Wisdom
חָכְמָה (chokmah)
Skillful living and moral discernment grounded in the fear of the Lord.
Chokmah is the Hebrew word for wisdom, meaning skill, insight, and the ability to live rightly. Proverbs declares that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." — Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)
Key Verses
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”Read in context
James 1:5
“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.”Read in context
Proverbs 3:13
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”Read in context
Etymology and Original Meaning
Chokmah derives from a root meaning 'to be wise' or 'to be skilled.' In ancient Israel, it applied broadly — from the craftsman's skill in building the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3) to the king's ability to govern justly. At its core, chokmah is the art of living well under God's sovereignty.
Wisdom Literature
The books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes form the biblical wisdom tradition. Proverbs presents wisdom as a woman crying out in the streets (Proverbs 1:20), inviting all to learn. Job wrestles with the limits of human wisdom in the face of suffering. Ecclesiastes explores meaning 'under the sun,' concluding that fearing God is the whole duty of man.
Christ as Wisdom
Paul identifies Christ as 'the wisdom of God' (1 Corinthians 1:24). In Christ, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden (Colossians 2:3). What the world considers foolishness — a crucified Messiah — is God's supreme wisdom, overturning human expectations and accomplishing salvation.
Seeking Wisdom Today
James promises that God gives wisdom generously to all who ask in faith (James 1:5). Biblical wisdom is practical — it shapes relationships, decisions, speech, and finances. It begins with humility before God and grows through meditation on Scripture, prayer, and the counsel of mature believers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does wisdom mean in the Bible?
Biblical wisdom (chokmah) is the skill of living rightly before God. It begins with reverent fear of the Lord and encompasses moral discernment, practical decision-making, and spiritual understanding.
How can I gain biblical wisdom?
James 1:5 promises that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask in faith. Wisdom grows through Bible study, prayer, obedience, and seeking counsel from mature believers.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Wisdom"?
Proverbs 9:10 — "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding" (KJV). It also appears in James 1:5, Proverbs 3:13.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Wisdom" matter?
Chokmah derives from a root meaning 'to be wise' or 'to be skilled.' In ancient Israel, it applied broadly — from the craftsman's skill in building the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3) to the king's ability to govern justly. English uses one word, "Wisdom", where the Hebrew חָכְמָה (chokmah) carries the fuller sense: skillful living and moral discernment grounded in the fear of the lord.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Wisdom (חָכְמָה (chokmah))
Skillful living and moral discernment grounded in the fear of the Lord.
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Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
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God's presence, purification, and judgment.
Proverbs 1:7 — Meaning & Devotional
Wisdom
Proverbs 1:7 Commentary
In-depth study • Wisdom & Reverence
Proverbs 9:10 Commentary
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Where to go next
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