Topic

Wisdom

Biblical wisdom is practical. It is less about being clever and more about living well — with reverence toward God, patience with people, and honesty with yourself.

Where wisdom begins

Proverbs 9:10 gives us the biblical starting point: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” The word “fear” here is not terror; it is reverent respect. It is the humility to recognize that you are not the highest authority in your own life, and that the God who made you has something to say.

From this beginning, biblical wisdom grows outward — into how we speak, how we work, how we handle money, how we handle anger, how we listen. It is remarkably practical.

Wisdom verses (KJV)

  • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

    — Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)

  • “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.”

    — James 1:5 (KJV)

  • “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”

    — Proverbs 18:15 (KJV)

  • “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

    — Proverbs 15:1 (KJV)

  • “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

    — Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

  • “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”

    — Proverbs 2:6 (KJV)

  • “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

    — Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)

  • “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.”

    — James 3:17 (KJV)

  • “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.”

    — Proverbs 14:1 (KJV)

  • “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.”

    — Proverbs 15:20 (KJV)

  • “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.”

    — Proverbs 4:5 (KJV)

  • “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

    — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

Ask God for wisdom

James writes plainly: “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” (James 1:5). God does not scold us for needing wisdom. He gives it generously to any who ask.

This is a wonderful prayer for every ordinary decision — the conversation this afternoon, the message you’re not sure how to send, the choice at work no one else knows about. Ask.

Two kinds of wisdom

James also distinguishes between two kinds of wisdom (James 3:13–17): a “wisdom” that is really cleverness in the service of pride, and a wisdom “from above” that is peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy. It is a helpful test. Wisdom that leaves relationships in pieces is usually not the wisdom of God, however sharp it sounds.

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (KJV)

Practical wisdom from Proverbs

  • Listen before you speak.
  • Guard your tongue.
  • Be slow to anger.
  • Keep good company.
  • Work honestly.
  • Give generously.
  • Receive correction quietly.
  • Fear the Lord; hate what is evil.

Read Proverbs a chapter a day for a month — there are 31 chapters — and you will find your imagination for a good life slowly rearranged.

Lord, I do not need to know everything today — I only need to know the next right thing. Give me the wisdom that is peaceable and gentle. Guard my words. Slow my anger. Make me easy to correct. In Jesus’ name, amen.

See also Christian Living, Prayer, and Psalms.