opinion
Common Curiosities
How do cunning strategies affect relationships?
Cunning strategies, due to their manipulative nature, can undermine trust and lead to strained or superficial relationships.
What role does experience play in developing wisdom?
Experience is crucial for wisdom as it provides the knowledge and understanding necessary for making sound, ethical decisions.
What defines a cunning person?
A cunning person is defined by their cleverness and often deceitful methods to achieve personal goals, focusing on short-term gains.
Can cunning be considered a positive trait?
While cunning can be advantageous in certain situations, its association with deceit and manipulation often gives it a negative connotation.
Why is wisdom valued in society?
Wisdom is valued for its ability to foster understanding, ethical decision-making, and long-term positive outcomes for individuals and communities.
What is the importance of ethical judgment in wisdom?
Ethical judgment is crucial in wisdom as it guides decisions that are not only beneficial in the long term but also morally sound.
How does wisdom differ from cunning?
Wisdom involves insight, experience, and ethical judgment focusing on long-term benefits and the greater good, unlike the short-term, self-serving focus of cunning.
Can wisdom be taught, or is it innate?
While certain aspects of wisdom can be nurtured through guidance and experience, an innate capacity for empathy and understanding also plays a role.
What is the societal impact of cunning versus wise leadership?
Cunning leadership may achieve short-term successes but can lead to distrust and instability, while wise leadership builds lasting trust, respect, and sustainable progress.
How does the focus on self versus others differ between cunning and wisdom?
Cunning often prioritizes self-benefit, potentially at the expense of others, while wisdom considers the well-being and interests of both oneself and others.
Is it possible for someone to be both cunning and wise?
While the traits may seem contradictory, it's possible for someone to exhibit both, using cleverness in a wise and ethical manner.
How do wise individuals handle conflicts?
Wise individuals handle conflicts by seeking understanding, collaborative solutions, and considering the well-being of all parties involved.
Can cunning strategies be sustainable in the long run?
While cunning may provide short-term advantages, it's often not sustainable in the long run due to potential loss of trust and respect.
Why is mutual respect important for wise decision-making?
Mutual respect ensures that decisions consider the perspectives, needs, and well-being of all parties, leading to more harmonious and sustainable outcomes.
Can a cunning person become wise?
Yes, through reflection, learning from experiences, and adopting ethical considerations, a cunning person can develop wisdom.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
