The Pentecostals / Charismatics believe that supernatural messages come from God. In addition to speaking in tongues, they believe that God speaks through words of wisdom and words of knowledge. They believe a word of wisdom is special revelation from God to provide wisdom in a time of need. They believe a word of knowledge is divine revelation to know what God is doing in another’s soul or body. In effect, Pentecostals believe in ‘wizardry’ due to this special knowledge and wisdom given to them. However, similar to spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, supernatural healings, words of wisdom and knowledge, discerning of spirits and miracles (power, supernatural dreams and visions no longer exist today. Words of wisdom and knowledge given directly to people did occur in the early church in the New Testament times (the Apostolic Church.) It is true that in the Apostolic Church, this was a necessary gift that was used to bring the Word of God in the Apostolic church until the Bible (New Testament) was formed. Upon completion of the New Testament by the Apostolic Church this gift of word of knowledge / wisdom ceased as well as the other supernatural gifts. All these gifts were important witnesses of the Apostolic Church and served to spread the Gospel in the 1st Century A.D. These gifts also have important symbolic, spiritual truths as well. The ultimate fulfillment of words of wisdom and knowledge is the ability of God’s people to spiritually know and interpret God’s Word.
Pentecostal definition of Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge
Wizards – Knowledge and Wisdom
Wizards – Old Testament Occurrences
Wisdom and Knowledge together in Proverbs
Pentecostal definition of Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge
- Word of wisdom:
- “…word of revelation given by the Holy Spirit to provide wisdom … at a particular time of need …” (emphasis added)
- Word of knowledge:
- “… knowing what God is doing … in another’s soul or body, or knowing the secrets of one’s heart … The existence of the gift and its divine origin and fruit are unquestionable.”
- Sources:
- Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements, Burgess / McGee, Zondervan Publishing House, 1995.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Broadcasting_Network
Wizards – Knowledge and Wisdom
Very similar to mediums who have a ‘familiar spirit’, wizards are another type of ‘art’ that involves providing a source of spiritual information. Mediums provide information from a spiritual entity (i.e., demon), while a wizard provides spiritual information ‘from the earth’ (including their own minds).
Wizards – Old Testament Occurrences
The Hebrew word for ‘wizard’ is the word yidde oniy (H3049), which literally means ‘a knowing one’. The original Hebrew word is from the Hebrew word yada which means ‘to know’. ‘Wizard’ occurs 11 times in the Old Testament. In every case, it occurs with ‘familiar spirits’:
- Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God. (Lev 19:31)
- And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. (Lev 20:6)
- A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them. (Lev 20:27)
- Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. (Deu 18:11)
- Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. (1Sa 28:3)
- And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? (1Sa 28:9)
- And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. (2Ki 21:6)
- Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD. (2Ki 23:24)
- And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. (2Ch 33:6)
- And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? (Isa 8:19)
- And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards. (Isa 19:3)
In Lev 20:27, the law of God commanded that a wizard or a person with s ‘familiar spirit’ was to be put to death by stoning. In Deut 18-11-12, God prohibited a ‘wizard’ (as well as many other occult activities) to not be found among Israel since these practices were an abomination of the nations that were to be case out of Canaan. There are other occurrences in the law of God (i.e., Lev 20:6, Lev 19:31) where wizardry was condemned. We previously saw in 1 Sam 28:3, 28:9 that Saul had cast out all the wizards from the land as did Josiah (2 Ki 23:24). In Isa 19:3 that the Egyptians sought after wizards and were condemned for that practice.
A very informative passage concerning wizardry is Isa 8:18-20:
- Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isa 8:18-20)
We find in this passage that those who seek for wizards and those with ‘familiar spirits’ do so because there is no light within them. Instead of seeking light in God’s word, they turn to false sources of truth.
