“…wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” – Proverbs 8:11
It is an understatement to say that wisdom is a worthwhile pursuit. The Old Testament, and specifically Proverbs, provides both a view of God’s wisdom and how are lives are effected either negatively or positively as determined by our effectual pursuit of wisdom.
Old Testament Scriptures on Wisdom
“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.
Skip to New Testament Scriptures on Wisdom
Genesis
Genesis 3:6
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Seeking wisdom is wise. However, some people will do anything to gain wisdom. Even the wrong thing. In this case, Adam and Eve, et al, will realize it wasn’t wise to not listen to (God’s) wisdom in the first place. It was also not very wise to implicate another person.
Exodus
Exodus 28:3
Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.
God gives wisdom. In all matters. There is not an area of our lives, or a need we will have that is beyond God’s provision of wisdom.
Exodus 31:3
And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills
Wisdom is most profitably directed when it flows from the Spirit of God.
Exodus 31:6
Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you:
God enables those He’s gifted with the ability to accomplish His will.
Exodus 35:26
And all the women who were willing and had the skill spun the goat hair
It does not one any good to possess knowledge and be unwilling to use it.
Exodus 36:1
“So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded.”
The Lord gives both skill and ability to carry out His work; work that is of the utmost importance, and which brings Him glory.
Exodus 36:2
Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work.
God enables those He’s gifted with the ability to accomplish His will.
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 4:6
Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
Being observant will demonstrate your understand, as it will help keep you from speaking or acting too quickly. Wisdom is plain to see; by anyone, anywhere.
Deuteronomy 34:9
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses.
There is a correlation between being filled and being listened to in God’s economy. If you are not filled with wisdom there isn’t any good reason for any out to listen to you.
2 Samuel 14:20
“Your servant Joab did this to change the present situation. My lord has wisdom like that of an angel of God – he knows everything that happens in the land.”
There is a wisdom that sets itself a part from all other wisdom. Heavenly wisdom is not earthly wisdom.
1 Kings
1 Kings 2:6
Deal with him according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to the grave in peace.
Properly deal with life situations with wisdom.
1 Kings 2:9
“But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood.”
What are you known as? Better to be a man of wisdom when dealing with life and death situations.
1 Kings 3:28
When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.
God’s wisdom is something to awe. A king, and anyone for that matter, can only truly be justwhen possessing and exercising wisdom from God.
1 Kings 4:29
God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.
True wisdom and great insight is something only God can give. It surpasses in both quality and quantity.
1 Kings 4:30
Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.
Wisdom from God can place us in unique positions we could attain, or should probably desire to, otherwise.
1 Kings 4:34
From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.
1 Kings 5:12
The LORD gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.
1 Kings 7:14
Whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was from Tyre and a skilled worker in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him.
You don’t have to be a king, or, be a highly visible leader to receive wisdom from God. He provides everyone who is rightly related to him with what they do to do His will.
1 Kings 10:7
But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.
1 Kings 10:8
How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
1 Kings 10:24
The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.
1 Kings 11:41
As for the other events of Solomon’s reign – all he did and the wisdom he displayed – are they not written in the book of the annals of Solomon?
1 Chronicles
1 Chronicles 22:12
May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.
2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles 1:7-12
That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”
2 Chronicles 9:6
But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard.
2 Chronicles 9:7
How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
2 Chronicles 9:22
King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.
2 Chronicles 9:23
All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.
Ezra
Ezra 7:25
And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates – all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them.
Job
Job 9:4
His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed?
Job 12:12
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?
Job 12:13
“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.”
Job 12:16
To him belong strength and insight; both deceived and deceiver are his.
Job 13:5
If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.
Job 28:27
Then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it.
Job 28:28
And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
Job 32:13
Do not say, ‘We have found wisdom; let God refute him, not a mere mortal.’
Job 33:33
“But if not, then listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.”
Job 34:35
“Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.'”
Job 15:8
Do you listen in on God’s council? Do you have a monopoly on wisdom?
Job 26:12
By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces.
Job 28:12
But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?
Job 28:17-18
Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold. Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
Job 28:23
God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells
Job 32:7
I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’
Job 38:36
Who has put wisdom in the inward parts or given understanding to the mind?
