55 Bible Verses About Wisdom

Wisdom helps guide our choices and shape our lives. The Bible teaches that true wisdom comes from God and leads to understanding and peace.

In a world full of decisions and challenges, biblical wisdom offers clarity. Scripture reminds us to seek God’s guidance in every situation.

This guide shares meaningful Bible verses about wisdom. These verses encourage thoughtful living and a deeper connection with God.

Verses About the Value of Wisdom

Proverbs 4:7 – “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get understanding.”

Proverbs 3:13-15 – “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”

Proverbs 16:16 – “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”

Job 28:28 – “And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'”

Proverbs 8:11 – “For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”

Ecclesiastes 7:12 – “Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.”

Proverbs 24:14 – “Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”

Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Verses About Asking God for Wisdom

James 1:5 – “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.”

Proverbs 2:3-6 – “Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

1 Kings 3:9 – “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

Psalm 90:12 – “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Colossians 1:9 – “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”

Daniel 2:20-21 – “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”

Ephesians 1:17 – “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.”

Verses About the Fear of the Lord as the Beginning of Wisdom

Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Psalm 111:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”

Proverbs 15:33 – “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”

Job 28:28 – “And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'”

Proverbs 14:26-27 – “Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”

Verses About Wisdom in Speech

Proverbs 10:19 – “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”

Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Proverbs 17:27 – “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”

Proverbs 12:18 – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Proverbs 16:23 – “The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.”

Ecclesiastes 10:12 – “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.”

Proverbs 29:11 – “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”

James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Verses About Wisdom in Decision-Making

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Proverbs 11:14 – “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”

Proverbs 19:20 – “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”

Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”

Proverbs 14:15 – “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”

Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

Isaiah 30:21 – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'”

Verses About Wisdom Versus Foolishness

Proverbs 26:4-5 – “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.”

Proverbs 18:2 – “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”

Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Proverbs 14:16 – “The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.”

Proverbs 17:10 – “A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.”

Proverbs 23:9 – “Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.”

Ecclesiastes 7:5 – “It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools.”

Verses About Wisdom from God’s Word

Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Psalm 119:98-100 – “Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.”

2 Timothy 3:15-16 – “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

Joshua 1:8 – “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Psalm 19:7 – “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”

Colossians 3:16 – “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.”

Verses About Christ as Our Wisdom

1 Corinthians 1:30 – “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”

Colossians 2:3 – “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Matthew 11:19 – “But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

Luke 2:52 – “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

1 Corinthians 2:6-7 – “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.”

Verses About Practical Wisdom

Proverbs 6:6-8 – “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

Proverbs 27:12 – “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”

Proverbs 20:18 – “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.”

Proverbs 22:3 – “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”

Proverbs 21:20 – “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”

Proverbs 24:27 – “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.”

The Difference Between Worldly and Godly Wisdom

The Bible distinguishes between two types of wisdom: earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. Worldly wisdom relies on human reasoning and may contradict God’s ways. It often prioritizes self-interest, pride, and temporary gain. Godly wisdom, however, comes from above and aligns with God’s character and purposes.

James 3:17 describes heavenly wisdom as “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” This wisdom produces righteousness, peace, and blessing in our lives and relationships.

How to Grow in Wisdom?

Growing in wisdom is a lifelong journey that requires intentionality and humility. Start by developing a deep reverence for God—the fear of the Lord. Study Scripture regularly, allowing God’s Word to shape your thinking and decision-making. Seek counsel from mature believers who demonstrate godly wisdom.

Learn from experience, both your successes and failures. Practice applying biblical principles to daily situations. Pray for wisdom, trusting that God gives generously to those who ask. Surround yourself with wise people and avoid foolish influences. Remember that wisdom grows through obedience, not just knowledge.

Wisdom in Relationships

Biblical wisdom transforms how we relate to others. It teaches us when to speak and when to remain silent. Wisdom helps us navigate conflicts with grace, respond to criticism with humility, and extend forgiveness when wronged. It guides us in choosing friends and influences who will sharpen us rather than lead us astray.

Wise people build others up rather than tearing them down. They listen before speaking and seek to understand before being understood. They recognize that everyone they meet knows something they don’t, making every interaction an opportunity to learn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge? 

Knowledge is having information, while wisdom is knowing how to apply that information effectively. You can be knowledgeable without being wise, but true wisdom always includes proper understanding and application.

Can anyone become wise? 

Yes, God promises to give wisdom generously to all who ask in faith. Wisdom isn’t limited to age, education, or intelligence—it’s available to everyone who seeks it humbly.

How long does it take to gain wisdom? 

Wisdom develops over time through study, experience, and faithful application of God’s truth. While God can grant specific wisdom instantly, cultivating a wise character is a lifelong process.

Why do some smart people lack wisdom? 

Intelligence and wisdom are different. Smart people can make foolish choices when they rely solely on human reasoning rather than seeking God’s perspective and applying biblical principles.

Is all worldly wisdom bad? 

Not all practical knowledge is wrong, but worldly wisdom becomes dangerous when it contradicts biblical truth or when we prioritize it over God’s wisdom revealed in Scripture.

How can I tell if I’m making a wise decision? 

Wise decisions align with Scripture, bring peace rather than anxiety, consider long-term consequences, seek godly counsel, and prioritize God’s glory over personal gain.

What if I made unwise choices in the past? 

God’s grace covers past mistakes. Confess them, learn from them, and move forward with the wisdom you’ve gained. God often uses our foolish choices to teach us profound wisdom.

Can wisdom help with everyday problems? 

Absolutely. Biblical wisdom applies to every area of life—finances, relationships, career, parenting, and daily decisions. God’s wisdom is intensely practical and relevant.

A Prayer for Wisdom

Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging my need for wisdom. Your Word says that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask You, and You will give generously without finding fault. I ask for Your wisdom today.

Give me a heart that fears You, for that is where wisdom begins. Help me to value wisdom above wealth, comfort, or worldly success. Open my eyes to see situations from Your perspective rather than relying on my limited understanding.

Guide my decisions, both big and small. Help me to seek wise counsel and to listen carefully before speaking. Make me quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Grant me discernment to recognize truth from deception.

Teach me through Your Word, through experience, and through the wise people You’ve placed in my life. Help me to learn from my mistakes rather than repeating them. Give me the humility to admit when I’m wrong and the courage to choose what’s right even when it’s difficult.

Transform me into a person who brings Your wisdom into every situation. Use me to counsel others wisely and to point them toward You, the source of all true wisdom.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thoughts

Wisdom is more than knowledge—it’s how we live it out. God’s word shows us how to make choices that honor Him and help others. The Bible encourages us to ask God for wisdom and trust His direction. When we do, our paths become clearer. These verses remind us to stay humble and open to learning. 

True wisdom grows through faith and experience. Take time to reflect on these scriptures in daily life. Let them guide your thoughts, words, and actions. Use this guide as a reminder to seek God’s wisdom every day. With faith, wisdom becomes a source of peace and strength.