Wisdom is a highly valued virtue in the Bible. Scripture encourages believers to pursue wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). Wise living leads to blessings, while foolishness leads to destruction. Here is an overview of some of the many Bible verses that discuss wisdom:
The book of Proverbs
The book of Proverbs contains extensive teachings about wisdom. Written mainly by King Solomon, Proverbs uses poetic couplets and pithy sayings to convey moral truths and life principles. Some key verses on wisdom in Proverbs include:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)
This foundational verse establishes that wisdom starts with reverence for God. Fools reject wisdom and discipline.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
Wisdom comes from the Lord as a gift. He grants discernment and comprehension to those who sincerely seek it.
“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13)
Finding true wisdom leads to blessing and happiness. Similarly, gaining understanding is worthwhile and beneficial.
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)
The company we keep impacts us profoundly. Associating with wise individuals helps us grow in wisdom. Spending time with fools is dangerous and brings harm.
“The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.” (Proverbs 14:8)
The wise person discerns the right path and walks in it. Fools are deluded and lost.
“The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.” (Proverbs 10:14)
The wise store up knowledge for future application. Fools spew foolishness that leads to ruin.
Ecclesiastes
The book of Ecclesiastes also contains key verses about wisdom. Written late in life, King Solomon reflects on the meaninglessness of life without God. He concludes that the essence of wisdom is fearing God and keeping his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
“And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 1:13)
Solomon diligently studied life from every angle to comprehend the human condition. His God-given wisdom allowed insight that others lacked.
“So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?” (Ecclesiastes 3:22)
Given life’s uncertainties, Solomon concluded that finding satisfaction in daily work is wise living. No one can predict the future, so making the most of the present is prudent.
“Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.” (Ecclesiastes 7:19)
Wisdom offers great advantages. A wise person with wisdom has more strength and capabilities than ten rulers in a city.
“The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.” (Ecclesiastes 9:17)
Even quietly spoken wisdom surpasses the loud clamoring of fools. Wisdom gently conveyed often resonates more than forceful folly.
Job
The book of Job also mentions wisdom repeatedly. Job himself was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1). Satan insisted that Job only feared God because of the blessings in his life. After Job experienced tremendous personal pain and loss, his friend Elihu gave this advice:
“Behold, in this you are not right. I will answer you, for God is greater than man…It is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand. It is not the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand what is right.” (Job 33:12, 32:8-9)
Elihu encouraged Job not to justify himself and contend with God. He reminded Job that true wisdom comes from God’s Spirit granting understanding. Human wisdom has limitations.
Psalms
The poetic psalms also reference wisdom frequently as a treasured gift from God. For example:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalms 111:10)
Once again, wisdom begins with reverence for God. Those who fear the Lord gain true insight and discernment.
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” (Psalms 25:4-5)
The psalmist prays for God to teach him in the Lord’s ways of wisdom. He seeks the Lord diligently and waits upon Him all day to gain understanding.
“Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalms 90:12)
This prayer asks God to help us realize the brevity of life so that we prioritize pursuing wisdom. Keeping an eternal perspective leads to wise living.
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalms 19:7)
God’s perfect Word transforms simple people without wisdom into those with spiritual understanding and discernment.
Proverbs from Jesus
In the Gospels, Jesus taught extensively using pithy proverbs and parables to convey timeless wisdom. For example:
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)
Obedience to Jesus’ teachings demonstrates wisdom. Those who hear and obey are like the wise builder whose house withstands the storm.
“Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
Jesus counseled His disciples to combine wisdom with innocence. Be discerning, but maintain integrity and purity.
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” (Luke 12:25-26)
Worry accomplishes nothing. Jesus encouraged reliance upon God over fruitless anxiety about things beyond one’s control.
James
The book of James, attributed to Jesus’ brother, directly addresses wisdom. Like Proverbs, James contrasts worldly and godly wisdom:
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13)
True wisdom manifests itself in good conduct and humility. Deeds reveal if someone is truly wise.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
Godly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, merciful, impartial, and sincere. Its characteristics reveal its divine origins.
“The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 1:5)
Believers can ask God for wisdom, just as we would ask anyone for a gift. God generously provides wisdom to those who seek it from Him.
Further Teachings on Wisdom
A few other notable verses about wisdom include:
“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)
Wisdom is extremely valuable. Make acquiring it life’s highest priority regardless of the cost.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
Proper awe of God marks the starting point of being truly wise. Knowing God intimately leads to comprehension and insight.
“The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 10:8)
Wise people humbly obey instructions. Fools who talk endlessly, yet ignore wisdom, will come to ruin.
“Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.” (Proverbs 10:14)
The wise retain and carefully apply knowledge, leading to blessing. Fools lack discipline and face destruction.
“Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9)
The wise humbly accept the Lord’s ways. The righteous walk in them, but the rebellious reject God’s path.
Conclusion
The Bible offers extensive wisdom about pursuing godly wisdom. From Proverbs to Psalms and Job to Jesus’ teaching, the Bible provides guidance to gain the wisdom that comes from above. Fearing the Lord, obeying His word, and seeking Him wholeheartedly allow believers to grow in spiritual understanding and wise living.