Secondary Bible Themes 5 - Wisdom, Knowledge

Here is a list of themes in the Bible. One of them is Knowledge and Wisdom. Knowledge comes from learning things. This can be done through studying. The Bible says that, "Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days." (Job 12:12). Ecclesiastes is a study of Wisdom, from an old man with lots of experience. One does not have to be old to be wise though. Whoever does find wisdom is blessed by God:

Proverbs 3:13-15New International Version (NIV)

¹³ Blessed are those who find wisdom,

    those who gain understanding,

¹⁴ for she is more profitable than silver

    and yields better returns than gold.

¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies;

    nothing you desire can compare with her.

More than all that, though, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge." (Proverbs 1:7). Once again it all goes back to God. Job 32:8 explains that God gives the spirit of understanding. knowledge comes from the Lord.


When God says he will give David anything he asks for, David asks for wisdom and receives it. Elijah also wants wisdom. He said to Elisha that he wants a double portion of his Spirit in 2 kings 2:9. This does not mean he is two times as wise, or powerful. The  inheritance law Dt. 21:17 stated that the oldest son get the double share from younger ones. This double portion he asked for was asking to make him the successor.



Lastly (and separately), here are some random quotes:

“To attain knowledge, add things everyday. To attain wisdom, remove things every day.”
― Lao Tzu

"Knowledge is knowing a tomato is fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad."

"Knowledge is knowing what to say. Wisdom is knowing whether or not to say it."