It is important to observe that wizards are said to ‘peep’ and ‘mutter’ in Is 8:19. The word ‘peep’ (H6850) only occurs a total of 4 times in the Old Testament (all in Isaiah) and literally means to ‘chirp as a bird’ (see Is 38:14, Is 10:14). In the Bible, we find that the vast majority of birds were considered as an unclean animal (Lev 11:13-19) and are generally described in a negative context in the Bible. In Rev 18:2, the reference to hateful birds within Babylon relates to Jer 5:26-27. This passage refers to the deceptive practices in the Old Testament church at Jerusalem and how wicked men would lay traps to deceive people into their ‘cage of birds’. The evil workers in Babylon have similarly used deceit to capture hateful, deceived people into their church.
The reference to wizards that ‘mutter’ is also notable. The Hebrew word ‘mutter’ (H1897) is hazah and literally means to ‘murmur’. It is often translated as ‘meditate, speak, study, talk, mourn, mutter, etc.). It often has a positive aspect in meditating on God, His work and the word of God (e.g., Jos 1:8, Ps 1:2, Ps Ps 35:28, Ps 63:6, Ps 71:24, Ps 77:12, Ps 143:5, Pr 8:7). We find that the heart of the righteous study to answer (Pr 15:28), but the unrighteous person studies destruction (Pr 24:2), has muttered perverseness (Is 59:3) and imagine deceits all day long (Ps 38:12). The heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing (Ps 2:1) in reference to attacking the Lord and His Anointed One (Ps 2:2).
Based on the Biblical definitions of ‘peep’ and ‘mutter’, it can be concluded that a wizard is someone that teaches deceit, but does it from an intellectual, rigorous and detailed manner. They spend great amounts of their time thinking and analyzing. They formulate ideas that are not based on the Bible, but from knowledge from other sources, which is very characteristic of a wizard literally being a ‘knowing one’.
New Testament Relationship
It is somewhat straightforward to find examples in the New Testament of cases where people followed their knowledge and wisdom rather than the Word of God.
Man’s Wisdom versus God’s Wisdom:
First, it is important to understand that true wisdom comes from the Word of God:
- Job 28, Pr 1:2,7, Pr 2:2‑10, Pr 3:13, Pr 3:19, Pr 4:4‑11, 1 Chr 22:12, Lk 11:49, 1 Cor 1:17‑2:13, 2 Cor 1:12, Eph 1:8, Eph 1:17, Eph 3:10, Col 1:9, Col 1:24 Col 1:28-30, Col 2:3, Col 2:23, Col 3:16, James 1:5, James 3:15‑17, 2 Pet 3:15, Rev 13:18
The Bible contains key passages that compare the wisdom of God to the wisdom of man (which is foolishness with God). Most importantly, we find that Christ is our wisdom (e.g., 1 Cor 1:24, Col 1:30, Col 2:3, Lk 11:49, etc). The reader is encouraged to study all the above Bible passages. The following passage is offered as an example:
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1Co 1:17-2:13)
It should also be noted that wisdom is a characteristic of those who are saved in Christ ‑ 1 Cor 1:19‑2:16, 1 Cor 3:18, 4:10, Eph 5:15, Mat 7:24, mat 10:16, mat 25:2‑9, Lk 12:48, 2 Tim 3:15, 2 Cor 1:12, Col 1:9, Col 1:28, Col 2:3, Col 3:16, Rev 5:12, Rev 7:12, Rev 13:18, Job 28, Rev 17:9, etc.
Christians serve an all-wise God ‑ Ps 104:24, Pr 3:19, Pr 8:22‑36, John 1:1‑3, 1 Cor 1:24‑30, Heb 1:3, Dan 2:20, Ro 11:33.
