Jesus once told His disciples to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” As Christians, we are called to seek wisdom. But what does that look like practically?
The Bible is filled with countless verses about wisdom – what it means for the Christian, how we can grow in wisdom, and how it’s connected to our faith. Whether you’re caught in a difficult situation or at a crossroads in life, we pray you will find encouragement in these 10 verses about wisdom and its place in the Christian life.
When Seeking Wisdom, Look to God First
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.” – James 3:17
“O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
‘For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?’
‘Or who has given a gift to him,
to receive a gift in return?’
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” – Romans 11:33–35
Growing in Wisdom Requires Humility
“When pride comes, disgrace comes; but with the humble is wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
Ask and You Shall Receive
“My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; if you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures – then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” – Proverbs 2:1-5
“Teach me wisdom and knowledge, for in your commandments I trust. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I hold to your promise. You are good and do what is good; teach me your statutes.” – Psalm 119:66-68
“If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” – James 1:5
Christians Are Called to Live Wisely
“Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
“And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.” – Philippians 1:9-11
“My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” – Proverbs 3:21-24