There’s a vast difference between seeming wise and being truly wise.

The difference, my friend, lies in the subtlety. Those who only appear wise tend to loudly proclaim their wisdom for the world to hear, often without any substantial actions to back up their words.

True wisdom, however, tends to manifest itself through quiet, meaningful actions. A genuinely wise person doesn’t need to shout about their wisdom – they let their behaviors do the talking.

And here’s the thing – there are certain behaviors that can reveal this quiet wisdom. They’re like telltale signs of true wisdom, if you know what to look for.

So let’s dive into these 9 key behaviors that truly wise people display. If you spot them in someone, know that you’re dealing with a genuinely wise soul.

1) They listen more than they speak

Ever noticed how those with true wisdom tend to be the quietest in the room?

There’s a reason for that.

Wise individuals understand the power of listening. They know that by keeping silent and tuning into others, they can learn far more than by dominating the conversation.

Listening, after all, is about more than just hearing words. It’s about understanding perspectives, empathizing with emotions, and gaining insights. It’s about respect and valuing others’ opinions.

The truly wise don’t feel the need to constantly voice their thoughts. Instead, they soak up the world around them, quietly absorbing, learning, and growing.

So the next time you’re in a conversation with someone who listens more than they speak, take note – you might just be in the presence of genuine wisdom.

2) They’re comfortable with uncertainty

I can tell you from personal experience, being comfortable with uncertainty is a clear sign of wisdom.

I once knew a man, a mentor of mine, who was often faced with complex dilemmas in his line of work. While others panicked and sought immediate solutions, he remained calm and composed. He wasn’t afraid of not knowing the answer right away.

He used to say, “Not knowing is just an opportunity to learn something new.”

And that always stuck with me.

His acceptance of uncertainty didn’t mean he was indecisive or lacked confidence. Far from it. It meant he had the wisdom to understand that life is unpredictable and full of unknowns.

And instead of fearing this, he embraced it. He saw each uncertainty as a chance to grow, to learn, and to adapt.

That’s a behavior I’ve come to recognize as a sign of true wisdom – the calm acceptance of life’s uncertainties.

3) They’re open-minded

Wisdom and open-mindedness go hand in hand.

Did you know that Charles Darwin, one of the most influential figures in the scientific world, was known for his remarkable open-mindedness? It was this trait that led him to challenge existing beliefs and ultimately propose the groundbreaking theory of evolution.

Open-minded individuals like Darwin don’t just accept information at face value. They question, they ponder, they explore different perspectives. They understand that their own viewpoint is just one among many, and they’re willing to adjust it if presented with compelling evidence or reasoning.

This ability to remain open to new ideas, even those that challenge their own beliefs, is a hallmark of genuine wisdom. It’s a silent proclamation of their understanding that knowledge is infinite and ever-evolving.

4) They’re humble

A truly wise person is always humble.

Humility is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness or lack of confidence. But in reality, it’s a reflection of inner strength and self-awareness.

Wise individuals understand their own limitations. They recognize that they don’t know everything and they’re not afraid to admit it. They’re always open to learning from others, regardless of their age, status or background.

Rather than boasting about their knowledge or achievements, they prefer to let their actions speak for them. Their wisdom is not flaunted but quietly displayed through their behavior.

A humble person might not loudly announce their wisdom, but they certainly exemplify it.

5) They’re emotionally intelligent

Wisdom isn’t just about intellectual knowledge, it extends to emotional intelligence as well.

Emotionally intelligent individuals are aware of their own feelings and those of others. They’re able to manage their emotions in a healthy way and show empathy towards others.

This ability to understand and navigate emotions is a critical aspect of wisdom. It allows wise individuals to build strong, meaningful relationships and handle difficult situations with grace.

6) They value kindness

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. This is a motto that truly wise people live by.

Kindness isn’t a sign of weakness or naivety, as some might think. It’s a reflection of empathy, compassion and understanding – all crucial components of wisdom.

A genuinely wise person knows the power of a kind word, a listening ear, or the smallest act of caring. They understand that kindness has the ability to turn a life around and make the world a little better.

Their wisdom isn’t expressed through grand gestures or profound statements, but through their consistent acts of kindness. So if you see someone quietly spreading kindness wherever they go, know that you’re witnessing wisdom in action.

7) They embrace change

Change has always been a bit of a double-edged sword for me. On one hand, it’s exciting and full of potential. On the other, it’s scary and fraught with uncertainty.

Yet, I’ve learned over the years that those with true wisdom have a knack for embracing change. They see it as an opportunity for growth and development, rather than something to be feared.

These people understand that nothing in life is static. Everything evolves – situations, people, even themselves. And rather than resisting this, they adapt and grow with it.

8) They’re patient

Patience is a virtue, and a clear sign of genuine wisdom.

Wise people understand that good things take time. They don’t rush decisions or jump to conclusions. Instead, they give things the time they need to unfold naturally.

Whether it’s waiting for the right opportunity, letting a difficult situation resolve itself, or giving someone the space to grow, their patience often pays off in the end.

This quiet patience is not only a testament to their wisdom, but also a lesson for those around them. It reminds us that life isn’t a race, and that sometimes, slowing down can lead to the best outcomes.

9) They lead by example

At the core, the most profound display of wisdom is leading by example.

Truly wise people don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. Their actions align with their words. They demonstrate their values and principles through their behavior, not just their speech.

They understand that actions speak louder than words, and they use this understanding to guide their conduct.

So, if you come across someone who consistently leads by example, embodying the principles they preach, know that you’re witnessing genuine wisdom in action.