Wisdom — Meaning in the Bible
Skill in living well before God: knowing what is right and doing it. Proverbs says the fear of the LORD is its beginning.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
Solomon asked God for wisdom to govern, and God gave it. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes collect wise sayings; "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom". 1 Kings 3:5–12Proverbs 1:7Proverbs 9:10
James says that anyone who lacks wisdom should ask God. Paul calls Christ the wisdom of God. James 1:51 Corinthians 1:24James 3:17
Key passages
- 1 Kings 3:5–14 — Solomon asks for wisdom.
- 1 Kings 3:16–28 — Solomon's wise judgment.
- Proverbs 2:1–6 — Searching for wisdom.
- James 1:5 — Ask God for wisdom.
- James 3:13–18 — Wisdom from above.
For children
Wisdom means knowing the right thing to do. When God asked Solomon what he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom. 1 Kings 3:9