Bible Verses

Topical Study

Bible Verses About Wisdom

Bible verses on wisdom — knowing God, knowing yourself, choosing well.

39 verses · curated by hand

From the wider Bible

More verses about wisdom in Scripture

226 passages mentioning “wisdom” across WEB & KJV — beyond the curated set above.

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  1. Proverbs 14:33

    “Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, and is even made known in the inward part of fools.”

  2. Proverbs 15:21

    “Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.”

  3. Proverbs 15:33

    “The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.”

  4. Proverbs 16:16

    “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”

  5. Proverbs 17:16

    “Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding?”

  6. Proverbs 17:24

    “Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.”

  7. Proverbs 18:1

    “An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.”

  8. Proverbs 18:4

    “The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.”

  9. Proverbs 19:8

    “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good.”

  10. Proverbs 21:11

    “When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.”

  11. Proverbs 21:30

    “There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh.”

  12. Proverbs 23:4

    “Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint.”

  13. Proverbs 23:9

    “Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.”

  14. Proverbs 23:23

    “Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.”

  15. Proverbs 24:3

    “Through wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established;”

  16. Proverbs 24:7

    “Wisdom is too high for a fool: he doesn’t open his mouth in the gate.”

  17. Proverbs 24:14

    “so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul; if you have found it, then there will be a reward, your hope will not be cut off.”

  18. Proverbs 28:2

    “In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.”

  19. Proverbs 28:26

    “One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.”

  20. Proverbs 29:3

    “Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.”

Frequently asked

Questions about wisdom in the Bible

What does the Bible say about wisdom?
The Bible frames wisdom as a relationship before it is an attainment. Proverbs 9:10 says, "the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom; the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." James 1:5 invites anyone who lacks wisdom to "ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach." Wisdom in Scripture is not raw intelligence — it is the art of choosing well over a lifetime, with God as the source of judgement.
Where in the Bible is wisdom most clearly described?
Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are the two wisdom books most often read for this. Proverbs 1-9 is a long extended invitation to choose wisdom over folly. Ecclesiastes wrestles with what wisdom can and can't deliver in a fallen world. James in the New Testament restates the Hebrew tradition: "the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits" (James 3:17). Read across the three books over a season, not in a single sitting.
How do I gain wisdom according to the Bible?
Four moves the Bible repeatedly commends. Ask for it (James 1:5). Listen to it — Proverbs 19:20: "Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end." Walk with the wise — Proverbs 13:20: "One who walks with wise men grows wise." Apply it — Matthew 7:24 says the wise person is the one who "hears these words of mine, and does them." Wisdom is not just information held; it is information lived.