30 Bible Verses about Wisdom: Insightful Scripture Quotes

Wisdom in the Bible

What does the Bible say about wisdom? Not only does scripture give us insight into truth, knowledge, and wisdom, we are advised to seek these from the Lord for "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (James 1:5).

Much of the wisdom in the Bible deals with transcendent, spiritual matters, to remember the state of our souls and communion with God. While there is biblical instruction of how to live on earth, as in the Ten Commandments, we are chiefly encouraged to "seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). Do not seek wisdom for vain purposes of worldly success or boosting of ego, but seek God's kingdom and His love and you will achieve true wisdom.

“And we, too, being called by His will to Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding or godliness, or works which we have wrought in holiness of heart; but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - Clement of Rome

Bible Verses about Wisdom

To help your growth in understanding God's will for our lives, we have gathered many of the best Bible verses about wisdom in this collection of scriptures. May these wise biblical quotes provide revelation and inspiration for your walk in faith:

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 3:17

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

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.

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.

Psalm 111:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

1 Corinthians 1:30

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption

Ecclesiastes 8:1

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.

James 3:13

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 7:12

For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

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.

Proverbs: The Book of Wisdom

Proverbs is one of the five “wisdom books” of the Bible, along with Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon (Song of Songs). While it is a book about wisdom and how we can and should pursue that, the book is ultimately a guide to pleasing God and our fellow man. Here are 20 of the best Proverbs quotes about wisdom, read the full book of Proverbs to explore further.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 2:6-9 

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;

Proverbs 3:7

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from 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. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.

Proverbs 10:23

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

Proverbs 11:2 

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 12:15

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

Proverbs 15:33

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

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 19:20

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Scriptures on Truth

Read more Bible verses about the truth of God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let us live in truth as scripture calls us all to do.

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 8:32

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 17:17

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

John 4:24

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Hosea 4:6-7

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. The more they increased, the more they sinned against me; I will change their glory into shame.

1 John 3:18

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Psalm 119:160

The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Ephesians 6:14

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness

Psalm 145:18

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Read More: Bible Verses about Happiness