Proverbs Scriptures on Wisdom

“Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.” – Proverbs 4:5-6

It is an understatement to say that wisdom is a worthwhile pursuit. The Old Testament, and specifically the Proverbs scriptures on wisdom, provides both a view of God’s wisdom and how our lives are affected either negatively or positively as determined by our effectual pursuit of wisdom.

Understanding Wisdom in the Old Testament

“The Hebrew word chokma, as used in the Old Testament, stands for wisdom… in the more special signification of the word, it denotes wisdom with a strong ethical quality, as rooting itself in the fear of the Lord, and applying the truths of divine revelation to the various relations and circumstances of life–wisdom, in a word, as inclusive of all virtue.” – Professor D. M. Welton, Ph.D., D.D.

Proverbs

Proverbs 1:2
For gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight

Wisdom is not something we inherently possess. It is given and received. Two parts that are equally important. You must find the right source, and then you must integrate it into your life. Proverbs is Solomon’s means of dispensing wisdom, in this case, to his sons. Just as the Father cares to provide wisdom to His children.

Proverbs 1:3
For receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair

There are many benefits to understanding and applying wisdom. Careful forethought is brought to bear on those instances when the right response really matters. There is not only a desire to do right, but a patient process that is followed to ensure that what you do is right, just, and fair.

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

For those wondering where one gets wisdom, here is the answer.
To begin, we must have the proper standing before God. More than mere respect, it requires that our hearts are deeply reverent, humble, and dreadful. This being the case, it is quite easy to spot a fool. Pride and/or ignorance keep them from receiving wisdom, and their lives reflect it.

Proverbs 1:20
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square;

Wisdom is for all to receive; but as we’ve seen in other verses, it requires the right heart. Fools ignore the outcry from wisdom. Their hearts are under the influence of ease, ignorance, and ill-gotten gain. Listen for wisdom’s voice, and heed her call.

Proverbs 1:23
Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.

In order to receive wisdom, we need to let go of our wrong thinking. Turn from our human wisdom toward God’s instruction and teaching. It is the humble, earnest heart, to which He will “pour out” truth and along with it, give the understanding and power to apply it.

Proverbs 1:28
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me,”

When wisdom is mocked, rejected, or otherwise ignored, there comes a time when we realize our need for true wisdom, and it is nowhere to be found. We can search and seek but to no avail. We have been given over to our folly. Don’t let arrogance put you in this position.

The Word on Wisdom

A devotional guide to understanding wisdom from select passages of God’s Word.

This select list of Old Testament scriptures on wisdom will aid you in your pursuit of understanding and applying wisdom in all things: mind, body, and soul.

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[The Old Testament Edition does not include Proverbs. Proverbs will eventually be sold separately.]

Proverbs 1:33
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

There is a certain degree, and kind, of protection that exists for those who are wise. Among other characteristics, you’re not taking unnecessary risks, you’re not overconfident, and you’re patient when deciding. Exercising wisdom keeps us from avoidable pain, suffering, and long-term consequences. Wisdom will also protect against unnecessary stress and tension.

Proverbs 2:2
Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding –

Seeking wisdom requires discipline. Turn your ear, and apply your heart. It is a habitual act of listening, knowing, and doing, lest we fall into the mindset that wisdom is knowledge alone. We act out of our heart’s understanding of what to say or do, and when we are to act.

Proverbs 2:4
And if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure

This is the kind of effort we need to put forth in our pursuit of wisdom. It is not something that comes and finds us; it is not delivered to us. The search for true wisdom is not for the faint of heart or the lazy. You may come off like some crazy person mining for gold, or deep water treasure hunter. How badly do you want to be wise?

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Here is the source of wisdom, and, how we receive it. God is the source of true wisdom. With that comes both knowledge and how to use what we know. Wisdom is something that He gives. We can’t earn it, negotiate it, or steal it–and we can’t have it apart from Him.

Proverbs 2:7
He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless

There is a specific position our heart needs to be in to receive wisdom. God withholds the outcome of wisdom (true success) from all “whose hearts are not completely His” (2 Chron. 16:9). If you’re struggling to receive wisdom from God, you may want to check the state of your heart. God is wise to only give wisdom to those who are ready to receive it.

Proverbs 2:10
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Wisdom has a soothing effect. It truly and deeply satisfies–down to our souls. Look at where wisdom goes. It isn’t all in the head; it enters the heart. True wisdom (biblical wisdom; wisdom from God) brings together knowing and doing, requiring the moral imperative the heart prescribes.

