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Bible verses about wisdom
Verses on the fear of the Lord, wise speech, practical judgment, teachability, and the difference between biblical wisdom and mere cleverness.
What does the Bible say about wisdom?
Wisdom in the Bible is more than intelligence. It is skill for living under God: discerning speech, ordered desire, humility, teachability, and practical judgment shaped by reverence.
These passages are useful when you are searching for Bible verses about wisdom, direction, or discernment. They show that biblical wisdom is moral and spiritual before it becomes merely strategic.
Key passages
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
This verse gives the classic starting point for biblical wisdom. Fools are persons who have no true wisdom, who follow their own devices, without regard to reason, or reverence for God. Children are reasonable creatures, and when we tell them what they must do, we must tell them why.
"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."
Wisdom is asked of God, not manufactured by pride. Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last.
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
Trust and refusal of self-reliance stand near the center of wisdom teaching. In the way of believing obedience to God's commandments health and peace may commonly be enjoyed; and though our days may not be long upon earth, we shall live for ever in heaven.
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
Wisdom literature closes with reverence and obedience before God. Solomon repeats his text, VANITY OF VANITIES, ALL IS VANITY. These are the words of one that could speak by dear-bought experience of the vanity of the world, which can do nothing to ease men of the burden of sin.
"In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Paul locates wisdom ultimately in Christ. The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. When we not only believe with the heart, but are ready, when called, to make confession with the mouth.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."
The fear of the Lord is again treated as wisdom’s true beginning. This verse speaks in the wider setting of prayer and praise as Psalms unfolds its message.
Main takeaways
- Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, not self-assurance.
- Biblical wisdom shows up in speech, judgment, and character.
- The Bible encourages asking God for wisdom rather than pretending to possess it already.
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