On the other hand if one had compassion but no wisdom one would be helpful but not understand the fundamentals of non-attachment that is necessary for enlightenment.
The arhat (ascetic) is an example of someone who has some wisdom but does not necessarily exemplify compassion in the same way as a bodhisattva.
He can teach others, but he is not doctrinally expected to help just any person; he is primarily concerned with his own progress to enlightenment.
With this kind of practice in mind, Mahayanists criticize Theravada for allegedly favoring only the individual’s solitary path to enlightenment, which is very slow because it takes many lifetimes.