Proverbs 2:12
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse.

Wisdom has many wonderful benefits. It includes not only what you can gain, and how others benefit from it, but also what you can avoid. Wisdom can spare you the consequences of evil. You will be able to detect the ways the of wicked and excuse yourself from that path.

Proverbs 2:16
Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words

Wisdom will allow you to “be perceptive”, so you are “keen on the deceptive”. Especially of something that is as sly and cunning as the seductress. You’ll need to see beyond the words because they don’t tell the whole story. Wisdom will insist that you weigh all factors, even the most subtle, in reaching a decision.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Human wisdom is held onto loosely. It isn’t that we are incapable of knowing or understanding, but that we’re not to lean on or depend on it. The “weight” of knowing what is right and how to proceed should be firmly placed on God. Our sure footing comes when we trust first and foremost in Him.

Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

We must fear, appropriately, the right thing. And at the same time, strenuously avoid the wrong thing. Pick wisely. Here we have the right responses to God and evil. Give our hearts over to the Lord and vehemently guard against evil. Our fear of the Lord brings humility, which will keep us from thinking too much of ourselves. Be wise in God’s eyes.

Proverbs 3:13-18
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

Proverbs 3:19
By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place

All that we see was intended, planned, designed, and put precisely in place. Though we can’t comprehend it, we should not conclude that God did not know what He was doing, or in some other way isn’t making sense, but that His ways are higher (so far beyond) our ways. In surveying the skies, the complexity of the human body, or the changing of the seasons, one should be in awe, no doubt.

Proverbs 3:21
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion

Acquiring, and maintaining, wisdom is an active, continual process. As such, there is the possibility that we can lose sight of it if we were to let up–or let go. As the saying goes: out of sight, out of mind. If it is not foremost in our minds, wisdom will not be directing our steps.

Proverbs 3:35
The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.

One of the outcomes of being wise is that you receive honor from friends and foes alike. Wisdom is something that even ardent opposition will respect. You may not become wealthy, or be formally or widely recognized, but wisdom lived out consistently and persistently, commands great esteem. The opposite is equally true. Just as wisdom is honored, disgrace surrounds the fool.

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[The Old Testament Edition does not include Proverbs. Proverbs will eventually be sold separately.]

Proverbs 4:5
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Here is the best advice boiled down to four words. You can almost see Solomon looking straight into his sons eyes and very sincerely beseeching them to get wisdom, don’t forget what they’re being told, and to not look away from it. Here is what you need to do, so do it: get wisdom. Get understanding. Don’t linger or be distracted from this most important need in life.

Proverbs 4:6-7
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Leaving ourselves exposed can be very dangerous. When we are rightly related to wisdom, it provides a watchful eye over us and protects us from the many snares that too easily entangle the fool. Wisdom is a prize worthy of our deepest commitment. Either Solomon was overstating it, or we are severely underestimating it.

Proverbs 4:8
Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

Cherish? Embrace? It sounds a little like a love affair. That is at least partly right. There is an affection for wisdom that takes on the behavior of longing, caring, and being engulfed. What also must be highlighted is that this love is reciprocated. In turn, wisdom will exalt and honor you.

Proverbs 4:11
I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

There is a ‘way’ to wisdom that requires instruction. This instruction must come from a person that is qualified. Older isn’t necessarily wiser, and newer isn’t necessarily better. The way of wisdom is made up of straight, but narrow, paths; no shortcuts or room to slalom from side to side. Let God and His Word instruct you along the true path of wisdom.

Proverbs 5:1
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight

There is a physicality to gaining wisdom. We need to turn and face it to receive it. It not only requires our hearts and minds but our bodies. I realize the phrase ‘turn your ear’ isn’t meant to be taken literally, but I believe it paints the right mental picture of our need for our bodies to be positioned to pay attention and acquire wisdom.

Proverbs 7:4
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.”

Wisdom is like family. You care for one another. You keep them close. As with family, it is essential that there be a verbal, and well as physical, expression of your care, their importance, and what your relationship means to you. And, you never stop being family.

Proverbs 8:1
Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?

We really don’t have an excuse. Whether it is our conscience or there is some other means of impressing upon us what ought to be, we are frequently presented with a chance to abide by what is right–what is best. What will it take for you to listen?

Proverbs 8:5
You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.

