Biblical wisdom is not intelligence or accumulated knowledge: it is the art of living aligned with God. Its starting point is famous: "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10), taking God seriously puts everything else in its place.
Good news: it can be asked for. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach" (James 1:5). It may be the only prayer whose answer the Bible explicitly guarantees.
Bible verses about wisdom
« But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. »
« The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. »
« Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. »
« The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. »
« So teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. »
« Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding. »
« because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. »
« For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it. »
Sermons about wisdom
- Redeem the Time: The Wisdom That Seizes Every Opportunity→
- Seeking Wisdom (6): Gentle or Quick-Tempered→
- Martha and Mary: Wisdom for Your Overloaded Schedule→
- A Dead Fly in the Ointment: Wisdom for an Uncertain World→
- The Cross of Christ: The Wisdom the World Overlooks→
- Wisdom, Pleasure, Work: The Smoke You're Trying to Hold On To→
Frequently asked questions about wisdom
How do I make a hard decision with God?
The biblical tripod: the Word (rules out what contradicts it), prayer (James 1:5, ask for wisdom), and counsel ("in the multitude of counselors there is safety," Proverbs 11:14). Then move forward with peace as referee (Colossians 3:15).
What is the difference between wisdom and intelligence?
Intelligence knows how things work; wisdom knows what to do with them. You can be brilliant and foolish, the Bible calls wise the one who builds life on the rock, not the one with the most degrees.
Where do I find wisdom in the Bible?
The "wisdom books": Proverbs (daily practicalities), Ecclesiastes (the meaning of life), Job (suffering). And in the New Testament, James, often called "the Proverbs of the New Testament."