EDWARD DE BONO'S MESSAGE
12th January 1998
"Thinking"
This week I want to acknowledge and thank Steve Smith for the excellent work he did to seek out references in the Bible to 'thinking'. I had mentioned that the Prophet Mohammed in the Hadith (not Koran) has a powerful comment on thinking.
The result of Steve's work is appended here. Rather interestingly there is more mention of 'wisdom' than thinking. Presumably those who think well and reach the right conclusions are 'wise'. Wisdom may also be a label of agreement you put on people who think and behave the way they should.
I really want to use this message to thank Steve who I met in Melbourne.
Cows graze contentedly in a field. They browse when they feel like. They expect the grass to be there. The grass is free. The cow contributes nothing to the field except the occasional pat(shit).
There are a handful of visitors to this site who are great contributors whether it is in composing bontos or offering suggestions for the Northern Ireland problem. I want to tell those contributors that their contributions are fully appreciated. I hope they also get a sense of achievement in setting themselves a challenge and then preforming. There are others who are so sure that they are brilliantly creative that they dare not ever try to use their creativity.
Edward de Bono
11th January 1998
Malta
1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
Ephesians 4:17
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
2 Peter 3:1
Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.
Proverbs 5:6
She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.
Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
Proverbs 14:15
A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
Proverbs 21:29
A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways.
Ecclesiastes 1:16
I thought to myself, "Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge."
Haggai 1:5
the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways."
1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Esther 1:13
Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times
Job 5:13
He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away.
Job 11:12
But a witless man can no more become wise than a wild donkey's colt can be born tame.
Job 17:10
"But come on, all of you, try again! I will not find a wise man among you.
Job 32:9
It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.
Psalms 2:10
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Psalms 94:8
Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?
Proverbs 1:5
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance--
Proverbs 3:35
The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.
Proverbs 8:33
Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.
Proverbs 9:8
Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
Proverbs 9:9
Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.
Proverbs 9:12
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."
Proverbs 10:14
Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
Proverbs 12:18
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
Proverbs 13:14
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 14:3
A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
Proverbs 14:16
A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
Proverbs 14:24
The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.
Proverbs 14:35
A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
Proverbs 15:7
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.
Proverbs 15:12
A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.
Proverbs 15:20
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
Proverbs 15:24
The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave.
Proverbs 15:31
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.
Proverbs 16:14
A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 18:15
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.
Proverbs 19:20
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Proverbs 20:26
A wise king winnows out the wicked; he drives the threshing wheel over them.
Proverbs 21:11
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.
Proverbs 22:17
Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach,
Proverbs 23:15
My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad;
Proverbs 23:19
Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.
Proverbs 23:24
The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.
Proverbs 24:5
A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength;
Proverbs 24:23
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good:
Proverbs 25:12
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.
Proverbs 26:5
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 27:11
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart; then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.
Proverbs 28:11
A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.
Proverbs 29:8
Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
Proverbs 29:9
If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
Proverbs 30:24
"Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:
Ecclesiastes 2:14
The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both.
Ecclesiastes 2:15
Then I thought in my heart, "The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?" I said in my heart, "This too is meaningless."
Ecclesiastes 2:16
For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered; in days to come both will be forgotten. Like the fool, the wise man too must die!
Ecclesiastes 2:19
And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless.
Ecclesiastes 4:13
Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning.
Ecclesiastes 6:8
What advantage has a wise man over a fool? What does a poor man gain by knowing how to conduct himself before others?
Ecclesiastes 7:4
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
Ecclesiastes 7:5
It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:7
Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
Ecclesiastes 7:10
Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.
Ecclesiastes 7:19
Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city.
Ecclesiastes 7:23
All this I tested by wisdom and I said, "I am determined to be wise"-- but this was beyond me.
Ecclesiastes 8:1
Who is like the wise man? Who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance.
Ecclesiastes 8:5
Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.
Ecclesiastes 8:17
then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.
Ecclesiastes 9:1
So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him.
Ecclesiastes 9:11
I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.
Ecclesiastes 9:15
Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man.
Ecclesiastes 9:17
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Ecclesiastes 10:2
The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
Ecclesiastes 10:12
Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
Ecclesiastes 12:9
Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.
Ecclesiastes 12:11
The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails--given by one Shepherd.