A simpleton is quickly and easily persuaded. Wisdom is patient. It listens and observes, and in due time makes a decision and acts. The fool may give it a passing thought, or pay lip service, but what is required is that your heart is given over to it.

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

What do you desire most? It may be difficult at first to imagine that wisdom is even more precious, valuable, and worthy than anything you can desire. You can’t possess something more valuable than wisdom. Whatever has captured your heart won’t even compare to what wisdom has to offer.

Proverbs 8:12
“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.”

I often think of a Navy SEAL sniper when I think of wisdom. They must exercise extreme discipline that they keep from just taking “a shot” to knowing when to take “the shot.” Wisdom is knowledge, patience, and discernment that leads to precise action. Taking “the shot” is what accomplishes the mission.

Proverbs 8:14
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.

Wisdom is speaking here. It brings a perspective we may not have considered and advises objectively. We can see more clearly, and when wisdom acts, it is a powerful force of what is right.

Proverbs 8:35
For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD.

Do you want to really live? Seek and find wisdom. It seems that very few actually end up doing either. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. We need to seek the Lord. When we truly seek Him, He is found. And there, we will find life and favor.

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[The Old Testament Edition does not include Proverbs. Proverbs will eventually be sold separately.]

Proverbs 9:6
Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.

Our “way” should exemplify insight. It should be an expected response from someone that requires your counsel. But that natural tendency is only possible when we move from our simple ways to wisdom. No longer foolish, only then are we finally living.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

We can’t hear it enough. This would be a good daily reminder. If you want to be wise, you start with the fear of the LORD. An essential understanding that we need to have is whom we should fear, as that brings humility, and with a humble heart, we can receive instruction.

Proverbs 9:11
For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

You can’t steal time, it is earned. Attempt to gain it the wrong way, and you’ll end up losing it. By not being wise, you, in effect, are trying to get what you want the wrong way. Foolishness adds nothing to your life–and could actually shorten it. Be wise, and your days increase; you get more by doing right, rightly.

Proverbs 9:12
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

There is no reward for being foolish. Ill-gotten, temporary gain is not a reward. It is thievery. A reward is something you earn, and perhaps, even deserve. If you despise wisdom, you ultimately suffer. You pay for being a fool, in part, by alienating yourself from others.

Proverbs 10:8
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

It is hard to receive instruction when you’re the one doing the talking. And because a fool is not wise, what he has to say is of no value. In fact, it leads to ruin. A wise heart is a humble heart and can properly receive God’s divine instruction.

Proverbs 10:13
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.

Patience is a crucial part of being wise. We are cautioned against running ahead or not giving sufficient time to a matter; to consider both sides or all angles before executing judgment. To exact proper justice, or render an accurate verdict, requires that careful observation come from a heart of wisdom.

Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.

What we say can bring life. How powerful are our words. Our words come from that which fills our hearts. For this reason, it is crucial that we remain vigilant over the heart’s affections. The righteous have not only a fear of the Lord to receive wisdom, but they have also surrendered to the Lord and are now rightly related to God. It is out of this heart that words of life nourish not only whose lips they cross, but all who hear them.

Proverbs 10:23
Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.

A fool revels in the misdeed. They find someone else’s misfortune or destruction amusing. A temporal, fleeting moment of laughter masking a deeper, sadder state compared to the depth that pleasure brings the person who has understanding. That is the experience of having served another by doing what is right and good. Wisdom is fulfilling. Fools grasp at dust mites in the wind.

Proverbs 10:31
From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.

Whether the perverse tongue is intentionally stopped or eventually ignored, their wicked words cannot be tolerated. For it is the words of those in a right standing before God who build up, prosper and give life.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

It is foolish to think too much of yourself. Eventually, it negatively affects your reputation and you lose respect. Wisdom is not even allowed to begin without humility. Being proud gives you the least possible chance of becoming wise. No pride, know wisdom.

Proverbs 11:12
Those who have no sense deride their neighbors, but those who have understanding hold their tongues.

Driven by impulse, and without regard for anyone but themselves, the fool ridicules. Their tongues are let loose at the slightest provocation. There is no filter, no thinking–just expressing. By contrast, those that do think, filter, and process–that have understanding–know how and when to hold their tongues. There is precision with wisdom.

Proverbs 12:8
People are praised according to their prudence, and those with warped minds are despised.

