Wisdom and knowledge are treasures that the Bible values highly. Wisdom helps us apply truth to life in a way that honors God, while knowledge gives us the understanding we need to make good decisions.
The two go hand in hand—knowledge without wisdom can be misused, and wisdom without knowledge lacks depth.
In Scripture, wisdom and knowledge are often described as gifts from God, available to those who seek Him. They are not just for leaders or scholars but for anyone who desires to live well, love others, and walk closely with the Lord. The Bible shows us how wisdom guides our actions, shapes our relationships, and deepens our faith.
Here are 35 Bible verses about wisdom and knowledge, each followed by a short explanation to help you reflect and apply them in your life.
1. Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Explanation: True wisdom and knowledge start with honoring God and respecting His ways.
2. Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Explanation: Wisdom and knowledge are divine gifts from God Himself.
3. Proverbs 3:13-14
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”
Explanation: Wisdom and knowledge are more valuable than material wealth.
4. Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Explanation: Pursuing wisdom is worth any sacrifice.
5. Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Explanation: Reverence for God is the foundation of both wisdom and knowledge.
6. Proverbs 16:16
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
Explanation: Spiritual understanding surpasses material success.
7. Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
Explanation: Wisdom grows when we are teachable and open to correction.
8. Ecclesiastes 7:12
“Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.”
Explanation: Wisdom protects and sustains life more than wealth can.
9. Isaiah 33:6
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge.”
Explanation: God Himself is our source and stability in wisdom and knowledge.
10. Daniel 2:21
“He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
Explanation: God actively grants wisdom and knowledge to those prepared to receive it.
11. Hosea 4:6
“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”
Explanation: Without knowledge of God’s truth, people suffer and fall away.
12. Matthew 7:24
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Explanation: Wisdom comes from applying God’s Word, not just hearing it.
13. Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Explanation: True wisdom balances discernment with purity.
14. Luke 2:52
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Explanation: Even Jesus modeled growth in wisdom as part of spiritual maturity.
15. Luke 21:15
“For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”
Explanation: God gives His people wisdom in speech during times of challenge.
16. John 8:32
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Explanation: Knowledge of God’s truth brings freedom.
17. Acts 6:10
“But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.”
Explanation: The Holy Spirit empowers believers with wisdom that cannot be refuted.
18. Romans 11:33
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”
Explanation: God’s wisdom and knowledge are far greater than human understanding.
19. 1 Corinthians 1:25
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
Explanation: God’s ways surpass the best human reasoning.
20. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7
“We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature… we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden.”
Explanation: God’s wisdom is revealed to those who are spiritually mature.
21. 1 Corinthians 3:18
“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become ‘fools’ so that you may become wise.”
Explanation: Worldly wisdom must give way to God’s truth.
22. 1 Corinthians 12:8
“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit.”
Explanation: Wisdom and knowledge are spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit.
23. Ephesians 1:17
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ… may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.”
Explanation: Paul prayed for believers to receive wisdom from God.
24. Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”
Explanation: Wisdom involves living with purpose and using time well.
25. Philippians 1:9-10
“That your love may abound… in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best.”
Explanation: Love, knowledge, and wisdom work together to guide right choices.
26. Colossians 1:9
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”
Explanation: Knowing God’s will comes through Spirit-led wisdom.
27. Colossians 2:2-3
“In order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Explanation: All true wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ.
28. Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly… teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom.”
Explanation: God’s Word equips us to share wisdom with others.
29. James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”
Explanation: God invites us to ask Him directly for wisdom.
30. James 3:13
“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.”
Explanation: True wisdom is shown through humble actions.
31. James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Explanation: God’s wisdom is reflected in godly character.
32. 1 Peter 3:15
“Always be prepared to give an answer… with gentleness and respect.”
Explanation: Knowledge must be shared with humility and kindness.
33. 2 Peter 1:5-6
“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control.”
Explanation: Knowledge is part of a growing, disciplined faith.
34. 2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Explanation: Our understanding should continually deepen as we follow Christ.
35. Jude 1:25
“To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority… before all ages, now and forevermore!”
Explanation: All wisdom and knowledge ultimately point back to God’s glory.
Final Thoughts
Wisdom and knowledge are essential for living a life that honors God. They shape how we make decisions, interact with others, and understand the world around us.
These verses show that both are gifts from God, meant to be sought after, treasured, and used to build up others.