The Bible has a lot to say about knowledge and wisdom. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses that discuss knowledge:
Proverbs 1:7 – Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
This famous verse establishes that true knowledge begins with reverence and awe for God. Only when our hearts are inclined to follow God’s ways can we gain true understanding.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7 ESV)
Proverbs 9:10 – Knowledge of God comes through His word
We gain knowledge and wisdom by studying God’s word and commands in the Bible. Sitting under biblical teaching opens our eyes to truth.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (Proverbs 9:10 ESV)
Proverbs 15:14 – Knowledge comes from seeking after it
We have to pursue knowledge and wisdom diligently. It takes effort to keep learning, asking questions and expanding our understanding.
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. (Proverbs 15:14 ESV)
Proverbs 24:5 – Knowledge increases strength
Seeking knowledge builds our competence and capabilities. A knowledgeable person is able to achieve more and handle difficulties better.
A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might (Proverbs 24:5 ESV)
Ecclesiastes 1:18 – Much study wearies the body
Pursuing knowledge extensively can be tiring and stressful at times. We need rest and relief from continual learning.
For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow. (Ecclesiastes 1:18 ESV)
Ecclesiastes 12:12 – Never stop learning
We should keep expanding our knowledge as long as we live. There is always more truth to discover.
My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. (Ecclesiastes 12:12 ESV)
Isaiah 11:2 – Knowledge and wisdom of God
God’s Spirit imparts true knowledge, wisdom and understanding to those who follow Him.
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2 ESV)
Isaiah 33:6 – Knowledge and fear of God provide stability
Remaining steadfast in our faith requires continuing in the knowledge and awe of God all our lives.
and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure. (Isaiah 33:6 ESV)
Daniel 1:17 – God grants knowledge and intelligence
Our natural abilities and aptitudes come from God above. He enables those who honor Him to excel in studies.
As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. (Daniel 1:17 ESV)
Luke 1:77 – Knowledge of salvation through Christ
True knowledge of God’s forgiveness and redemption comes through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice for us.
to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins (Luke 1:77 ESV)
Romans 1:28 – Departing from God is foolishness
When people reject the knowledge of God He gives them over to worthless thinking and misguided mindsets.
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. (Romans 1:28 ESV)
1 Corinthians 1:5 – Utterance and knowledge from God
Our speech and understanding originate from blessings bestowed on us by God.
that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge (1 Corinthians 1:5 ESV)
1 Corinthians 8:1-3 – Knowledge puffs up without love
Knowledge for its own sake leads to pride. But knowledge coupled with love for God builds others up.
Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. (1 Corinthians 8:1-3 ESV)
2 Corinthians 4:6 – The knowledge of God’s glory in Christ
Through Christ we gain the wondrous knowledge of God’s glory, by the working of the Spirit in our hearts.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV)
Ephesians 1:17 – Knowledge of God and spiritual wisdom
Paul prays that all Christians would be granted full knowledge of God and His calling upon their lives.
that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him (Ephesians 1:17 ESV)
Ephesians 4:13 – Attaining knowledge of Christ
We are to keep progressing in our understanding of who Christ is and what He has accomplished.
until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13 ESV)
Philippians 1:9 – Knowledge with discernment
Our knowledge should be joined with moral perception to approve the truths of God.
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment (Philippians 1:9 ESV)
Colossians 1:9 – Knowledge of God’s will
We should pray for spiritual wisdom to know God’s desires and purposes for our lives.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Colossians 1:9 ESV)
Colossians 2:3 – All wisdom and knowledge in Christ
There are hidden, unsearchable treasures of wisdom and knowledge deposited in Jesus Christ.
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3 ESV)
2 Peter 1:5 – Add knowledge to your faith
We are exhorted to supplement our trust in God with moral excellence, knowledge, self-control and perseverance.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge. (2 Peter 1:5 ESV)
2 Peter 3:18 – Continue growing in knowledge of Christ
All believers must make ongoing efforts to increase their understanding of who Jesus Christ is and what He has done.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 ESV)
In summary, the Bible encourages gaining knowledge and wisdom, beginning with the fear of God. Knowledge sanctified by biblical truth helps us grow in faith and Christian maturity. With knowledge comes responsibility to live uprightly. Ultimately, all true knowledge is found in the person of Jesus Christ, as we grow in relationship with Him.