Being cautious and exercising discretion are laudable qualities. Not that you seek praise, but being that type of person is appreciated. People are genuinely grateful for those who are prudent. There aren’t just subtle differences between the prudent and the distorted. A person with a warped mind is not someone who just sees things differently, or whose thinking is uncommon, it is that their abnormal thinking is dangerous and destructive.

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Pity the man that does not ask for, or listen to, directions. We are foolish to believe that we don’t need help, or correction, or intervention. That is a telltale sign of pride, and pride prevents us from being wise. Humility listens, and listening to advice makes one wise.

Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

A wise son trusts the father. That trust enables him to receive something very valuable, whether he realizes it or not. Wisdom is passed on through a trusting relationship. When trust is absent, anger, bitterness, and resentment are expressed in mockery.

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[The Old Testament Edition does not include Proverbs. Proverbs will eventually be sold separately.]

Proverbs 13:10
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

When you are humble, you have the benefit of being in a position to receive advice. It is pride that keeps you from being dependent, or willing to accept input from others. It also keeps you from being corrected. This is where pride causes strife. It is wise to realize you don’t know everything and even require consultation.

Proverbs 13:16
In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.

It would seem that ignorance is bliss, given the way a fool draws attention to their foolishness. Believing or behaving without knowledge is folly. In all things, we are to have a proper view of the information necessary to render the right understanding and make the appropriate decision. Unfortunately, that is beyond the fool.

Proverbs 13:20
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

To a degree, we are who we surround ourselves with. We are granting those closest to us a great deal of influence over what and how we think, and subsequently, how we act. It then logically follows that if you want to be wise, you would enjoin yourself to those that are wise. For if you don’t, you will suffer the pain, punishment, and perfidiousness of a fool.

Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

We can only go in one of two directions: up or down. Fortunately, there is no neutral. That is, there is no neither. You will go one way or the other. You will decide to build up or tear down. The wise build. Fools, with their own hands, destroy the very plank they stand on. They are their own undoing. Build up, not only for your benefit but for those around you.

Proverbs 14:6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

A mocker doesn’t actually seek wisdom. For when we truly seek wisdom, we find it. A mocker seeks wisdom like a teenager takes initiative. The pattern of rejecting or avoiding the truth has become so ingrained in a mocker that they cannot see the truth. But for the wise person who has established a habit of developing understanding, the truth is more easily and readily attained.

Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.

A fool lives a life that is pieced together by deception. They depend on a lie to make up their reality. It is the wise person who takes the necessary time to scrutinize their life, which allows them to correct and direct their ways and keeps them on the path of wisdom.

Proverbs 14:24
The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

Ultimately, what we do, and who we are, are put on display. In some cases, it is immediately visible. The question is, when someone looks at you, do they see a crown or folly? When the output of our lives is wisdom, there is wealth. When the output of our lives is folly, well, your only gain is folly.

Proverbs 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.

Fools are not without an awareness of wisdom. However, it is probably more like a drive-by glimpse that maintains a familiarity with wisdom, but by no means has an effect. They could pick it out of a line-up, but would not know what it was actually guilty of. The difference with those that are wise is that wisdom resides in the center of who they are. It has found its home, nestled in, and expresses itself in understanding.

Proverbs 15:7
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

Our words have only one of two outcomes: life or death. What we say will either be beneficial and fruitful or will be self-serving and detrimental. The minds and hearts of the wise go to work before a word leaves their lips with the intention of bringing life; while a fool may not even consider what he is about to say.

Proverbs 15:12
Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.

In order to live their life of deception, the mocker cannot afford to become close to someone who is wise. Remaining at a distance allows them to keep up the illusion. What is true to them is all the truth they need. How destructive is the life that goes uncorrected. We cannot become who we are to be by avoiding wisdom.

Proverbs 15:21
Folly brings joy to those who have no sense, but those who have understanding keep a straight course.

Only someone with no sense would find joy in the mindless, destructive outcomes of foolishness. There is no understanding it, because there is no sense to it. With the wise, there is no veering off the path that is doing right by what you know to be true. Because of its supreme value, a wise person cannot afford to be compromised by what doesn’t make sense, or, has no purpose or benefit. The course for the wise is straightforward.

Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Planning is important. Planning while receiving the right input is imperative. Plans fail without the right insight and you can only get the right insight from proper counsel. The required recommendations may come from consulting with several advisors in order to affirm the right course of action.

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[The Old Testament Edition does not include Proverbs. Proverbs will eventually be sold separately.]

Proverbs 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.

