wise
怜 centers on wisdom and clear perception: being wise, discerning, or having insight. The meaning is straightforward and does not branch into unrelated senses.
怜 combines 忄 (heart/mind) with 令, which likely contributes the sound and may also carry a sense of clarity or command. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the structure suggests a heart/mind associated with clear perception.
The heart radical 忄 beside 令 suggests a mind that commands clear understanding. Picture a wise person whose heart gives clear orders, leading to wise decisions.
For レイ, imagine a wise person laying out a plan with perfect clarity: lay -> レイ, and the heart commands the right action.