In the Bible the book of Proverbs is a collection of ‘sayings of the wise’. These were written mainly by king Solomon, but not solely by him. As a young man, Solomon asked God for the gift of wisdom to enable him to lead the nation of Israel. The wisdom he was seeking was not just about knowledge, but to have the discernment to apply what he learned. I’ve selected these twenty verses in Proverbs about wisdom as the message they bring is relevant for our lives today.
20 Proverbs About Wisdom
The word Proverb has a broader meaning in Hebrew than in English. The Hebrew word can also be translated as ‘message’, ‘taunt’, or ‘parable’. Most of the biblical proverbs about wisdom are short compact statements, although there are some longer messages. The meaning may be hidden, as in a parable, or the statement may be provocative, taunting, and challenging. But, all of the verses in Proverbs about wisdom are based on a foundation of faith in God. Let’s dig in and read some of these biblical Proverbs about wisdom…
The Benefits of Godly Wisdom
Wisdom is a gift from God and begins with awe and reverence for Him. This is what fear of the LORD means, not that we are afraid of God, but, that we respect His authority. God offers the gift of wisdom to all those who seek Him, and it flows out of an ongoing relationship with Him. As we look at these verses in Proverbs about wisdom we begin with the obvious benefits. Godly wisdom is a fruit of our relationship with the Lord and has the power to bless every area of our lives!
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
- For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
- Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding… Proverbs 3:13
- Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Proverbs 2:9-10
God gives wisdom, with knowledge and understanding, to guide our choices. As we absorb godly wisdom into our hearts, through the truth of His word, it has the power to affect every area of our lives.
The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.
Proverbs 16:23
Jesus taught that our words flow from what is within our hearts. As we seek God for His wisdom, and receive His truth, our words become more thoughtful, careful, and insightful. What better motivation is there to seek wisdom, this gift of grace from God, than to influence our speech.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.
Proverbs 4:7-9
There is a reminder here to pursue wisdom and not to give up! Godly wisdom is valued above all else – because we need it more than anything else. Without godly wisdom we can make poor choices, and bad decisions, leading to one disaster after another…
You may also like to read: Godly Wisdom Versus Worldly Wisdom.
Proverbs About Wisdom and Knowledge
The more wisdom we receive the more we realize how much wisdom we need! Moses was described in the Bible as the humblest man – and he had a teachable spirit. After all the miracles that he had seen, and experienced, his desire was still to know God more (Bible Gateway Exodus 33:13). Wisdom is birthed in humility, with the realization that we depend and rely on God alone.
Wisdom Begins in Humility.
- When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
- let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. Proverbs 1:5
- Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10
- Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 9:9
Wisdom Brings a Desire for Knowledge
The Proverbs about wisdom and knowledge reveal how closely they are linked together, because one of the characteristics of wisdom is a desire for knowledge. The wise prioritize, seek out, and store up knowledge. Those who have wisdom listen, they add to their learning, and are willing to take advice.
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge… Proverbs 1:7
- Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?… Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:1,10-11
- The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. Proverbs 10:14
- The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Proverbs 14:6
- The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. Proverbs 18:15
- The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 15:14
We are on a lifelong journey in our relationship with the Lord. The experiences that we encounter along the way provide pivotal moments, either to draw us closer to God or for us to turn away. Those with a discerning heart gain wisdom from their experiences and so grow in knowledge and love for the Lord.
Words of Wisdom
The gift of godly wisdom brings discernment to seek God and to grow in knowledge of Him. God’s word becomes more, and more, precious and the greatest influence in our lives. The truth of His word changes our way of thinking, our minds are being transformed, and our hearts are filled with the love of God.
The power of words to bring life or destruction is revealed in Proverbs. Wisdom is imparted and received in intimacy with God and is stored up in our hearts. Out of the overflow of our hearts words of wisdom, grace, truth, healing, and life, can be a blessing to others.
- The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction Proverbs 16:21
- The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright. Proverbs 15:7
- The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18
- The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. Proverbs 11:30
- The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27
- Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:25-26
Prayer: Lord, I pray, out of awe and reverence for You, for this gift of grace, for godly wisdom so that I may know You more. And as I come to know You more, and receive the truth of Your word into my heart, I might speak and live, in a way that honors You. Amen.
