I have recently been reading through the book of Proverbs. This book is intended to show how God’s people can avoid peril and enjoy life by living in the way God intended. A key term in this book is “Wisdom.” Below I have listed some truths about and characteristics of godly wisdom and have included Scripture references from the book.
A wise person fears the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7
A wise person does not walk in the way of the wicked.
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us…” do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths. Proverbs 1:10-11, 15
Wisdom is a divine gift and a human task.
If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:23
A wise person receives wise instruction.
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding…then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-2, 5
A wise person trusts in the Lord instead of human understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes. Proverbs 3:6-7
Wisdom is better than worldly wealth.
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who gets understanding for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. Proverbs 3:13-14
Wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. Proverbs 8:11.
A wise person welcomes instruction.
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:8-9
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1
A wise person knows when to be quiet and listen.
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Proverbs 10:8
A wise person is humble.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
A wise person practices self-control.
The annoyance of a fool is known at once, but the wise ignores an insult. Proverbs 12:16
A wise person speaks kindly.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18.
A wise person speaks truthfully.
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Proverbs 12:19
A wise person partakes in honest hard work.
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Proverbs 12:24
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 13:11
A wise person keeps good company.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise. Proverbs 13:20
More words of wisdom from Proverbs to come when I complete my study of the book.
A wise person fears the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 1:7
A wise person does not walk in the way of the wicked.
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us…” do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths. Proverbs 1:10-11, 15
Wisdom is a divine gift and a human task.
If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:23
A wise person receives wise instruction.
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding…then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-2, 5
A wise person trusts in the Lord instead of human understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes. Proverbs 3:6-7
Wisdom is better than worldly wealth.
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who gets understanding for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. Proverbs 3:13-14
Wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her. Proverbs 8:11.
A wise person welcomes instruction.
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:8-9
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1
A wise person knows when to be quiet and listen.
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Proverbs 10:8
A wise person is humble.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
A wise person practices self-control.
The annoyance of a fool is known at once, but the wise ignores an insult. Proverbs 12:16
A wise person speaks kindly.
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18.
A wise person speaks truthfully.
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Proverbs 12:19
A wise person partakes in honest hard work.
The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. Proverbs 12:24
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 13:11
A wise person keeps good company.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise. Proverbs 13:20
More words of wisdom from Proverbs to come when I complete my study of the book.
