The word "wisdom" is often thrown around, but what does it mean? The dictionary defines the term as "good sense" among other things, but Bible verses about wisdom tell us some much deeper truths — as well as how we can integrate these messages into our daily lives.
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We know that wisdom in the Bible comes from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-14 NIV). That means the God gives us wisdom when He sends His Holy Spirit onto us. But when should we ask for the wisdom of God and how can we use it in our daily lives?
Let's explore Bible verses about wisdom and knowledge to better understand the truth of scripture.
Bible Verses About the Wisdom of God
James 1:5 (NIV)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
This is one of the Bible verses about wisdom and guidance that remind us of the importance of asking God to show us His views, His perspective and His standards. We are told that, when we ask, He will give us wisdom. This is both powerful and comforting.
1 Kings 4:29 (NIV)
"God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore."
For anyone looking for evidence in Bible verses about wisdom and knowledge that God will, indeed, grant wisdom to those who ask, look no further than 1 Kings 4:29, which notes that Solomon was granted wisdom and understanding. God's wisdom allowed Solomon to rule his people justly and have a close relationship with the Lord. When we, too, ask for God's wisdom, we are able to gain a new perspective on various situations and decisions we encounter in our daily lives.
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Matthew 7:24 (NIV)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."
Jesus' own words and guidance are a bedrock of knowledge. When we consider that Christ likened taking His words and putting them into action to building one's house on a rock, we were clearly given a command. When we build our house on the solid rock and foundation of our relationship with Jesus Christ, His wisdom will come to us when we call upon Him. This Bible verse about wisdom tells us that the close we are to Jesus, the more wisdom and knowledge of God we will gain.
Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)
"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!"
Wisdom in the Bible is worth a great deal, as scripture proclaims. This Bible verse about wisdom tells us that truth and insight are better than precious metals. What a gift the wisdom of God must be! When we strive to find riches in the Lord rather than the riches of the earth, we will gain more knowledge and wisdom of our God.
Ephesians 1:16-17 (NIV)
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better."
One of the important truths embedded in Bible verses about wisdom is that we can also pray for others to have the "spirit of wisdom." This is important to keep in mind as we offer invocations for friends and loved ones and ask God to give them wisdom and knowledge.
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Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)
"The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice."
There's a saying that "fools despise wisdom." Foolish ways can sometimes seem appealing and tempting. But in order to stop ourselves from doing foolish things, we must think through them with wisdom first. When we consider wisdom, it's also important to note that a wise heart is one that is open to advice and guidance from others. Rather than only listening to ourselves, we should always be ready to take good, God-ordained advice.
James 3:17 (NIV)
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
As we explore Bible verses about wisdom and guidance we have to remember that wisdom comes from heaven and that the wisdom of God is pure. This Bible verse in the book of James reminds us of this powerful message about the roots of true goodness.
1 Corinthians 2:12-14 (NIV)
What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.
When we are looking to ask God for wisdom, scripture tells us that wisdom is taught by the Holy Spirit. We can ask the Spirit for guidance and knowledge of God's will in order to gain more wisdom. This Bible verse about wisdom tells us that the person without the Spirit is foolish, the antithesis of wisdom.
Colossians 3:16 (NIV)
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Christians are called to let Jesus' message "dwell among" us. We are also encouraged to help one another by spreading the wisdom of God in order for them to get to know Him. Colossians 3:16 is one of the most lesson-filled Bible verses about wisdom and guidance.
Ecclesiastes 8:1 (NIV)
"Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance."
Last but not least comes Ecclesiastes 8:1, which shows how wisdom can impact — and brighten — our lives. Anytime that we take steps to having a closer, more intimate relationship with God, it brightens our lives and makes a visible difference in our appearance and our presence.
We hope these Bible verses about wisdom left you with some powerful reminders of the importance of seeking Christ in all we do, and of seeking His guidance in our lives. Check out our Free Bible Verse Devotional for more daily inspiration to gain the wisdom of God in your life. To find family-friendly tv shows and movies that show the fruit of God's wisdom, sign up for a free Great American Pure Flix trial today.
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