Bible verses about wisdom
The Bible says wisdom begins with reverence for God, is available to anyone who asks, and is worth more than silver or gold.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”Proverbs 9:10 · KJV
- Verses
- 14
- Key passage
- Proverbs 9:10
- Translation
- King James
- Updated
- 2026-10-27
Wisdom literature in the Bible, mostly Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes, is practical about decisions, speech, money and friends. These verses collect its central claims: that wisdom starts with reverence, that it can be asked for, and that it pays off over a lifetime.
14 verses about wisdom
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 · KJV“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.”
James 1:5 · KJV“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 · KJV“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Proverbs 4:7 · KJV“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
Proverbs 2:6 · KJV“How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!”
Proverbs 16:16 · KJV“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2 · KJV“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”
Psalm 111:10 · KJV“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:16 · KJV“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”
Proverbs 19:20 · KJV“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.”
Proverbs 3:13-14 · KJV“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 1:7 · KJV“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”
Job 28:28 · KJV“Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
Proverbs 24:3-4 · KJVQuestions
What does the Bible say about wisdom?
The Bible says wisdom begins with reverence for God, is available to anyone who asks, and is worth more than silver or gold. A good place to start is Proverbs 9:10.
Where does the Bible talk most about wisdom?
Key passages include Proverbs 9:10, James 1:5, Proverbs 3:5-6. This page lists 14 verses from the Old and New Testaments.
Which Bible translation is used?
The King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain in the United States. Other translations use different wording for the same passages.
Related topics
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (public domain in the U.S.). Verses were selected by hand. Last reviewed 2026-10-27. See how topics are chosen.