Wisdom & Guidance

The Fear of the Lord—Beginning of Wisdom

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

⊕ Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

⊕ Psalm 111:10
(See Psalm 111:10)

⊕ Job 28:28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do His commandments. Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.

This fear is not terror or dread but reverential awe, profound respect, and loving submission to God's authority. It recognizes God's sovereignty, acknowledges His holiness, trembles at His word, and desires to please Him above all else.

True wisdom begins here because until one rightly relates to God—the source of all truth—no genuine wisdom is possible. Worldly knowledge divorced from godly fear produces clever fools.

Divine wisdom begins with knowing and honoring the Lord.

Asking God for Wisdom

⊕ James 1:5-6
[5] 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. [6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

⊕ Proverbs 2:3-6
[3] Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; [4] If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; [5] Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. [6] For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

⊕ 1 Kings 3:9-12
[9] Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? [10] And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. [11] And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; [12] Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

⊕ Daniel 2:20-21
[20] Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: [21] And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

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. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.

Yea, if thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding, if thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures, then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom; out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

When Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge God's people and discern between good and bad, God granted his request and gave him wisdom exceeding all others. Daniel blessed God, saying, Wisdom and might are His; He giveth wisdom unto the wise and knowledge to them that know understanding.

God delights to grant wisdom to those who humbly seek it, ask in faith, and intend to use it for His glory and others' good.

Trust in the Lord, Not Human Understanding

⊕ Proverbs 3:5-6
[5] Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

⊕ Proverbs 28:26
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

⊕ Jeremiah 10:23
O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

⊕ Isaiah 55:8-9
[8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

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.

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool, but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Human wisdom, corrupted by sin and limited by finite understanding, proves utterly insufficient for life's navigation. God's wisdom infinitely transcends human reasoning.

Therefore believers must trust God's revealed truth above their own perceptions, submit to His guidance rather than their own plans, and acknowledge Him in all decisions. Such trust brings divine direction and protection from the disasters that follow self-directed living.

Scripture as the Source of Wisdom

⊕ Psalm 119:105
(See Psalm 119:105)

⊕ 2 Timothy 3:15-17
[15] And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

⊕ Psalm 19:7-8
(See Psalm 19:7-8)

⊕ Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. The holy scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. Every word of God is pure; He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.

God's written Word provides comprehensive wisdom for salvation, doctrine, conduct, and every good work. It illuminates the path, reveals God's will, exposes error, corrects thinking, and instructs in righteousness.

Believers who saturate their minds with Scripture gain divine wisdom for daily decisions.

Discerning God's Will and Guidance

⊕ Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

⊕ Ephesians 5:15-17
[15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, [16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. [17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

⊕ Colossians 1:9
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

⊕ Philippians 1:9-10
[9] And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; [10] That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

Be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is. We pray that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

That your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment, that ye may approve things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Discerning God's will requires renewed minds, spiritual understanding, and sanctified judgment.

God's general will is revealed in Scripture—holiness, love, obedience, witness. His specific guidance comes through prayer, providential circumstances, godly counsel, inner peace, and doors opened or closed.

Believers prove God's will through obedient surrender, not demanding signs but trusting His faithful leading.

Wisdom Through Godly Counsel

⊕ Proverbs 11:14
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

⊕ Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

⊕ Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

⊕ Proverbs 19:20
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Where no counsel is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Without counsel purposes are disappointed, but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. Hear counsel and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

God ordinarily guides through the wisdom of mature, godly believers who provide biblical perspective, warn against folly, and help discern His will. Seeking counsel is not weakness but wisdom—the humble recognition that we need others' insight and experience.

However, not all counsel proves sound; counselors must be godly, biblically grounded, and Spirit-led. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.

Multiple godly counselors provide safety, confirming or correcting our impressions and helping us avoid self-deception and rash decisions.

Wisdom in Daily Decision Making

⊕ Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

⊕ Ephesians 5:15-16
[15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, [16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

⊕ Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

⊕ 1 Corinthians 14:20
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Brethren, be not children in understanding; howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Practical wisdom governs daily conduct—how believers speak, work, manage resources, relate to unbelievers, and navigate a fallen world. This wisdom is neither naïve innocence nor cynical worldliness but Spirit-guided prudence combining moral purity with shrewd discernment.

It maximizes opportunities, avoids unnecessary offense, anticipates consequences, and acts with mature understanding. Such wisdom demonstrates Christianity's practical superiority, adorns the gospel, and protects from Satan's devices.

It involves thinking before speaking, planning before acting, and evaluating decisions in light of eternity.

Growing in Wisdom Throughout Life

⊕ Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

⊕ Colossians 1:10
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

⊕ Hosea 14:9
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

⊕ Psalm 90:12
(See Psalm 90:12)

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding. Walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them?

For the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them, but the transgressors shall fall therein. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Wisdom must be pursued deliberately throughout life—it is the principal thing, the supreme acquisition. Growth in wisdom comes through diligent study of God's Word, prayerful dependence on the Spirit, meditation on God's ways, learning from godly examples, and practical application of truth.

Experience teaches wisdom to those who observe God's working and learn from past mistakes. The wise person never stops growing, recognizing that until we see Christ face to face, we know in part.

Numbering our days—recognizing life's brevity—motivates us to pursue wisdom urgently rather than squandering precious time in folly.