Bible glossary

What Does ‘Wisdom’ Mean in the Bible?

Wisdom is the God-given skill of living well: seeing life as it truly is and choosing the good, which begins with reverence for God.

Wisdom in the Bible is not merely being clever or well informed. It is the art of living rightly, seeing the world the way God sees it and acting accordingly. Scripture says its starting point is the fear of the LORD, a humble reverence that orients everything else.

Wisdom is practical and generous. God gives it freely to those who ask, and much of the Bible, especially Proverbs, is devoted to training the heart in it. It shapes how we speak, work, spend, forgive, and love.

Key verses

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10

“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

“But unto them which are called... Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:24