What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom? One might ask, “why is it important to get wisdom?” In simple terms, wisdom is important because it is the practical knowledge through which we gain genuine and long lasting happiness. And for sure, we all long for happiness. Proverbs 3:13 says, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gets understanding.” Likewise, Proverbs 24:13–14 says, “My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” We can as well say that wisdom is the key to happiness. Proverbs 19:8 says, “He who gets wisdom loves himself.” By going after wisdom, you are doing yourself a great favor.
In Proverbs 8:32–36, wisdom herself says, “And now, my sons, listen to me: happy are those who keep my ways . . . Happy is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who misses me injures himself; all who hate me love death.” If we fail to get wisdom, we’ll suffer injury and end up in the hands of death. The ultimate happiness that all people long for will only be found by those who first “get wisdom.” Such is the happiness reserved for those who are in Christ. That is, those who Believe, Sincerely Repent, and obey the Key Teachings of Jesus Christ that cover the Law of Moses and the Teachings of the Prophets. Such are those who are given Eternal Life.
What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom?
What does the Scriptures say about Wisdom?
Definition of Wisdom
What is wisdom? What are the characteristics of a person who has wisdom? As first characteristic worth knowing, we have Proverbs 9:10 which says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” What this Scripture is saying is that the wisdom that leads to life, peace, and ultimate happiness is that which begins with knowing and fearing God. Fearing the Lord God Almighty means fearing to run away from Him. It means fearing to seek refuge, protection, happiness, joy, peace, salvation and hope elsewhere than in God. Behold, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This saying is not only in the sense that it is the first step in a wise way to live, but also in the full sense that later characteristics of wisdom all flow from the fear of God.
Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom.” With this in mind, we can say without doubt that a wise person is characterized by Humility. Anyone who is proud does not fear the Lord God. Such is he/she who lacks the foundation of wisdom. On the other hand, the person who fears the Lord God is humble, because he/she depends on God for everything and fears to take credit for what God has done through them. It is important to understand here that humility is the foundation for other aspects of godly wisdom. This is so because humility is teachable and open to growth. The proud person finds it difficult to admit his/her errors talk-less pf their need for growth. The humble person is open to counsel and reason. Such a person is ready to accept corrections and follow the truth.
Facts about Wisdom
Unlike Pride, Humility does not recoil when commanded to do something. And behold, such is essential for the achievement and advancement of wisdom. The reason why we say so is because Moses taught us that wisdom consist of knowing and obeying the commandments of God. Let’s support this point by reading from Deuteronomy 4:5–6, “Behold I have taught you statutes and ordinances, as the Lord my God commanded me that you should do them . . . Keep them and do them; for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples.” Jesus Christ Himself said same in Matthew 7:24 – “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon a rock.” With this in mind, a simple, brief, and good definition of wisdom would be, “hearing and doing God’s Word.”
Also, wisdom must go beyond knowing and doing what the Word of God says. Such was the wisdom that accompanied King Solomon in resolving even the most complex problems (1 Kings 3:28). We are trying to say here that wisdom must include a sensitive, mature judgement, or discernment on how the fear of the Lord God Almighty should work itself out in all the circumstances that are not specifically dealt with in the Scriptures. It is for this reason that Apostle Paul calls in Romans 12:2 a “renewing of the mind” in Christ which is then able to examine and approve the Will of God. The Apostle calls such as “spiritual wisdom” as we can read from Colossians 1:9, “We have not ceased to pray for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”
How to get Wisdom (5 Biblical ways to get Wisdom)
1. Desire wisdom with all your might (Proverbs 4:8)
Proverbs 4:8 says, “Prize her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you for your embrace.” The very fist step to get wisdom is to desire her with all your might. Note that the words from this Scripture are not cheap. We all know that to Prize something and to Embrace someone are deep signs of intense desire and love. It is in this light that we say that wisdom must be valuable for us. Likewise, anyone who is serious about getting wisdom must be willing and ready to sell everything to purchase it as we can read from Proverbs 2:4 – “Seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasure.”
2. Study and Meditate on the Word of God because it contains the Fullness of Wisdom (Psalm 19:7)
Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” It is important for us to study and meditate on the Word of God because it contains wisdom above measure. If we are serious about becoming wise, we must devout ourselves to know and understand the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. By this, we do not only mean faithful Bible studies. Also read great books on theology and Biblical interpretation.
3. Pray for Wisdom (James 1:5)
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.” Solomon who is considered today as the wisest man to have ever lived was not born wise. The Bible tells us that he prayed for wisdom and God said “Because you have asked this and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold now I do according to your word” (1 Kings 3:11). Likewise, Prophet Daniel admitted that He was not born with wisdom (Daniel 2:30), but he said, “To thee, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for thou hast given me wisdom and strength, and hast made known to me what we asked of thee” (Daniel 2:23).
It was in this same light that Apostle Paul prayed that the churches might be given “spiritual wisdom” (Colossians 1:9) and that in Christ, they might have “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of God” (Ephesians 1:17).
