If someone uses these 10 phrases, they’re wiser than they initially appear
I must admit, it’s a real challenge to accurately judge people upon first meeting them.
Because we’re so quick to label and categorize, it’s easy to misjudge someone’s depth based on their outward appearance.
How many times have you dismissed someone as being simplistic or naive, only to be utterly blown away by their wisdom when they actually open their mouth?
I’m willing to bet it’s happened more times than you’d like to admit.
Sound familiar?
Well, if it does, stick around as I reveal the phrases that hint that someone might just be a lot wiser than they initially appear.
1) “Let’s see it from their perspective”
When you say, “let’s see it from their perspective,” it shows that you’re capable of stepping out of your own shoes and into someone else’s.
This is a trait that’s usually found in people who are wiser than they appear. It’s a sign of emotional intelligence and maturity, which often come with wisdom.
Sadly, this can easily be overlooked in casual conversations, causing us to underestimate the wisdom of the person we’re talking to.
But make no mistake:
The ability to view things from multiple perspectives is no easy feat. It requires understanding, patience, and, most importantly, wisdom.
2) “I don’t know everything”
Once upon a time, I met an elderly man on a park bench.
At first glance, he seemed like an ordinary person just enjoying his retirement.
But as we struck up a conversation, he said something that made me reassess my initial impression of him.
He said, “I don’t know everything.”
This phrase may seem simple, but it’s deeply profound. It’s an open admission of one’s limitations and a willingness to learn.
It shows that a truly wise person knows that they don’t have all the answers, and they’re not afraid to admit it.
That day in the park, the elderly man taught me that wisdom isn’t the knowledge you acquire over the years, but the acknowledgment of the vastness of what you don’t know.
3) “Failure is part of success”
Being able to believe that failure is part of success shows that you understand the role that failure plays in our life.
Don’t get me wrong; it doesn’t mean you’re simply accepting defeat. It means you see setbacks not as hurdles but as steppingstones towards success.
This ability to embrace failure and learn lessons from it is a hallmark of wisdom.
4) “Patience is key”
To understand that patience is key is to know the importance of time and the role it plays in achieving success.
It shows that you’re wise enough to understand that everything has its own pace and can’t be rushed, because you know that good things come to those who wait.
But wait, there’s more:
It also shows an acceptance of the fact that not everything is under our control. Sometimes, all we can do is give our best and patiently wait for things to unfold.
5) “It’s okay not to be okay”
Too often, society pressures us to put on a happy facade, to pretend that everything is fine when it’s not.
But the truth is, life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows.
We all experience pain, heartbreak, disappointment, and it’s important to acknowledge these feelings.
That’s why to say that “It’s okay not to be okay” is an acknowledgement of our shared human experience.
That we all have good days and bad days, and that’s perfectly normal.
When you understand this, you accept—you allow yourself to feel—your emotions instead of suppressing them, which takes courage and wisdom.
6) “Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about”
Every person we meet has their own struggles and challenges, many of which are hidden from view.
This phrase is a gentle reminder of the empathy and kindness that lie beneath your wisdom.
It’s a humbling reminder to treat everyone with kindness, because we never truly know what someone is going through.
Being able to understand this shows that you don’t judge others hastily; instead, you offer compassion and understanding when you can.
7) “Life is a journey, not a destination”
Now, who hasn’t heard the phrase, “Life is a journey, not a destination”?
It’s something we’ve all probably heard or said at some point. But have you ever stopped to consider the wisdom it holds?
When you say this phrase, it shows that you understand that you don’t always have to rush to reach a certain point or achieve a specific goal.
What matters are the experiences, lessons, and memories we collect along the way.
8) “Laughter is the best medicine”
There’s something undoubtedly charming about someone who often says, “Laughter is the best medicine.”
It’s a delightful reminder of the joy and healing that can be found in a good belly laugh. It shows that you appreciate the lighter side of life and are not taking things too seriously all the time.
You understand that life isn’t just about the serious, heavy moments, because it’s also about finding joy, laughter, and happiness in the everyday.
Because sometimes, a hearty laugh can lift our spirits and heal our hearts more effectively than any solemn advice.
9) “No pain, no gain”
“No pain, no gain,” is a dose of wisdom served with a side of tough love.
It’s a reality check—an understanding that growth often comes from discomfort and challenges. It’s a reminder that the road to success is rarely smooth or easy.
So when you say this phrase, it shows that you understand that life isn’t always about taking the easy route.
Sometimes, we have to face the hard truths, push through the pain, and overcome obstacles to achieve our goals.
10) “This too shall pass”
Possibly the most profound phrase of them all is, “This too shall pass.”
It’s a timeless piece of wisdom that provides comfort during tough times and a gentle reminder to stay humble during good ones.
Because life is short. Good times and bad times are temporary.
To believe that nothing lasts shows genuine wisdom, because it means that you accept life’s highs and lows, and that constant change is the only real certainty in life.
Final thoughts
It’s far too easy to mistake the depth of someone’s wisdom based on their initial appearances.
As a society, we tend to make snap judgments, often missing the profound wisdom that lies within those phrases we casually dismiss.
But remember, if someone uses these phrases, they’re likely wiser than they initially appear. Their wisdom isn’t flashy or showy—it’s hidden in the simple yet profound phrases they use in everyday conversation.
So don’t be so quick to judge; instead, pause for a moment.
Listen to people’s words and pay attention to how they speak. You might just discover a wellspring of wisdom you had previously overlooked.