Verses Between Proverbs Chapter 10

¶ … verses between Proverbs chapter 10 and 31 (inclusive) that contain the word "wisdom." The contexts of 27 of these verses follow similar lines and can be roughly divided into 5 categories:

Verses comparing those with wisdom vs. those without (the Wise vs. The Foolish)

The Nature of Wisdom

The Value of Wisdom

The Benefits of Wisdom

Obtaining Wisdom

The two remaining verses can be paired together in a small heading under "Wisdom vs God)

The Wise vs. The Foolish.

10:13 This verse states that a person with good judgement speaks wisdom but a person who lacks judgement will suffer the consequences of his foolishness.

10:23 a knowledgeable person enjoys things that are good and right but a man without wisdom enjoys doing bad deeds.

a morally good person will speak words of wisdom, things that are good and right but the foolish man will speak words that are wrong and evil and will not be tolerated.

12:8 People will always look on favour on those who are wise but they will hate those whose understanding of the world is distorted or those whose minds are wayward.

14:8 Wisdom allows careful people to think about their future actions while foolish people falsely believe that they are acting carefully but in actually reality are deceived.

17:24 a man with good judgement will always look to obtaining wisdom and be determined for his goal but the foolish man will go through life aimlessly with no goal or determination.

23:9 This verse seems to suggest that words to a foolish person will be wasted as he will not appreciate your wise words and instead mock and detest them instead.

24:7 the "assembly at the gate" was usually a meeting of the elders of the village at the village gate to discuss and resolve matters of the community. This verse states that wisdom is out of reach of the foolish man and he will not be able to speak any words of worth during meetings.

28:26 the foolish person trusts in himself while the wise know that they are insufficient and trust in God and therefore are kept sage.

2. The Nature of Wisdom:

13:10 Having wisdom means that you are able to accept advice while arrogance makes it difficult for people to accept advice or criticism and therefore leads to quarrels.

14:33 Wisdom can be found in those with good judgement but even fools may occasionally display wisdom.

18:4 a normal man's sayings may be obscure and unclear. "Deep waters" may also refer to a certain unpredictability and danger when trusting these words. In contrast, wisdom is like a spring or a fountain whose words are refreshing and nourishing.

3. The Value of Wisdom:

16:16 Having wisdom and knowledge is much better than having wealth without wisdom or knowledge.

17:16 There is no point in having money if you do not desire the wisdom to know what to do with it

23:23 This verse says that you should obtain the truth, wisdom, discipline and understanding, likening them to purchases. It advises you to obtain those things no matter the cost and never let go of them.

31:26 This verse mentions wisdom as one of the characteristics of an ideal wife with a noble character. In verse 10 of the same chapter it states that such a wife "is worth far more than rubies." Such a woman will be a wise and loving instructor and advisor to her children and her husband and is to be valued.

4. The Benefits of Wisdom

19:8 Those who desire and gains wisdom will find success and enjoy himself.

19:11 a wise man is patient and forgiving

23:4 This verse advises you against being obsessed with obtaining personal wealth but having wisdom will show you self-control, perspective and restraint from greed.

24:3 a person's success in life is built upon wisdom and maintained by knowledge stemming from wisdom.

24:14 Having wisdom will give you hope for the future as it will help you succeed in your goals.

29:3 a person who desires and longs for wisdom will be the pride of his family but a person who is foolish, spends his time with the wrong crowd and wastes his family's and his own money on hedonism.