Isaiah 5:21
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
Isaiah 31:2
Yet he too is wise and can bring disaster; he does not take back his words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked, against those who help evildoers.
Isaiah 44:25
who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense,
Jeremiah 8:8
"`How can you say, "We are wise, for we have the law of the Lord," when actually the lying pen of the scribes has handled it falsely?
Jeremiah 8:9
The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do they have?
Jeremiah 9:12
What man is wise enough to understand this? Who has been instructed by the Lord and can explain it? Why has the land been ruined and laid waste like a desert that no one can cross?
Jeremiah 9:23
This is what the Lord says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches,
Jeremiah 10:7
Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.
Jeremiah 18:18
They said, "Come, let's make plans against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law by the priest will not be lost, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophets. So come, let's attack him with our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says."
Daniel 2:12
This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon.
Daniel 2:13
So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.
Daniel 2:14
When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact.
Daniel 2:18
He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
Daniel 2:24
Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, "Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him."
Daniel 2:27
Daniel replied, "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about,
Daniel 2:48
Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men.
Daniel 4:6
So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.
Daniel 4:18
"This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you."
Daniel 5:7
The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers [1] and diviners to be brought and said to these wise men of Babylon, "Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom."
* Or Chaldeans; also in verse 11
Daniel 5:8
Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king what it meant.
Daniel 5:15
The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it.
Daniel 11:33
"Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered.
Daniel 11:35
Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.
Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise [1] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
* Or who impart wisdom
Daniel 12:10
Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.
Hosea 14:9
Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Obadiah 1:8
"In that day," declares the Lord, "will I not destroy the wise men of Edom, men of understanding in the mountains of Esau?
Matthew 2:1
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi [1] from the east came to Jerusalem
*Traditionally Wise Men
Matthew 7:24
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Matthew 23:34
Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town.
Matthew 24:45
"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?
Matthew 25:2
Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
Matthew 25:4
The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
Matthew 25:8
The foolish ones said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
Luke 10:21
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
Luke 12:42
The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?
Romans 1:14
I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
Romans 16:19
Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
1 Corinthians 1:19
For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." (Isaiah 29:14)
1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
1 Corinthians 1:26
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
1 Corinthians 1:27
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
1 Corinthians 3:18
Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise.
1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness" ( 1.19 Job 5:13 )
1 Corinthians 3:20
and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." ( 1.20 Psalm 94:11 )
1 Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!
1 Corinthians 6:5
I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?
2 Corinthians 10:12
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
2 Corinthians 11:19
You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise!
Ephesians 5:15
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,
Colossians 4:5
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Genesis 3:6
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Deuteronomy 4:6
Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."
Deuteronomy 34:9
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.
2 Samuel 14:20
Your servant Joab did this to change the present situation. My Lord has wisdom like that of an angel of God--he knows everything that happens in the land."
1 Kings 2:9
But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood."
1 Kings 3:28
When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.
1 Kings 4:29
God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.
1 Kings 4:30
Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.
1 Kings 4:34
Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.
1 Kings 5:12
The Lord gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him. There were peaceful relations between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.
1 Kings 10:4
When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built,
1 Kings 10:6
She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true.
1 Kings 10:7
But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.
1 Kings 10:8
How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
1 Kings 10:23
King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.
1 Kings 10:24
The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.
1 Kings 11:41
As for the other events of Solomon's reign--all he did and the wisdom he displayed--are they not written in the book of the annals of Solomon?
2 Chronicles 1:10
Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
2 Chronicles 1:11
God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king,
2 Chronicles 1:12
therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."
2 Chronicles 9:5
She (Queen of Sheba) said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true.
2 Chronicles 9:6
But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard.
2 Chronicles 9:7
How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!
2 Chronicles 9:22
King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.
2 Chronicles 9:23
All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.
Ezra 7:25
And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates--all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them.
Job 4:21
Are not the cords of their tent pulled up, so that they die without wisdom?'
Job 9:4
His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed?
Job 11:6
and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.
Job 12:2
"Doubtless you are the people, and wisdom will die with you!
Job 12:12
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?
Job 12:13
"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.
Job 13:5
If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.
Job 15:8
Do you listen in on God's council? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?
Job 26:3
What advice you have offered to one without wisdom! And what great insight you have displayed!
Job 26:12
By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces.
Job 28:12
"But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?
