James 1:5 ESV / 1,068 helpful votes
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
John 7:24 ESV / 923 helpful votes
Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
But test everything; hold fast what is good.
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!
If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
Hosea 14:9 ESV / 601 helpful votes
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ...
My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.
James 3:17 ESV / 483 helpful votes
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
1 Kings 3:11 ESV / 448 helpful votes
And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,
Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
Psalm 119:66 ESV / 411 helpful votes
Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
John 16:13 ESV / 407 helpful votes
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
1 John 2:27 ESV / 399 helpful votes
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
Psalm 111:10 ESV / 391 helpful votes
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
James 4:8 ESV / 389 helpful votes
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Proverbs 1:5 ESV / 385 helpful votes
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,