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32 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Bible Verses About Wisdom

What does the Bible say about wisdom?

The Bible teaches that true wisdom comes from God, who gives it generously to anyone who asks (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6). It begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10), is worth more than gold (Proverbs 16:16), and shows itself in a pure, peaceable, humble life (James 3:17). Christ Himself is the wisdom of God.

  1. Ask God for wisdom
  2. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
  3. Wisdom is worth more than gold

Bible verses about wisdom: Ask God for wisdom

Wisdom is a gift God loves to give.

6 verses

James 1:5

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about James 1:5

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as a promise that God will give wisdom and guidance for decisions to anyone who asks Him in faith.

First spoken: James writes to Jewish Christians scattered abroad who are enduring trials (James 1:1-4). Verses 6-8 add that the one who asks must ask in faith, without doubting, or he is double-minded.

The early Christians: Hermas (about AD 140) tells a sinner to ask the Lord without doubting, with a cleansed heart, and not to give up if the answer is slow; a delay may be caused by an unknown sin or temptation. Chrysostom says to bring faith and draw near boldly while there is still time.

“Therefore cleanse your heart from all the empty things of this world, and from the words already mentioned, and ask the Lord, and you will receive everything. None of your requests will be refused, if you ask the Lord without doubting.” Hermas, The Shepherd

“For it is always because of some temptation or some sin, unknown to you, that you are slower to receive your request. Therefore do not stop asking for what your soul desires, and you will receive it. But if you grow tired and begin to waver in your request, blame yourself and not Him who does not give to you.” Hermas, The Shepherd

Where they agree: Both say God gives freely to those who ask in faith. Hermas adds that doubt and unconfessed sin can slow the answer, and that we must keep asking and keep our hearts clean.

Proverbs 2:6

KJV
King James Version

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 2:6

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as a promise that God is the source of wisdom and gives it to anyone who asks and seeks Him, often paired with James 1:5 when people need guidance for a decision.

First spoken: A father (Solomon) teaches his son in Proverbs 2. Verses 1-5 come first and are conditions: if you receive my words, cry out for understanding and seek it like silver, then you will find the knowledge of God. Verse 6 is the 'then' that follows, and verses 7-8 say He stores up help for the upright.

The early Christians: Clement of Alexandria quotes the verse and says God gives wisdom and knowledge and stores up help for the righteous, right after the seeking of verses 3-5. A fragment under Hippolytus' name adds the same condition in other words: keep the commandments and the Lord will give wisdom.

“Therefore, he sets against it the knowledge that is concerned with piety, when he speaks about knowledge as follows: “For God gives wisdom from His own mouth, and knowledge along with understanding, and stores up help for the righteous.”” Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies)

“And it would be a song of psalmody when good action takes the lead, according to the word, "If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord shall give her to you," and at the same time we understand wisdom and are counted worthy by God to know the truth of things that until now had been hidden from us.” Hippolytus, Exegetical Fragments

Where they agree: Both readings say wisdom is God's gift, not our own cleverness. The early Christians stress what Proverbs 2 itself says: the gift goes to the one who seeks it and does good, so wisdom and keeping the commandments go together.

James 3:17

KJV
King James Version

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about James 3:17

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used to describe what godly wisdom looks like (pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, sincere) and to tell it apart from the 'earthly' wisdom of jealousy and selfish ambition; often a checklist for leaders and for handling conflict.

First spoken: James 3:13-18. James writes to Christians torn by jealousy and selfish ambition (3:14-16). Verse 17 describes the wisdom 'from above' that is the opposite, and verse 18 says the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library explains this verse. It was first written to a church whose members were quarrelling, telling them what Spirit-given wisdom looks like in daily dealings with each other.

Daniel 2:20-21

KJV
King James Version

20Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Daniel 2:20-21

Colossians 1:9

KJV
King James Version

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Colossians 1:9

Ephesians 1:17

KJV
King James Version

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 1:17

Bible verses about wisdom: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

Wisdom starts with reverence for God.

5 verses

Proverbs 9:10

KJV
King James Version

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 9:10

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Taught that the 'fear of the LORD' means deep reverence and awe for God, not being afraid of Him, and that real wisdom starts with putting God first.

First spoken: Solomon's teaching in Proverbs 9: Lady Wisdom calls the simple to leave their foolishness (9:1-6), and verse 10 says where wisdom begins. The same line opens the book at Proverbs 1:7.

The early Christians: Clement of Alexandria says this fear was given by the Lord because 'fear restrains' those whom reason does not persuade, and that the right fear is of falling away from God into sin. Hermas ties the fear of the Lord straight to keeping His commandments and having life with God.

“But since God considered it beneficial that people should receive a preparatory training from the Law and the Prophets through the Lord, the fear of the Lord was called the beginning of wisdom. It was given by the Lord through Moses to those who were disobedient and hard of heart. For those whom reason does not convince, fear restrains.” Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies)

“all creation fears the Lord, but all creation does not keep His commandments. Only those who fear the Lord and keep His commandments have life with God.” Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor)

The difference: Today the verse is usually softened to 'respect and awe' only. The early Christians kept the word fear: a real, healthy fear of sinning and losing God that restrains us and leads us to keep His commandments, which they said is where wisdom begins.