Job 28:18
Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
Job 28:20
"Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell?
Job 28:27
then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it.
Job 28:28
And he said to man, `The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'"
Job 32:7
I thought, `Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.'
Job 32:13
Do not say, `We have found wisdom; let God refute him, not man.'
Job 33:33
But if not, then listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."
Job 38:36
Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind?
Job 38:37
Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens
Job 39:17
for God did not endow her with wisdom or give her a share of good sense.
Job 39:26
"Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread his wings toward the south?
Psalms 37:30
The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.
Psalms 49:3
My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding.
Psalms 51:6
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts [1]; you teach [2] me wisdom in the inmost place.
1.6 The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.
2.6 Or you desired... ; you taught
Psalms 90:12
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalms 104:24
How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Psalms 105:22
to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.
Psalms 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Proverbs 1:2
for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools [1] despise wisdom and discipline.
1.7 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Proverbs, and often elsewhere in the Old Testament, denote one who is morally deficient.
Proverbs 1:20
Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;
Proverbs 2:2
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
Proverbs 2:6
For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:10
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Proverbs 2:12
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,
Proverbs 3:13
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,
Proverbs 3:19
By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;
Proverbs 4:5
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.
Proverbs 4:6
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, attain understanding.
Proverbs 4:11
I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
Proverbs 5:1
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight,
Proverbs 7:4
Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman;
Proverbs 8:1
Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
Proverbs 8:11
for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:12
"I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion."
Proverbs 9:1
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars.
Proverbs 9:10
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:12
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."
Proverbs 10:13
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
Proverbs 10:23
A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
Proverbs 10:31
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 12:8
A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised.
Proverbs 13:10
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 14:6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
Proverbs 14:33
Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning
Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 16:16
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
Proverbs 17:16
Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?
Proverbs 17:24
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 18:4
The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Proverbs 19:8
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.
Proverbs 19:11
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 21:11
When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.
Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.
Proverbs 23:4
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
Proverbs 23:9
Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.
Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.
Proverbs 24:3
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;
Proverbs 24:7
Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say.
Proverbs 24:14
Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 28:26
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
Proverbs 29:3
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
Ecclesiastes 1:13
I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men!
Ecclesiastes 1:17
Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.
Ecclesiastes 1:18
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes 2:12
Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom, and also madness and folly. What more can the king's successor do than what has already been done?
Ecclesiastes 2:13
I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness.
Ecclesiastes 2:21
For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune.
Ecclesiastes 2:26
To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Ecclesiastes 7:11
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.
Ecclesiastes 7:12
Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.
Ecclesiastes 7:19
Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city.
Ecclesiastes 7:23
All this I tested by wisdom and I said, "I am determined to be wise"-- but this was beyond me.
Ecclesiastes 7:24
Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound-- who can discover it?
Ecclesiastes 7:25
So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.
Ecclesiastes 8:1
Who is like the wise man? Who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance.
Ecclesiastes 8:16
When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man's labor on earth--his eyes not seeing sleep day or night--
Ecclesiastes 9:16
So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.
Ecclesiastes 9:18
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Ecclesiastes 10:1
As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 47:10
You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, `No one sees me.' Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, `I am, and there is none besides me.'
Jeremiah 8:9
The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do they have?
Jeremiah 9:23
This is what the Lord says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches,
Jeremiah 10:12
But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
Jeremiah 49:7
Concerning Edom: This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed?
Jeremiah 51:15
"He made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
Ezekiel 28:4
By your wisdom and understanding you have gained wealth for yourself and amassed gold and silver in your treasuries.
Daniel 1:20
In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
Daniel 2:14
When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact.
Daniel 2:30
As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than other living men, but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.
Daniel 5:11
There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar your father--your father the king, I say--appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners.
Daniel 5:14
I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom.
Daniel 12:3
Those who are wise or impart wisdom will shine like the brightness of the heavens
Luke 2:40
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Acts 7:22
Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.
Romans 11:33
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
1 Corinthians 1:19
For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." ( 1.19 Isaiah 29:14 )
1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
1 Corinthians 1:22
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Proverbs 10:14
Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
Proverbs 10:23
A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
Proverbs 15:5
A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
Proverbs 15:14
The discerning soul seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
Proverbs 18:2
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
Ecclesiastes 2:14
The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both.