Job 38:37
Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens
Job 39:17
For God did not endow her with wisdom or give her a share of good sense.
Job 39:26
“Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread its wings toward the south?
Psalms
Psalm 37:30
The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.
Psalm 49:3
My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.
Psalm 51:6
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
Psalm 90:12
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 94:12-13
Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.
Psalm 105:22
To instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.
Psalm 104:24
How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
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.
Psalm 136:5
Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
Proverbs
Proverbs 1:2
For gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight
Proverbs 1:3
For receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:20
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square;
Proverbs 1:23
Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.
Proverbs 1:28
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me,”
Proverbs 1:33
“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
Proverbs 2:2
Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding –
Proverbs 2:4
And if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:7
He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless
Proverbs 2:10
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Proverbs 2:12
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse.
Proverbs 2:16
Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
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
Proverbs 3:21
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion
Proverbs 3:35
The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.
Proverbs 4:5
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
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.
Proverbs 4:8
Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.
Proverbs 4:11
I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
Proverbs 5:1
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight
Proverbs 7:4
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.”
Proverbs 8:1
Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
Proverbs 8:5
You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.
Proverbs 8:11
For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:12
“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.”
Proverbs 8:14
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.
Proverbs 8:35
For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD.
Proverbs 9:1
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:11
For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
Proverbs 9:12
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
Proverbs 10:8
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
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.
Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.
Proverbs 10:23
Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.
Proverbs 10:31
From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:12
Those who have no sense deride their neighbors, but those who have understanding hold their tongues.
Proverbs 12:8
People are praised according to their prudence, and those with warped minds are despised.
Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
Proverbs 14:24
The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.
Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.
Proverbs 13:10
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 13:14-16
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin. In everything the prudent acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.
Proverbs 13:20
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
Proverbs 14:6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
Proverbs 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.
Proverbs 15:7
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.
Proverbs 15:12
Mockers resent correction, so they avoid the wise.
Proverbs 15:21
Folly brings joy to those who have no sense, but those who have understanding keep a straight course.
Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 16:16
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
Proverbs 17:16
Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?
Proverbs 17:24
A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
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.
Proverbs 18:1
An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
Proverbs 18:4
The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
Proverbs 18:15
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:20
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
Proverbs 19:8
Those who get wisdom love their own lives; those who cherish understanding will soon prosper.
Proverbs 21:11
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.
Proverbs 21:20
Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.
Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.
Proverbs 22:17-21
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. That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you. Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge, to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
Proverbs 23:4
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.
Proverbs 23:9
Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.
Proverbs 23:12
Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.
Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth and do not sell it – wisdom, instruction and insight as well.
Proverbs 24:3-7
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 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. Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.
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 28:26
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
Proverbs 29:3
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
Proverbs 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
Proverbs 29:15
A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but children left to themselves disgrace their mother.
Proverbs 30:3
I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One.
Proverbs 31:26
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes 1:13
I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on the human race!
Ecclesiastes 1:16
I said to myself, “Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.”
Ecclesiastes 1:17
Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.
Ecclesiastes 1:18
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes 2:3
I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly – my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.
Ecclesiastes 2:9
I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.
Keep your head. Not matter what height to which rise.
Ecclesiastes 2:12
Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom, and also madness and folly. What more can the king’s successor do than what has already been done?
Ecclesiastes 2:13
I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness.
Ecclesiastes 2:21
For people may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to others who have not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune.
Ecclesiastes 2:26
To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Ecclesiastes 7:11
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.
Ecclesiastes 7:12
Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.
Ecclesiastes 7:19
Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city.
Ecclesiastes 7:23
All this I tested by wisdom and I said, “I am determined to be wise” – but this was beyond me.
Ecclesiastes 7:25
So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.
Ecclesiastes 8:1
Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom brightens the face and changes its hard appearance.
Ecclesiastes 8:11
Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 9:15
Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man.
Ecclesiastes 9:16
So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.
Ecclesiastes 9:18
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Ecclesiastes 10:1
As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
Ecclesiastes 10:3
Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.
Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him
Isaiah
Isaiah 5:21
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight!
