Frank J. Wilstach, comp. A Dictionary of Similes. 1916.
Wisdom
Wisdom is like electricity. There is no permanently wise man, but men capable of wisdom, who, being put into certain company, or other favorable conditions, become wise for a short time, as glasses rubbed acquire electric power for a while.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wisdom which is only theoretical and never put into practise is like a double rose; its color and its perfume are delightful, but it withers away and leaves no seed.
—Arthur S. Schopenhauer
Wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
—Old Testament