Beautiful Bible Verses about Wisdom
Have you wondered what the Bible says about wisdom?
Wisdom and knowledge could be confused as being synonymous, but they’re not. Knowledge is information gained while wisdom is having good judgment and knowledge while also applying it.
It’s not wise to know the right thing to do but not apply it. This would be like what the book of James says, “be doers of the word, and not hearers only”.
Let’s jump right in to learn more about what the Bible says about wisdom.
What Does the Bible Say about Wisdom?
So, what does the Bible say about wisdom?
This Bible has much to say about wisdom, but I think it’s fitting to begin with this verse from Proverbs.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding,” (Proverbs 9:10).
Wisdom starts with the fear of the Lord. But what does fear mean? Fear can refer to being afraid, giving respect, and having/showing reverence. I would argue the “fear of the Lord” refers to all three aspects of the definition.
So, in order to possess wisdom, we should develop a fear of the Lord.
Wisdom of God in the Bible
The wisdom of God is displayed throughout the Bible.
- God is the source of all wisdom – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:1-3).
- Wisdom starts with a fear of the Lord – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7).
- God’s wisdom is superior to earthly wisdom – “The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (Proverbs 2:6).
- The wisdom of God is revealed to us in the Bible – “But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.” (Job 28:12-13).
- God gives wisdom when we ask for it – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5).
What does the Bible say about a wise man?
Here are a few passages that speak about wise men:
- A wise man holds back his tongue – “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” (Proverbs 29:11).
- A wise man listens to counsel – “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15).
- A wise man builds his foundation on Christ – “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” (Matthew 7:24).
- A wise man chooses to walk with those who are wise – “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20).
- A wise man fears and departs from evil – “A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.” (Proverbs 14:16).
What are some Powerful Bible Verses in the Bible?
Everything in the Bible is profitable in some manner.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Let’s take a look at powerful Bible verses about wisdom.
Knowledge and Wisdom Bible Verses
Knowledge and wisdom are not synonymous. Knowledge is having information whereas wisdom is applying that information to life. Knowledge is required to exercise wisdom, but wisdom is not required to attain knowledge.
Here are a couple of Bible verses about knowledge and wisdom:
“For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12)
For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. (Proverbs 2:10-11).
Seeking Wisdom Bible Verses
Seeking wisdom is a worthy cause. The best way to seek wisdom is to seek the one who holds all wisdom—God.
Here are a couple of Bible verses about seeking wisdom:
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13).
“How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” (Proverbs 16:16).
Wisdom Bible Verses in Proverbs
The book of Proverbs is known as the book of wisdom. A proverb is a saying or allegory used to convey an idea.
Here are a couple of wisdom Bible verses in Proverbs:
“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” (Proverbs 19:20).
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2).
“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7).
Praying for Wisdom Bible Verses
If you feel you’re lacking in wisdom, don’t fret. God is able to give us wisdom when we ask for it. Simply praying for wisdom will help you.
Here are a couple of Bible verses about praying for wisdom:
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24).
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
“For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 2:26).
God is Wisdom Bible Verses
God is the source of ALL wisdom. Our minds are finite—we can’t possibly wrap our minds around how wise the Lord is.
Here are a couple of Bible verses about God’s wisdom:
“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28).
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17).
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Gift of Wisdom Bible Verses
The gift of wisdom is one of the spiritual gifts given to some Christians.
Here are a couple of Bible verses about the gift of wisdom:
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:7-8).
“For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” (Luke 21:15).
“And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” (Acts 6:10).
I hope these Bible verses about wisdom have encouraged you. If you’re looking for wisdom, seek the Lord and go to the Bible where all wisdom is revealed to us.
Allie is a Christian blogger at By Allie, For You where she writes about prayer, Christian living, apologetics, and bible study for new believers. She has a passion for Christ and hopes to inspire people to action through her writing.