What does the Bible say about wisdom?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that true wisdom is God-given, beginning with reverent fear of the Lord and shaping believers to live humbly, rightly, and fruitfully in His world. James 1:5 invites those who lack wisdom to ask God in faith, trusting His generous grace. Proverbs 2:6 and 1:7 root wisdom in the Lord, while Proverbs 3:13-18 calls it more precious than earthly riches. Godly wisdom welcomes counsel rather than trusting itself alone, as Proverbs 12:15 and 19:20 teach. It is also pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, and sincere, according to James 3:17. Therefore Christians should carefully discern and redeem their time, seeking to understand the Lord's will (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- James 1:5 5 votes
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 4 votes
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.
- Proverbs 3:13-18 3 votes
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her. Length of days is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness. All her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. Happy is everyone who retains her.
- Proverbs 1:7 2 votes
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
- Proverbs 19:20 2 votes
Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.
- Ephesians 5:15-17 2 votes
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.
- Proverbs 12:15 2 votes
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.
- Proverbs 10:23 2 votes
It is a fool’s pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding’s pleasure.
- Proverbs 2:6 2 votes
For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
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