What the Bible says
What does the Bible say about wisdom?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10): biblical wisdom is skill in living rightly before God, not mere cleverness. God gives wisdom generously to all who ask in faith (James 1:5), and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ (Colossians 2:3), who became to us wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Key Bible verses about wisdom
- Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
- Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
- Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
- Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
- Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
- Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
- James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
- James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
- Colossians 2:2-3
that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
- 1 Corinthians 1:30
Because of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,
- Ephesians 5:15-17
Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
- Ecclesiastes 12:13
This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
Scripture: World English Bible (public domain). Short quotations in the introduction are from the ESV. Read each passage in its chapter for the full context.