What Does the Bible Say About Wisdom?
What Does the Bible Say About Wisdom? The Bible teaches that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is available to anyone who asks God for it in faith.
Key verse: Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)
The Bible teaches that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is available to anyone who asks God for it in faith.
The Bible teaches that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is available to anyone who asks God for it in faith.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." — Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Biblical wisdom is distinct from worldly intelligence. Proverbs declares that 'the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom' (Proverbs 9:10). Wisdom literature—Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, and James—teaches practical living aligned with God's will. James 1:5 promises that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. Solomon asked for wisdom above all else and received it (1 Kings 3:9-12). Proverbs personifies wisdom as more valuable than gold or jewels (Proverbs 3:14-15). Paul identifies Christ Himself as 'the wisdom of God' (1 Corinthians 1:30). James describes godly wisdom as 'pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits' (James 3:17). Wisdom is not merely knowing facts but living skillfully according to God's design.
Topic Overview
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What the Bible teaches about worship, praise, and honoring God with our whole lives.
Key Scripture References
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
"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."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Book of Proverbs About?
Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom for daily living, teaching godly decision-making in relationships, work, speech, money, and character.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Wisdom (חָכְמָה (chokmah))
Skillful living and moral discernment grounded in the fear of the Lord.
Wisdom (Sophia) (σοφία (sophia))
Divine insight and skill for living — the ability to apply knowledge rightly in every situation.
Strong's G4678 — Wisdom (Sophia)
σοφία (sophia) • Divine insight and skill for living — the ability to apply knowledge rightly in every situation.
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Wisdom?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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