Proverbs 1:7

KJV
King James Version

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 1:7

Psalms 111:10

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 111:10

Job 28:28

KJV
King James Version

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Job 28:28

Proverbs 15:33

KJV
King James Version

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 15:33

Bible verses about wisdom: Wisdom is worth more than gold

Nothing you could want compares with her.

5 verses

Proverbs 3:13-15

KJV
King James Version

13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 3:13-15

Proverbs 16:16

KJV
King James Version

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 16:16

Proverbs 4:7

KJV
King James Version

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

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 4:7

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as encouragement to make wisdom the first priority in life and to pursue it above money and success, often for education, choices and parenting.

First spoken: In Proverbs 4:1-9 a father passes on what his own father taught him. Verse 7 is the center of the lesson: get wisdom first, at whatever it costs. Verses 8-9 say that wisdom, once valued, will lift up and honor the one who holds it.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library explains this verse. It was first a father's advice to his son to make wisdom his first priority.

Ecclesiastes 7:12

KJV
King James Version

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.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ecclesiastes 7:12

Proverbs 8:11

KJV
King James Version

For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 8:11

Bible verses about wisdom: Wise living — listening, speaking and choosing well

Wisdom shows in how we listen, speak and walk.

10 verses

Proverbs 19:20

KJV
King James Version

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 19:20

Proverbs 12:15

KJV
King James Version

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 12:15

Ephesians 5:15-17

KJV
King James Version

15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 5:15-17

James 3:13

KJV
King James Version

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about James 3:13

Proverbs 11:2

KJV
King James Version

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 11:2

Proverbs 17:27-28

KJV
King James Version

27He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 28Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 17:27-28

Psalms 90:12

KJV
King James Version

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 90:12

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a prayer to make the most of our time: life is short, so ask God for wisdom to use each day well and to be ready for eternity.

First spoken: Psalm 90 is a prayer 'of Moses, the man of God.' It speaks of God as the home of His people through all generations, of the shortness of life and of God's anger against sin, then in verse 12 asks to be taught to count our days, and in verses 13-17 asks for mercy and for God to establish the work of their hands.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library explains this verse. It was first Moses' prayer for Israel in the wilderness, asking God to teach His people how short life is so they would turn to Him.

Matthew 7:24

KJV
King James Version

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 7:24

Proverbs 13:20

KJV
King James Version

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 13:20

Proverbs 18:15

KJV
King James Version

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 18:15

Bible verses about wisdom: Christ, the wisdom of God

In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom.

6 verses

1 Corinthians 1:23-24

KJV
King James Version

23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

1 Corinthians 1:30

KJV
King James Version

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 1:30

Colossians 2:2-3

KJV
King James Version

2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Colossians 2:2-3

1 Corinthians 1:25

KJV
King James Version

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 1:25

Romans 11:33

KJV
King James Version

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 11:33

Isaiah 11:2

KJV
King James Version

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 11:2

Short Bible verses about wisdom

Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.

7 verses

  • “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

    Proverbs 2:6 KJV · 13 words

    Listen

  • “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.”

    Proverbs 15:33 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

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

    Proverbs 4:7 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

  • “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”

    Proverbs 19:20 KJV · 14 words

    Listen

  • “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”

    Proverbs 11:2 KJV · 12 words

    Listen

  • “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

    Psalms 90:12 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

  • “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”

    Proverbs 18:15 KJV · 15 words

    Listen

The Greek and Hebrew words for wisdom

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

Questions people ask about wisdom in the Bible

How do I get wisdom from God?

Ask Him. James 1:5 promises that God gives wisdom generously to anyone who asks in faith, without scolding. Proverbs adds that the Lord gives wisdom, and that it grows as we hear His word, take advice and walk with the wise.

Listen: James 1:5 · Proverbs 2:6

What is the beginning of wisdom in the Bible?

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10). To fear the Lord means to honor Him as God, trust Him and turn away from evil. Wisdom that leaves God out is not true wisdom.

Listen: Proverbs 9:10

What is the difference between wisdom, knowledge and understanding?

Knowledge is knowing what is true; understanding is seeing how it fits together; wisdom is living it out God's way. Proverbs 24:3-4 joins all three: a house is built by wisdom, established by understanding, and filled by knowledge.

Listen: Proverbs 24:3-4

What is the wisdom from above?

James 3:17 describes it: first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. It is the opposite of the bitter envy and selfish ambition that James calls earthly wisdom.

Listen: James 3:17

Who is the wisdom of God in the Bible?

Paul calls Christ "the power of God, and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). The early Christians often read the Wisdom speaking in Proverbs 8 as a picture of the Son of God, who was with the Father before the world began.

Listen: 1 Corinthians 1:24 · Proverbs 8:22-23