Isaiah 10:13
For he says: “By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, because I have understanding. I removed the boundaries of nations, I plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their kings.”
Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD –
Isaiah 28:29
All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.
Isaiah 29:14
“Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.”
Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 47:10
You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, “I am, and there is none besides me.'”
Jeremiah
Jeremiah 8:9
The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what kind of wisdom do they have?
Jeremiah 9:23
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches,”
Jeremiah 10:12
But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
Jeremiah 49:7
Concerning Edom: This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed?”
Ezekiel
Ezekiel 28:4-5
By your wisdom and understanding you have gained wealth for yourself and amassed gold and silver in your treasuries. By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, and because of your wealth your heart has grown proud.
Ezekiel 28:12
“Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.””
Ezekiel 28:17
Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.
Daniel
Daniel 1:4
Young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.
Daniel 1:17
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
Daniel 1:20
In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
Daniel 2:14
When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact.
Daniel 2:20
And said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.”
Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Daniel 2:23
“I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.”
Daniel 2:30
As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.
Daniel 5:11
There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners.
Daniel 9:22
He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.”
Daniel 12:3
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Hosea
Hosea 6:6
For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea 13:13
Pains as of a woman in childbirth come to him, but he is a child without wisdom; when the time arrives, he does not come to the opening of the womb.
Micah
Micah 6:9
Listen! The LORD is calling to the city – and to fear your name is wisdom – “Heed the rod and the One who appointed it.”
New Testament Scriptures on wisdom
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
The New Testament, and specifically the words of Jesus, provides both a view of God’s wisdom and how are lives are effected either negatively or positively as determined by our pursuit of wisdom.
New Testament Scriptures on Wisdom
“The word of the cross is foolishness to the wisdom of this world. That’s why the wisdom of men is destructive to faith and why Paul was, and we should be, very eager that no one turn to the wisdom of men as the basis of faith but that all turn to the power of God.” – John Piper
Matthew
Matthew 6:23
But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Matthew 7:24
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 11:19
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”
Matthew 12:42
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.
Matthew 13:54
Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked.
Mark
Mark 6:2
When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing?”
Luke
Luke 1:17
“And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Luke 2:40
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
Luke 2:52
And as Jesus grew up, he increased in wisdom and in favor with God and people.
Luke 7:35
“But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
Luke 11:31
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now one greater than Solomon is here.
Luke 12:12
“For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Luke 21:15
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.
John
John 5:20
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
John 8:32
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Acts
Acts 6:3
Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them
Acts 6:10
But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.
Acts 7:10
And rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.
Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Romans
Romans 11:33
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel – not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1 Corinthians 1:19
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
1 Corinthians 1:20
Where are the wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
1 Corinthians 1:21
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
1 Corinthians 1:22
Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom.
1 Corinthians 1:24
But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
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.
1 Corinthians 2:1
And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
1 Corinthians 2:4
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.
1 Corinthians 2:5
So that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
1 Corinthians 2:6
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.
1 Corinthians 2:9-14
But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
1 Corinthians 3:18-20
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
1 Corinthians 8:2
If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.
1 Corinthians 12:8
To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit
2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 1:12
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.
2 Corinthians 8:7
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
Galatians
Galatians 4:9
But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
Ephesians
Ephesians 1:7-8
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.
Ephesians 1:16-19
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
Ephesians 3:10
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms
Ephesians 5:15-17
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 6:18-20
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Philippians
Philippians 1:9
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
Philippians 3:15
Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
Colossians
Colossians 1:10
So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:26-28
The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
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.
Colossians 2:2-3
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:5
For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Colossians 2:23
Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 4:5
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
1 Timothy
1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,”
2 Timothy
2 Timothy 2:7
Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
2 Timothy 3:15
And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
James
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James 3:15
Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
2 Peter
2 Peter 3:15
Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.
2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Revelation
Revelation 5:12
In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Revelation 7:12
Saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”
Revelation 13:18
This calls for wisdom. Let those who have insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666.
Explore wisdom further:
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Words of Wisdom
Old Testament Scriptures on Wisdom
Proverbs Scriptures on Wisdom
New Testament Scriptures on Wisdom
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