The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7 ESV

In this age of information, knowledge is plentiful but wisdom is sacred. Wisdom means far more than simply knowing a lot. The foundation of knowledge is to fear the Lord. (Which means to honour and respect God, to live in awe of his power and to obey his word) Faith in God should be the controlling principle for your understanding of the world, your attitudes and your actions. Proverbs teaches us that all true wisdom and knowledge is rooted in God and his Word and it urges us to cultivate reverence towards God through a relationship with him.

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 is the ability to apply spiritual truth to life’s circumstances. God communicates this primarily through prayer and his word and secondarily through godly counsel.

Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours? – 2 Chronicles 1:10

Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions based on proper discernment and judgment. Knowledge, in this verse, refers to the practical know how necessary for handled everyday matters. Solomon used his wisdom and knowledge not only to build the temple from his fathers plans, but also to put the nation on firm economic footing.

If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. – Proverbs 9:12

This is why we should search out for wisdom and make wise decisions. When we make wise choices, most of the time, we are the main beneficiary of that wise decision.

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. – Proverbs 28:26

A person can’t know the future and can’t predict the consequences of his or her choices with certainty. And so the totally self reliant person is doomed to failure. The wise person depends on God.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. – Ephesians 1:17

Here Paul correlates the ability to be wise with the knowledge of God. Both go together wisdom is not possible without God.

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. – Proverbs 19:20

Every day we have an opportunity to acquire wisdom. We do this simply by listening to advice. Other people may have gone through what we may be going through and they can share their insights into the same situation that you’re going through. This is an easy way to acquire wisdom. Just ask for advice from someone who’s been there.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6 ESV

The starting point for all wisdom is God and his revealed word. He gives wisdom to those who earnestly seek for it. If you’re ever challenged or stumped by something the first place that you should go is to God in prayer. It’s in prayer that we can hear from God and gain knowledge and understanding about a specific task that your doing and overcome all challenges that you face. This is wisdom.