Pharisees and Tradition:
We find an important passage in Mat 15:1-9 regarding the a question raised as to why Jesus disciples violated the Jewish tradition by not washing their hands before they at (Mat 15:1-2). The answer by Jesus was completely based on the need to follow the Word of God and not man’s tradition (i.e., wisdom):
Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. (Mat 15:1-15)
Colossians Chapter 2 Warning:
An important warning for Christians can be found in Colossians 2 regarding the importance of following the word of God and not man’s wisdom:
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 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 in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. (Col 2:1-23)
Summary
A wizard is someone who uses worldly or false, deceptive knowledge to provide spiritual information. Christians are to live by the bread of the Word of God alone. It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of His mouth (Mat 4:4, Lk 4:4, Deut 8:3). Contrary to that important code of the Christian life, there are many sources of worldly wisdom that are over-used and over-prioritized (much of are false and deceptive):
- Word of wisdom / word of knowledge
- Prioritization of commentaries, study helps and other Christian literature over the direct study of the Word of God
- Psychology / man’s philosophies
- Self-help books
- Following teachers without checking everything in the Bible
- New age wisdom
- Over-reliance on the world’s science, politics and other sources of knowledge
- Traditions of the world / Traditions of the church
Wisdom
- Wisdom intimately connected with the Word of God, Job 28, Pr 1:2,7, 2:2-10, 3:13,19, 4:4-11,1 Chr 22:12, 1 Cor 1:17-2:13, 2 Cor 1:12, Eph 1:8,17, 3:10, Col 1:9,28, 2:3,23, 3:16, James 1:5, 3:15-17, 2 Pet 3:15
- Hath understanding – All Christians can discern spiritual truth with Holy Spirit – 1 Cor 2:14-15, Mat 13:10-16, 1 Cor 2:6-16, 1 John 4:6, 2 Cor 3:12-4:4, Heb 10:16, Jer 31:33-34, 2 John 1-2, Col 3:9-10, John 10:3, 2 Tim 1:7, John 2:26-27, Ps 19:7-8, 25:12-14, 32:8, Luke 11:33-36, Phil 3:15, Mk 5:15, 2 Thess 2:11, John 8:47, 18:37
- Wisdom (Gr: sophia)
- Wisdom is defined as the right (well) use of knowledge – Pr 15:2, Pr 18:15, Pr 25:11-12, Isa 50:4
- Wisdom intimately connected with the Word of God – Job 28, Pr 1:2,7, Pr 2:2‑10, Pr 3:13, Pr 3:19, Pr 4:4‑11, 1 Chr 22:12, 1 Cor 1:17‑2:13, 2 Cor 1:12, Eph 1:8, Eph 1:17, Eph 3:10, Col 1:9, Col 1:28, Col 2:3, Col 2:23, Col 3:16, James 1:5, James 3:15‑17, 2 Pet 3:15, Rev 13:18
- Wisdom in Christ ‑ Col 2:3
- Christ is wisdom ‑ 1 Cor 1:24, 1 Cor 1:30, Lk 11:49
- Wise God ‑ Ps 104:24, Pr 3:19, Pr 8:22‑36, John 1:1‑3, 1 Cor 1:24‑30, Heb 1:3, Dan 2:20, Ro 11:33
- Not by man’s wisdom – Jer 4:22, Col 2:8, Ro 1:22, Is 29:14, James 3:15, 2 Cor 1:12-13, Col 2:23, 1 Cor 1:19, 1 Cor 2:6, 1 Cor 3:18-20 (foolishness), Ro 1:21-22, Acts 17:18, Col 2:8, Gal 1:11, 1 Cor 1-2, Job 5:13, 1 Cor 2:6, Is 29:14-16, Is 44:25
Wise / Wisdom in Proverbs
- H2449 (Heb: chakam) – wise
- Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: (Pro 6:6)
- Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. (Pro 8:33)
- Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Pro 9:9)
- If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear (Pro 9:12)
- He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (Pro 13:20)
- Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter (Pro 19:20)
- Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not (Pro 20:1)
- When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth (Pro 21:11)
- My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even (Pro 23:15)
- Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. (Pro 23:19)
- My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth (Pro 27:11)
- There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: (Pro 30:24)
- H2450 (Heb: chakam) – wise
- A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: (Pro 1:5)
- To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. (Pro 1:6)
- Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear ( ) the LORD, and depart from evil. (Pro 3:7)
- The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. (Pro 3:35)
- Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love (Pro 9:8)
- Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Pro 9:9)
- The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. (Pro 10:1)
- The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. (Pro 10:8)
- Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near (Pro 10:14)
- He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. (Pro 11:29)
- The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is (Pro 11:30)
- The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is (Pro 12:15)
- There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is (Pro 12:18)
- A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not (Pro 13:1)
- The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. (Pro 13:14)
- He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (Pro 13:20)
- In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve (Pro 14:3)
- A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. (Pro 14:16)
- The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is (Pro 14:24)
- The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out (Pro 15:2)
- The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not (Pro 15:7)
- A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise. (Pro 15:12)
- A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. (Pro 15:20)
- The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. (Pro 15:31)
- The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify (Pro 16:14)
- The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth (Pro 16:21)
- The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. (Pro 16:23)
- Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. (Pro 17:28)
- The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh (Pro 18:15)
- A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over (Pro 20:26)
- When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth (Pro 21:11)
- There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. (Pro 21:20)
- A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence (Pro 21:22)
- Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. (Pro 22:17)
- The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. (Pro 23:24)
- A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth (Pro 24:5)
- These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. (Pro 24:23)
- As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient (Pro 25:12)
- Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. (Pro 26:5)
- Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of (Pro 26:12)
- The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. (Pro 26:16)
- The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. (Pro 28:11)
- Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away (Pro 29:8)
- If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no (Pro 29:9)
- A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. (Pro 29:11)
- There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: (Pro 30:24)