From the very beginning wisdom serves us well. It directs us first to how we can have a relationship with God. Specifically, that we fear Him. We cannot coax or negotiate our standing before God. First, and foremost, is the profound matter of the heart: humility. We cannot think we have anything to offer, as there is nothing we possess that an eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, everywhere-present Being would be in need of. He possesses all we need. Humble ourselves and we will be honored by how God responds.

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

For the “not-so-wise” this could be hard to fathom. Without knowing the value of wisdom, you would not think that it could be worth more than gold. And, that it not just a little better, but much better than this precious metal! To have wealth and insufficient insight is to be poor. The value in life is found in possessing wisdom and very little else.

Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

No, not every “way” or decision is potentially fatal. But there is one that, if not considered carefully, could be easily disregarded and ultimately leads to eternal separation from God. This is the “death” in view in this verse. How imperative that we get wisdom if only to keep from doing what is right in our own eyes and avoid dying this death. Being a fool is quite deadly.

Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.

Whether stubborn or ignorant, the fool is rarely convinced of his folly. However, a person with understanding receives correction and is all the better for it. Our degree of foolishness can be measured by how proactively we are with applying the instruction we are given.

Proverbs 17:16
Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?

Wisdom includes both knowledge and understanding but rides on the rails of what ought to be. There is a moral basis guiding what is it we should do with the knowledge we possess, and how and when we should use it. Simply said, it necessarily involves the heart. “Oughtness” is sitting in the driver’s seat. What good is knowledge and understanding in the life of someone who lacks a heart?

Proverbs 17:24
A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

It takes focus to be wise. It doesn’t just happen. The person making a wise decision keeps knowledge and understanding close so as to ensure the integrity of the process of discernment. It takes time, thought, and heart. A fool has no such process and is prone to search aimlessly, taken by whatever shines the brightest or shouts the loudest.

Proverbs 17:27-28
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Silence can be quite powerful. Whether intentionally or by luck. While even the fool may show a certain degree of restraint, it is understanding that fuels the evenness of temper and composure with which we exercise the wisdom of when and what we speak. That is one “cool spirit”.

Proverbs 18:4
The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

Our words can certainly get us in over our heads, but they have more to do with quality than quantity. When used properly, our words can be life-giving; otherwise, we may drown others including ourselves from the depth of our many useless words.

Proverbs 18:15
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

What an interesting and powerful combination: intelligence and heart. The two paired with one another provide the ingredients for true wisdom. It is both the mind and the heart that are crucial to having a right understanding. Wisdom is not just a cerebral pursuit. That’s just knowledge. If knowledge is the boat and the ocean, then the heart is the captain.

Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

A wise person knows how to be patient. While they know and seek what is right, the wise have the ability to exercise a “cool spirit” when offended. They are able to discern between what requires justice and what begs mercy and forgiveness.

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

If there were training for being wise, then it would look something like this: listen to godly advice, accept discipline in the form of correction and the hard work that is required to be wise, over an extended period of time. As Proverbs says repeatedly, the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. What follows is a lifetime of adherence to “the training.”

Proverbs 19:8
Those who get wisdom love their own lives; those who cherish understanding will soon prosper.

What being wise says about you is that you care about yourself. You take care to avoid what is detrimental to living a fruitful life, and advance, for the benefit of all, that which produces righteousness. Being wise also reveals what you cherish. It demonstrates your desire to grow, build up, and possess ethically.

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[The Old Testament Edition does not include Proverbs. Proverbs will eventually be sold separately.]

Proverbs 21:11
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.

We learn by example. When the mocker faces the consequences of his actions, it can provide meaningful and fruitful instruction. Who can teach the simple, but the wise? This also is the by-product of living wisely.

Proverbs 21:20
Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

Planning and preparedness are qualities that are evident in the life of wisdom. This person has on hand what is necessary to not only sustain life but prosper. The fool has no such qualities. Because the fool cannot see past the moment, he chooses to satisfy himself without regard for tomorrow.

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.

Fair warning. There is no possibility that we could out God, God. He spares us a life of a misguided, hopeless “chasing of the wind” by stating so. There is no collecting the mind of experts, no coalition, no task force that could be assembled, discover or derive some revelation leading to a scheme that would even come close to what God knows or can do–because that doesn’t exist. There is only one, true, and living God–and we are not it.

