2. 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.
From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation. --2 Tim. iii. 15.
4. Hence, prudent; calculating; shrewd; wary; subtle; crafty. [R.] “Thou art . . . no novice, but a governor wily and wise.”
5. 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. “Eminent in wise deport.”
To make it wise, to make it a matter of deliberation. [Obs.] “We thought it was not worth to make it wise.” --Chaucer.
Note: ☞ This word is nearly obsolete, except in such phrases as in any wise, in no wise, on this wise, etc. “ Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” --Ps. xxxvii. 8. “He shall in no wise lose his reward.” --Matt. x. 42. “ On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel.” --Num. vi. 23.
Note: ☞ Wise is often used as a suffix in composition, as in likewise, nowise, lengthwise, etc., in which words -ways is often substituted with the same sense; as, noways, lengthways, etc.