Bible Verses for Wisdom & Guidance
King James Version (KJV)
The Bible's invitation is clear: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (James 1:5). Wisdom in Scripture is not merely intelligence — it is practical, God-given discernment for living well.
These Bible verses on wisdom come especially from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and James — books written specifically to guide us in how to live, lead, decide, and relate to others. Whether you are facing a major decision or simply want to grow in understanding, these passages are for you.
“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.”
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.”
“I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,”
“¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day;”
“With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”
“Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence.”
“[Nor] for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday.”
“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.”
“A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.”
“There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”
“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”
“¶ Because thou hast made the LORD, [which is] my refuge, [even] the most High, thy habitation;”
“They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
“Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.”
“Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.”
“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is].”
“¶ The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.”
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
“¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
“¶ The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise.”
“¶ The glory of young men [is] their strength: and the beauty of old men [is] the gray head.”
“And [even] to [your] old age I [am] he; and [even] to hoar hairs will I carry [you]: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver [you].”