Life is a series of choices. Some are rather insignificant like deciding what clothes to wear, where to go for lunch, or what color car to buy. However, lots of little choices are rather important and affect our health, our relationships, our future, and our overall well-being. In these situations, it is good to know some bible verses about wisdom and knowledge to remind ourselves who can give us discernment in this decision-making and who is ultimately in control—God.
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What Does the Bible Say About Using Wisdom?
Wisdom is a gift from God.
James 1:5 (NIV) “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.”
The first step in using wisdom is to pray and ask God for guidance.
Second, since all spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and understanding come from God, we need to search the Bible for scriptures that we can study, memorize, and meditate on.
Proverbs 19:20 – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
Finally, when we use wisdom, we are considered blessed by the Lord. Proverbs 3:13 gives us this promise: “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding…”
Bible Verses About Wisdom and Knowledge
Charles Spurgeon once said: “Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.”
Knowing and doing are two different things. Wisdom in the Bible is typically associated with our actions. Knowledge about God and His Bible is good and necessary, but in order for us to be considered wise, we must take that knowledge and put it into practice in daily living. Our purpose is to make an eternal impact for Christ. To do so, we have to understand what the Bible is instructing us on and obey.
What is the Difference Between Wisdom and Knowledge According to the Bible?
We have already established knowing and doing are different things but, in God’s word, they are closely connected. You cannot have wisdom without knowledge. Knowledge comes first, as with Adam and Eve in the garden. Our eyes must be opened to the truth of good and evil and that God is the One True God and that “none is good but God.” (Mark 10:18 NIV) Then comes wisdom, once we understand who God is, we have a new found respect for Him and are motivated by love to obey and please His good will.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10 NIV)
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. (James 3:13 NIV)
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. (Proverbs 23:12 NIV)
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. (Psalm 14:1 NIV)
Wisdom and Understanding in the Proverbs
King Solomon, as a young, inexperienced leader, prayed to God for wisdom and knowledge to rule His people. God answered Solomon:
“Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” (2 Chronicles 1:11-12 NIV)
God blessed Solomon for his desire to have the wisdom to do God’s will and Solomon shares much of his wisdom with us in the Proverbs. Let’s look at what he shares with us, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit about wisdom and understanding.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6 NIV)
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7 NIV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10 NIV)
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; (Proverbs 24:3)
Bible Verses on Knowledge
In the Bible, knowledge is accompanied by truth. It is knowing the truth of who God is, what He desires for us, and how to live our lives to please Him. 1 Timothy 4:3-4 (NIV) tells us: “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
When our eyes are opened to the truth that all men are sinners in need of forgiveness and that the only way for us to be forgiven and made right with God is through Jesus Christ His Son, then we have the beginning of the “good” knowledge of God. We have the truth we need to live like Jesus.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3 NIV)
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”. (John 8:32 NIV)
Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.. (1 John 2:4 NIV)
A Prayer for Wisdom and Knowledge
Dear Lord,
You are the giver of all knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and discernment. I need your guidance daily. Teach me truth as I read your Word. Give me the insight from the Holy Spirit on how to put your word into practice in my daily life. I want to please and honor you by obeying and conforming to your will. I trust you to lead me and I will keep gaining knowledge from your word, Lord. Thank you that through Jesus all wisdom has been revealed. Help me to use your wisdom to teach others about you. Amen.
Our daily choices may not seem as great as Solomon ruling a kingdom but God has called us to be His “royal nation and holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) once we place our faith in Christ alone so we need His knowledge and wisdom to represent Him well. I pray this is a reminder to us that God is the giver of wisdom, He wants to share this gift with us, and we need only ask through faith in prayer.
Related Posts and Resources:
- Bible Studies for Women
- Bible Study Printables
- How to Use the Inductive Bible Study Method
- Bible Verses About Loving the Unlovable
Meet the Author
Arrica is a follower of Jesus, church planting wife, and a homeschooling mom of 4. Her passion is discipling women, especially other moms. She writes at A Child Shall Lead Them and prays she can help other Mommas find joy in their motherhood while serving their Savior and pointing their children to Jesus.