4. Think frequently of your death (Psalm 90:12)
Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” This fourth Biblical instruction on how to get wisdom clearly has to do with frequently thinking about your death. We can as well put it this way, in your search for wisdom, frequently think about the shortness of this life and the infinite length of that to come. Behold, there is scarcely any thought that has the ability to purge our priorities of vain and world perceptions like the very thought of our imminent death. Such brings us back to the right track. That is why we should regularly think about our death for there is great wisdom in such meditation.
5. Come to Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:42).
In Matthew 12:42, Jesus Christ says, “The queen of the south will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold something greater than Solomon is here.” Last but not the least, coming to Jesus Christ is the key to achieving eternal wisdom. Christ and His Word are greater than Solomon who is considered to be the wisest man to have every lived. With this in mind, it is without doubt that Jesus Christ is the Source of Wisdom. Behold, wisdom flows from Him like a river that never goes dry. Anyone who is thirsty can come to Him to quench his/her thirst. It is important to understand here that Jesus Christ is the Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30).
All Prophets and Messengers of God before and after Christ pointed to the way and are still pointing to the way. One might ask, “who is the way?” Behold, Jesus Christ is the way and the truth (John 14:6). That is, others pointed to the way; he is the way. Others had given promises; but “all the promises of God find their yes in him” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Others simply offered God’s forgiveness but Jesus Christ brought it through His death on the Cross at Calvary. In Jesus Christ are “hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). For more info, read our Bible Verses About Following Jesus Christ.
What The Bible Says About Wisdom
James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
Proverbs 3:13-18 – “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ...”
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Proverbs 10:23 – “Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.”
Ephesians 5:15-17 – “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Proverbs 19:20 – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Group 1 – What The Bible Says About Wisdom
Psalm 111:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!”
Proverbs 17:27-28 – “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”
Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;”
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Ecclesiastes 8:1 – “Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.”
Proverbs 16:16 – “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”
Proverbs 3:7 – “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”
Luke 21:15 – “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”
Group 2 – What The Bible Says About Wisdom
James 3:13 – “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
1 Corinthians 1:30 – “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,”
Proverbs 4:6-7 – “Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”
Ecclesiastes 7:12 – “For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.”
Proverbs 14:8 – “The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.”
Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”
Proverbs 15:33 – “The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”
Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
Group 3 – What The Bible Says About Wisdom
Job 12:12-13 – “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. “With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.”
Ephesians 1:16-19 – “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.”
Job 12:12 – “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.”
Proverbs 19:8 – “Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.”
Job 12:12 – “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.”
Proverbs 24:3-7 – “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.”
Group 4 – What The Bible Says About Wisdom
Proverbs 29:11 – “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
Proverbs 10:8 – “The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.”
Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”
1 Corinthians 3:18 – “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.”
Matthew 7:24 – “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Proverbs 14:33 – “Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 14:16 – “One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.”
1 Corinthians 1:25 – “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
Group 5 – What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom?
Colossians 2:3 – “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Proverbs 13:1 – “A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”
John 8:32 – “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Ecclesiastes 2:26 – “For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.”
Job 28:28 – “And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
James 1:1-27 – “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. …”
Proverbs 29:15 – “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”
Group 6 – What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom?
2 Chronicles 1:7-12 – “In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O Lord God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked long life, but have asked wisdom and ...”
Proverbs 4:7 – “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”
2 Timothy 2:7 – “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Isaiah 40:28 – “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”
Proverbs 11:30 – “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.”
Group 7 – What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom?
Proverbs 17:10 – “A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.”
2 Corinthians 1:12 – “For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.”
Colossians 2:2-3 – “That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.“
Job 12:13 – “With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.”
Daniel 2:23 – “To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.”
Proverbs 13:20 – “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Psalm 37:30 – “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.”
Group 8 – What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom?
Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
Proverbs 3:13 – “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,”
Proverbs 23:12 – “Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.”
Psalm 107:43 – “Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.”
Jeremiah 9:24 – “But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Colossians 1:9 – “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,”
Proverbs 4:5 – “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.”
Proverbs 28:26 – “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”
James 1:5-6 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
Group 9 – What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom?
Colossians 4:5-6 – “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Proverbs 16:23 – “The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.“
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
1 Corinthians 3:19 – “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”“
Jeremiah 9:23 – “Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,”
Isaiah 28:29 – “This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.”
Proverbs 15:12 – “A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.”
Psalm 51:6 – “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”
Revelation 5:12 – Saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
Philippians 1:9 – “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,”
Group 10 – What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom?
Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
Isaiah 5:21 – “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!“
Proverbs 21:20 – “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”
Daniel 2:20 – “Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.“
Proverbs 24:14 – “Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Proverbs 4:1-27 – “Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. …”
Daniel 1:17 – “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.”
Ecclesiastes 10:12 – “The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.”
Group 11 – What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom?
Ephesians 3:14-19 – “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ...”
John 8:12 – Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
1 Corinthians 1:24 – “But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.“
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 – “Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. ...”
Group 12 – What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”
Daniel 12:3 – “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
Galatians 4:9 – “But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?”
Group 13 – What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom?
Isaiah 29:14-16 – “Therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.” Ah, you who hide deep from the Lord your counsel, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, “Who sees us? Who knows us?” You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, “He did not make me”; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?”
Group 14 – What Does The Bible Say About Wisdom?
Proverbs 29:3 – “He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.”
Proverbs 18:1 – “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.”
