"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 1:7). Wisdom is God's gift (Proverbs 2:6), hidden in Christ (Colossians 2:3), and given to anyone who asks (James 1:5). Godly wisdom is "first pure, then peaceable" (James 3:17), better than gold (Proverbs 16:16), and shown by hearing and doing Jesus' words (Matthew 7:24).
Wisdom in Scripture is not just intelligence; it is skill in living well before God. These twelve King James passages cover where wisdom begins, how to ask for it, and why it is worth more than anything else you could pursue. For telling right from wrong and testing what you hear, see our discernment page.
Where wisdom begins
1. Proverbs 9:10
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord—reverent awe that takes God seriously. Knowing "the holy" One is the foundation of understanding.
2. Proverbs 1:7
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
This is the theme verse of Proverbs. Reverence opens the door to knowledge; fools shut it by despising instruction.
3. Proverbs 2:6
"For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
Wisdom is a gift that comes "out of his mouth"—from God's word. If you want wisdom, open the Scriptures.
4. Colossians 2:2-3
"That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ. Wisdom is ultimately found in knowing a Person.
Ask God for wisdom
5. James 1:5
"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."
God gives wisdom generously and "upbraideth not"—He does not scold you for asking. The next verse adds: ask in faith, without wavering.
6. James 3:17
"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."
Heavenly wisdom is recognizable: pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere. It works as a checklist for any decision.
7. Psalms 90:12
"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
Moses prays for help to number our days—to remember that life is short—so we can apply our hearts to wisdom.
8. 1 Corinthians 1:25
"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
God's "foolishness"—the message of the cross—is wiser than human wisdom. True wisdom often looks upside down to the world.
Get wisdom: it is worth more than gold
9. Proverbs 4:7
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
Wisdom is "the principal thing"—the top priority. Whatever else you pursue, get understanding.
10. Proverbs 16:16
"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!"
Better than gold, more desirable than silver. A simple test of what you value most.
11. Proverbs 3:13
"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
Happy is the person who finds wisdom. The passage goes on to call her more precious than rubies (Proverbs 3:15).
12. Matthew 7:24
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:"
Jesus defines the wise person not by IQ but by obedience: hearing His words and doing them, like building a house on rock.
A short prayer
Lord, I lack wisdom, and You promise to give it generously without scolding me. Teach me to fear You, to number my days, and to value wisdom above gold. Fill me with wisdom that is pure, peaceable, and gentle, and help me not only hear Your words but do them. In Jesus' name, amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best Bible verse about wisdom?
James 1:5 ("If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God") and Proverbs 9:10 ("The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom") are the most widely shared.
What is the beginning of wisdom?
"The fear of the LORD" (Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10)—reverent awe and trust toward God.
How do I ask God for wisdom?
James 1:5-6 says to ask God, who gives liberally, and to ask in faith. Read Scripture (Proverbs 2:6), seek wise counsel, and put what you learn into practice (Matthew 7:24).
What is the difference between wisdom and discernment?
Wisdom is skill in living well before God; discernment is the ability to tell right from wrong and truth from error. They work together. See our discernment page.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: Bible verses about discernment · Bible verses about humility · Bible verses about guarding your heart · Bible verses about trusting God · Bible verses about prayer
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