Wisdom helps us navigate life’s ups and downs, much like a trusted guide. The Bible is filled with wisdom, showing us how to live with kindness, make smart choices, and understand what truly matters. From the thoughtful sayings in Proverbs, the insightful teachings in Ecclesiastes, and the powerful lessons from Jesus and his followers, the Scriptures are here to help us through hard times, make important decisions, or feel supported and understood. Here are 160 Bible verses about wisdom that light up our path, helping us lead a life full of purpose and deep understanding.
The Source of Wisdom
- James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
- Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
- Job 28:23 – “God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells,”
- Proverbs 19:20-21 – “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
- Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 3:13 – “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,”
Wisdom for Living
- 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.”
- Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:12 – “For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.”
- Proverbs 13:10 – “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
- Proverbs 19:20 – “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
- 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 31:26 – “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
- Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
- Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
- Proverbs 3:7 – “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.”
Wisdom in Relationships
- Proverbs 15:12 – “A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.”
- Proverbs 27:9 – “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
- Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
- Proverbs 13:20 – “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
- Proverbs 22:24-25 – “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
- Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
- Proverbs 18:24 – “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
- Colossians 3:12-14 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
- Proverbs 25:20 – “Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.”
Wisdom and Speech
- Proverbs 10:19 – “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
- Proverbs 12:18 – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
- Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
- Proverbs 15:4 – “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
- Proverbs 16:24 – “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
- Proverbs 18:20 – “From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.”
- Proverbs 18:21 – “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
- James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”
- Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
- Proverbs 25:11 – “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Wisdom and Decision Making
- Proverbs 2:11 – “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Proverbs 8:12 – “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.”
- Proverbs 16:1 – “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.”
- Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
- Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
- Proverbs 18:15 – “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
- Proverbs 20:18 – “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.”
- Proverbs 24:3-4 – “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
- James 1:5-6 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Wisdom and Wealth
- Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
- Proverbs 8:18-21 – “With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me and making their treasuries full.”
- Proverbs 11:4 – “Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”
- Proverbs 13:11 – “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
- Proverbs 22:1 – “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
- Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
- Proverbs 23:4-5 – “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”
- Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
- 1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
- Proverbs 28:20 – “A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.”
Wisdom and Character
- Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
- Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
- Proverbs 11:3 – “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
- Proverbs 20:7 – “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
- Proverbs 15:31-32 – “Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.”
- Proverbs 28:6 – “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.”
- Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Ephesians 4:2-3 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
- Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
- 1 Peter 3:3-4 – “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
Wisdom and Understanding
- Ecclesiastes 2:13 – “I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness.”
- Proverbs 15:14 – “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
- Proverbs 17:27 – “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
- Proverbs 19:8 – “The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.”
- Proverbs 24:5 – “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.”
- Proverbs 29:11 – “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
- 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 4:5-6 – “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 18:2 – “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”
Wisdom in Leadership
- Proverbs 11:14 – “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
- Proverbs 12:24 – “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.”
- Proverbs 27:23-24 – “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.”
- Proverbs 29:14 – “If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will be established forever.”
- Proverbs 31:8-9 – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
- Titus 1:7-9 – “Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
- 1 Peter 5:2-3 – “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
- Proverbs 28:16 – “A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.”
- Proverbs 25:12 – “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.”
- Deuteronomy 1:13 – “Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.”
Wisdom and Humility
- Proverbs 11:2 – “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
- Proverbs 15:33 – “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”
- Proverbs 18:12 – “Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
- Ecclesiastes 9:18 – “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”
- Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
- Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
- James 4:6 – “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
- 1 Peter 5:5 – “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
- Proverbs 29:23 – “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
- Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”
Wisdom and Justice
- Proverbs 21:15 – “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”
- Proverbs 28:5 – “Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.”
- Amos 5:24 – “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
- Proverbs 29:4 – “By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.”
- Proverbs 21:3 – “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
- Micah 3:1 – “Then I said, ‘Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice?'”
- Proverbs 2:9 – “Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.”
- Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
- Proverbs 17:23 – “The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.”
- Proverbs 29:26 – “Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.”
Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord
- Proverbs 14:27 – “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”
- Proverbs 19:23 – “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
- Proverbs 15:16 – “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”
- Proverbs 16:6 – “Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.”
- Psalm 34:11 – “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
- Proverbs 10:27 – “The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.”
- Proverbs 14:26 – “Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”
- Proverbs 22:4 – “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 23:17 – “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.”
Wisdom and Discernment
- 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 16:21 – “The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.”
- Proverbs 17:24 – “A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.”
- Proverbs 16:16 – “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
- Proverbs 14:15 – “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
- 1 Kings 3:9 – “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
- Hebrews 5:14 – “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
- Philippians 1:9-10 – “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,”
- Proverbs 19:25 – “Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.”
- Proverbs 28:11 – “The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.”
Wisdom in Work and Diligence
- Proverbs 6:6-8 – “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
- Proverbs 12:11 – “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”
- Proverbs 13:4 – “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
- Proverbs 14:23 – “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
- Proverbs 22:29 – “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before obscure men.”
- Proverbs 24:27 – “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'”
- Proverbs 10:4 – “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
Wisdom and Patience
- Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
- Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
- Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:8 – “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.”
- Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
- Proverbs 25:15 – “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”
- James 5:7-8 – “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”
- Colossians 1:11-12 – “Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”
- Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
- 1 Timothy 1:16 – “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”
Wisdom and the Word of God
- Psalm 119:130 – “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
- 2 Timothy 3:15-17 – “And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
- Psalm 19:7 – “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
- Joshua 1:8 – “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
- Colossians 3:16 – “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
- 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.’”
- Proverbs 30:5 – “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
- Matthew 7:24 – “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
- Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
- John 17:17 – “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
Conclusion
As we delve into the depths of these wisdom-rich scriptures, we encourage you to take a moment to pause, contemplate, and welcome the eternal wisdom they offer. Within these 160 Bible verses about wisdom lies the guidance to traverse life’s complexities, the fortitude to maintain your principles, and the motivation to nurture a life filled with significance, fulfillment, and happiness.