- H2451 (Heb: chokmah) – skillful
- To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; (Pro 1:2)
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Pro 1:7)
- So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; (Pro 2:2)
- For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (Pro 2:6)
- When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; (Pro 2:10)
- Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth (Pro 3:13)
- The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. (Pro 3:19)
- Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. (Pro 4:5)
- Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get (Pro 4:7)
- I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right (Pro 4:11)
- My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: (Pro 5:1)
- Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: (Pro 7:4)
- Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? (Pro 8:1)
- For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (Pro 8:11)
- I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. (Pro 8:12)
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is (Pro 9:10)
- In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. (Pro 10:13)
- It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom. (Pro 10:23)
- The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. (Pro 10:31)
- When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is (Pro 11:2)
- Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is (Pro 13:10)
- A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. (Pro 14:6)
- The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is (Pro 14:8)
- Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. (Pro 14:33)
- The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is (Pro 15:33)
- How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! (Pro 16:16)
- Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? (Pro 17:16)
- Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. (Pro 17:24)
- The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing (Pro 18:4)
- There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. (Pro 21:30)
- Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (Pro 23:23)
- Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: (Pro 24:3)
- So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. (Pro 24:14)
- He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (Pro 28:26)
- Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his (Pro 29:3)
- The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. (Pro 29:15)
- I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. (Pro 30:3)
- She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. (Pro 31:26)
- H2454 (Heb: chokmoth) – wisdom
- Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: (Pro 1:20)
- Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: (Pro 9:1)
- Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. (Pro 14:1)
- Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate. (Pro 24:7)
Wisdom and Knowledge together in Proverbs
- To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; (Pro 1:2)
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Pro 1:7)
- For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (Pro 2:6)
- When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; (Pro 2:10)
- I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. (Pro 8:12)
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Pro 9:10)
- Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. (Pro 10:14)
- A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. (Pro 14:6)
- Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. (Pro 14:33)
- The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (Pro 15:2)
- The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. (Pro 15:7)
- The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. (Pro 18:15)
- When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. (Pro 21:11)
- Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. (Pro 22:17)
- A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. (Pro 24:5)
- So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. (Pro 24:14)
- I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. (Pro 30:3)
Know / Knowledge
- Knowledge – H1847 (daath)
- And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Gen 2:9)
- But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Gen 2:17)
- Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. (1Sa 2:3)
- Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? (2Ch 1:10)
- And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: (2Ch 1:11)
- Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. (2Ch 1:12)
- Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind? (Job 15:2)
- Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. (Job 21:14)
- Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high. (Job 21:22)
- My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. (Job 33:3)
- Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. (Job 34:2)
- Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. (Job 34:35)
- Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge. (Job 35:16)
- I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. (Job 36:3)
- For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. (Job 36:4)
- But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. (Job 36:12)
- Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? (Job 37:16)
- Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD. (Psa 14:4)
- Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. (Psa 19:2)
- Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God. (Psa 53:4)
- And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? (Psa 73:11)
- He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? (Psa 94:10)
- Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. (Psa 119:66)
- Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. (Psa 139:6)
- LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! (Psa 144:3)
- To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. (Pro 1:4)
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Pro 1:7)
- How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? (Pro 1:22)
- For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: (Pro 1:29)
- Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; (Pro 2:3)
- Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. (Pro 2:5)
- For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (Pro 2:6)
- When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; (Pro 2:10)
- By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. (Pro 3:20)
- That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. (Pro 5:2)
- They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. (Pro 8:9)
- Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. (Pro 8:10)
- I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. (Pro 8:12)
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Pro 9:10)
- Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. (Pro 10:14)
- An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. (Pro 11:9)
- Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. (Pro 12:1)
- A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. (Pro 12:23)
- Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. (Pro 13:16)
- A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. (Pro 14:6)
- Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge. (Pro 14:7)
- The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. (Pro 14:18)
- The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (Pro 15:2)
- The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. (Pro 15:7)
- The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. (Pro 15:14)
- He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. (Pro 17:27)
- The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. (Pro 18:15)
- Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. (Pro 19:2)
- Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. (Pro 19:25)
- Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. (Pro 19:27)
- There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. (Pro 20:15)
- When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge. (Pro 21:11)
- The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor. (Pro 22:12)
- Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. (Pro 22:17)
- Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, (Pro 22:20)
- Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. (Pro 23:12)
- And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. (Pro 24:4)
- A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. (Pro 24:5)
- So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off. (Pro 24:14)
- For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. (Pro 28:2)
- I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. (Pro 30:3)
- I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. (Ecc 1:16)
- For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. (Ecc 1:18)
- For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. (Ecc 2:21)
- For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit. (Ecc 2:26)
- For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. (Ecc 7:12)
- Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. (Ecc 9:10)
- And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. (Ecc 12:9)
- Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. (Isa 5:13)
- For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria. (Isa 8:4)
- And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; (Isa 11:2)
- They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. (Isa 11:9)
- Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. (Isa 28:9)
- The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly. (Isa 32:4)
- And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure. (Isa 33:6)
- With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding? (Isa 40:14)
- And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? (Isa 44:19)
- That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; (Isa 44:25)
- Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. (Isa 45:20)
- For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me. (Isa 47:10)
- He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isa 53:11)
- Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. (Isa 58:3)
- And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jer 3:15)
- For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. (Jer 4:22)
- Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. (Jer 10:14)
- And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings. (Jer 11:18)
- Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. (Jer 51:17)
- Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. (Dan 1:4)
- As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. (Dan 1:17)
- 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: (Dan 2:21)
- But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (Dan 12:4)
- Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. (Hos 4:1)
- My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (Hos 4:6)
- For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (Hos 6:6)
- For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. (Hab 2:14)
- For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. (Mal 2:7)
- To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, (Luk 1:77)
- Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. (Luk 11:52)
- And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Rom 1:28)
- An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. (Rom 2:20)
- Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Rom 3:20)
- For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. (Rom 10:2)
- O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Rom 11:33)
- And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. (Rom 15:14)
- That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; (1Co 1:5)
- Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (1Co 8:1)
- Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. (1Co 8:7)
- For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; (1Co 8:10)
- And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? (1Co 8:11)
- For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (1Co 12:8)
- And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (1Co 13:2)
- Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (1Co 13:8)
- Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? (1Co 14:6)
- Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. (1Co 15:34)
- Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. (2Co 2:14)
- For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2Co 4:6)
- By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, (2Co 6:6)
- Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. (2Co 8:7)
- Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2Co 10:5)
- But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. (2Co 11:6)
- That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (Eph 1:17)
- Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (Eph 3:4)
- And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (Eph 3:19)
- Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Eph 4:13)
- And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; (Php 1:9)
- Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Php 3:8)
- 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; (Col 1:9)
- That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Col 1:10)
- In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Col 2:3)
- And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Col 3:10)
- Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1Ti 2:4)
- Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2Ti 3:7)
- For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (Heb 10:26)
- Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. (Jas 3:13)
- Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. (1Pe 3:7)
- Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, (2Pe 1:2)
- According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (2Pe 1:3)
- And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; (2Pe 1:5)
- And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (2Pe 1:6)
- For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2Pe 1:8)
- For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. (2Pe 2:20)
- But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2Pe 3:18)