Proverbs 22:17-18
Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

Put yourself in the best possible position to receive wisdom. Free of distraction and noise, intently anticipating insight that will ‘be pleasant’ to you. That is one benefit of wisdom. It is truly, deeply satisfying. But hearing (i.e. receiving) “words of the wise” is only half of what is required to live wisely. That knowledge must be applied at the heart level; internalized effectively, so that is what comes out in our lives.

Proverbs 23:4
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.

Willful ignorance is foolishness. Largely, fools ignore the facts of reality. They ignore God, they ignore good sense, and they ignore the truth about themselves. While there will be instances where we’ll need to depend on our experience and understanding, a fool will believe that he is the source of that knowledge.

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

“No good deed goes unpunished.” Not only will a fool ignore instruction, but he will also repay your good intentions with contempt. It is never a waste of time to do what is good and right. It may, however, prove to be more of a sacrifice when extending those intentions toward a fool.

Proverbs 23:12
Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

Remember that the ‘ear’ and the ‘heart’ are in on this together. Wisdom is not just knowledge. It does not only invoke the mind. The heart is the companion to knowledge that directs what we know toward when and how we should use it. Keep a vigilant ear for what is true, and a sensitive heart for what is right.

Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth and do not sell it – wisdom, instruction and insight as well.

There is a sacrifice to be made to become wise. To know and to have what is right, will at times, require significant cost. Whether facing ridicule or enduring physical and mental commitment, there will be a price to pay to fulfill the requirement of truly being wise. Pay it. Proverbs will tell you that it is more valuable than any precious metal or fine jewel.

Proverbs 24:3-4
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Two differences between the wise and the foolish are where they put their effort and the effect of their actions. The wise build up. Their efforts are fruitful and beneficial. The foolish teardown. They deplete, ravish, and unseat. We are fortunate to have the wise but will rue the day that foolishness flourishes.

Proverbs 24:5-6

A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

One end of wisdom is to become stronger. In our character, our resolve, and how we execute what is right and good. But it is not just strength in and of ourselves, but in surrounding ourselves with the support of persistent, honest counsel. If we’re going to be effective in “destroying the strongholds of the enemy” then we must be strengthened. The wise properly prepare for battle.

Proverbs 24:7

Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.

Whether it is ignorance or pride, wisdom is out of reach for a fool. Even still, a fool keeps quiet when in the presence of real discussion and debate. Such is the case at the city “gate”.

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[The Old Testament Edition does not include Proverbs. Proverbs will eventually be sold separately.]

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.

Honey is sweet and pleases instantly. Having honey on hand meant that this quality and others would benefit you in the future. As long as you have wisdom, there is reason to hope.

Proverbs 28:26
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

When we trust in ourselves, and then, are too trusting of ourselves, we tend to take unnecessary risks. We harm ourselves and are a hazard to those around us. A person whose way is wisdom is more likely to be aware of the danger and sidestep pitfalls and destructive consequences.

Proverbs 29:3
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

There are very few things that could top the joy of a parent over their child acquiring and exuding wisdom. A child who listens to instruction seeks understanding, and exercises righteousness brings honor to his parents and family. What value he has to offer, a fool recklessly tosses at random, fleeting moments of pleasure.

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

Lack of control or being prone to outbursts are qualities fit for a fool. Disruption and chaos are the norm. The wise persevere to a calm and peaceful resolution to a matter. The fool expresses how he feels, while the wise solve the problem.

Proverbs 29:15
A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but children left to themselves disgrace their mother.

Without correction or guidance, left to ourselves, we will disgrace those who love us. Though it may be uncomfortable, even painful, we all have a need to be corrected and directed. Listening to instruction will guide us to wisdom, and not violence, but certain measures need to be taken to find and stay on that path.

Proverbs 30:3
I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One.

If we think more of ourselves than we ought, all we need to do is compare ourselves to God. The contrast will be most humbling. His wisdom is something that He imparts to us, and is not something we could ever attain. Only a fool thinks himself more capable than God.

Proverbs 31:26
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Instruction you can trust, comes from someone who speaks wisdom. We can trust the wise because their words are consistently loyal to the truth. Their commitment to the truth comes before anything they could gain personally, but rather, seeks the benefit it will be to others. There is only self-interest in the words spoken by a fool.

Explore wisdom further:
   Define Wisdom
   Words of Wisdom
   Scriptures on Wisdom
   Old Testament Scriptures on Wisdom
   New Testament Scriptures on Wisdom
   The Right Life Manifesto

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