Bible Verses About Philosophers And Philosophy

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Core Bible statement about worldly wisdom.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Primary Bible text for the topic.

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

Defines the contrast between Christian wisdom and worldly wisdom.

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Strong link between the wise of the world and foolishness.

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

Used often by early Christian writers against pride in worldly wisdom.

This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

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.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

Plausible arguments warning, but not directly about philosophy

For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

Supports the claim that God judges worldly wisdom as vain.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Often paired with anti-philosophy warnings about empty words.

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Shows the broader warning against Gentile vanity of mind.

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Background for examining claims carefully, though not about philosophy directly.

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

Background on how some philosophical debate could be approached, but not a direct philosophy teaching.

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Which wise men have told from their fathers, and have not hid it:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.