Wisdom

Passages on this topic

From Nave’s Topical Bible (1896), a historical reference index. The groupings are Nave’s; the verses are shown in the text used across this site.

Of Joseph

• Genesis 41:16 “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”
• Genesis 41:25–39 At this, Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven ripe heads of grain are seven years. The dreams have the same meaning. Moreover, the seven thin, ugly cows that came u…
• Acts 7:10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Of Moses

• Acts 7:22 So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

Of Bezaleel

• Exodus 31:3–5 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft.
• Exodus 35:31–35 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every artistic craft. And the LORD has given both him…
• Exodus 36:1 “So Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person are to carry out everything commanded by the LORD, who has given them skill and ability to know how to perform all the work of constructing the sanctuary.”

Of Aholiab

• Exodus 31:6 Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:
• Exodus 35:34–35 And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers — as artistic designers of eve…
• Exodus 36:1 “So Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person are to carry out everything commanded by the LORD, who has given them skill and ability to know how to perform all the work of constructing the sanctuary.”

Of other skilled artisans

• Exodus 36:2 Then Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person whom the LORD had gifted — everyone whose heart stirred him to come and do the work.

Of women

• Exodus 35:26 And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair.

Of Hiram

• 1 Kings 7:14 He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work.
• 2 Chronicles 2:14 He is the son of a woman from the daughters of Dan, and his father is a man of Tyre. He is skilled in work with gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple, blue, and crimson yarn, and fine linen. He is experienced in every kind of engraving and can execute any design that is given him…

Of Solomon

• 1 Kings 3:12 behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be.
• 1 Kings 3:16–28 At that time two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. One woman said, “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also had a baby. We were alone, with no one in the house but th…
• 1 Kings 4:29–34 And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than that of all the men of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than all men— wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than H…
• 1 Kings 5:12 And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.
• 1 Kings 10:24 The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.

Of Ethan, Heman, Chalcol, and Darda

• 1 Kings 4:31 He was wiser than all men— wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.

Of the princes of the tribe of Issachar

• 1 Chronicles 12:32 From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.

Of Ezra

• Ezra 7:25 And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God, which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates — all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them.

Of Daniel

• Daniel 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.
• Daniel 5:14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you have insight, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom.

Of Paul

• 2 Peter 3:15 Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him.

Of the Magi (wise men from the east)

• Matthew 2:1–12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusale…

Spiritual

Unclassified Scriptures Relating to

• Deuteronomy 32:29 If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.
• Job 5:27 Indeed, we have investigated, and it is true! So hear it and know for yourself.”
• Job 8:8 Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers.
• Job 8:10 Will they not teach you and tell you, and speak from their understanding?
• Job 12:2–3 “Truly then you are the people with whom wisdom itself will die! But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?
• Job 12:7–13 But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? The life of every living thing is in His han…
• Job 12:16–17 True wisdom and power belong to Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His. He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges.
• Job 12:22 He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into light.
• Job 28:12–28 But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. I…
• Job 32:9 It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.

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See SPEAKING, WISDOM IN

Spiritual, from God

• Exodus 4:11–12 And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”
• Exodus 8:9–10 Moses said to Pharaoh, “You may have the honor over me. When shall I pray for you and your officials and your people that the frogs (except for those in the Nile) may be taken away from you and your houses?” “Tomorrow,” Pharaoh answered. “May it be as you say,” Moses replied, “so that you may know…
• Deuteronomy 4:5–6 See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these…
• Deuteronomy 4:35–36 You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him. He let you hear His voice from heaven to discipline you, and on earth He showed you His great fire, and you heard His words out of the fire.
• Deuteronomy 29:4 Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear.
• 1 Chronicles 22:12 Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God.
• Nehemiah 9:20 You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst.
• Job 4:3 Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands.
• Job 11:5–6 But if only God would speak and open His lips against you, and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.
• Job 22:21–22 Reconcile now and be at peace with Him; thereby good will come to you. Receive instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart.

See GOD, WISDOM OF

Prayer for Spiritual

• Numbers 27:21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him— the entire congregation— will go out and come in.”
• Judges 20:18 The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.
• 1 Kings 3:7 And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.
• 1 Kings 3:9 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
• 1 Kings 8:36 then may You hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, so that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk. May You send rain on the land that You gave Your people as an inheritance.
• 2 Chronicles 1:10 Now grant me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may lead this people. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
• Job 34:32 Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do it again.’
• Psalm 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me.
• Psalm 25:4–5 Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.
• Psalm 27:11 Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.

See DESIRE, SPIRITUAL

Worldly

• Genesis 3:6–7 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked…
• Job 4:18–21 If God puts no trust in His servants, and He charges His angels with error, how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who can be crushed like a moth! They are smashed to pieces from dawn to dusk; unnoticed, they perish forever. Are not their tent cords pull…
• Job 5:13 He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning.
• Job 11:2 “Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated?
• Job 11:12 But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man!
• Job 37:24 Therefore, men fear Him, for He is not partial to the wise in heart.”
• Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
• Proverbs 15:21–22 Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
• Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
• Proverbs 17:2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.

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