What's the difference between clever, smart, and wise?

The words clever, smart, and wise, are they the same thing? Not exactly. Smart simply means intelligent. Someone who is smart knows a lot and is usually a fast learner. Being smart is a good thing. The word clever also means intelligent, but like in a creative way or in a tricky way. Depending on the context, being clever could be a good thing. If you discover a clever solution to a problem, you've discovered a creative and intelligent solution to that problem. Or being clever could be a bad thing. If a criminal finds a clever way to break into a house, he's using creativity and intelligence for bad purposes. The word wise is like intelligent, but deeper. Someone who is wise has good judgment. They can distinguish between right and wrong, and know what is best, even in complicated situations. Being wise often comes from life experience and or deep study. So the words clever, smart, and wise all have to do with intelligence, but there are some differences in their connotations. Keep asking these awesome English questions. I'll talk to you tomorrow.