When faced with a big decision, or even small ones, it can be hard to know what to do. The good news is that we are not on our own. We can pursue wisdom and understanding through our relationship with God.
These Bible verses for August (or any other 30+ days of the year) concentrate on finding wisdom through God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
We’ll also explore practical applications of these scriptures in everyday life.
Don’t miss the FREE printable Bible Reading Plan for Pursuing Godly Wisdom at the end of this post!
What is Wisdom in the Bible?
There are many times where the world takes a drastically different view of a godly characteristic. Wisdom is another example of that.
While the world might point to the most clever or the most cerebral as someone who has wisdom, the Bible sees wisdom as from the Lord. God’s Word also gives us many characteristics of wise actions that the world might see as restrictive or boring.
Having a Christian walk that is full of wisdom is a blessing as we seek God’s will and priorities for our lives. It helps us not to make foolish choices that we might regret or draw us away from the Lord.
Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about wisdom.
Biblical Foundations of Wisdom
These scriptures help us see that wisdom comes from the Lord.
Proverbs 2:6
“For the LORD gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”
The whole chapter 2 talks about seeking wisdom, searching for it as for “hidden treasures” (v. 4). When we seek it, the Lord will give it to us. He does it so “that he may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of his saints.” (v. 8)
When we seek the wisdom of God first, we demonstrate that we trust Him with our concerns. He is our source for wisdom. He may give it to us while we are reading the Bible, in prayer, through other Christians, or provide it in some other way.
James 1:5
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.”
Here, we see that the Lord gives us wisdom generously when we ask Him for it! This is true, but has a deeper meaning when viewed in the context of the whole chapter.
The previous verses are about trials, perseverance, and strengthening our faith. So when we are told to ask God for wisdom, in this instance, we are being advised to do so during challenging times.
“Who does not want wisdom to guide him under trials, both in regulating his own spirit, and in managing his affairs?”
The Lord is with us in trials, and one important aspect of that is His provision of wisdom.
He also gives us understanding. Insight for Living describes wisdom as “perception and discernment”, and understanding as “experiential wisdom.” This understanding can come from wisely interpreting circumstances and making practical application of that understanding.
Proverbs 4:7
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And with all your getting, get understanding.”
Having both wisdom and understanding should be our goal as we try to live a life that honors the Lord. We should seek God’s wisdom and let Him teach us through our victories as well as mistakes.
The Fruit of Wisdom in Daily Life
We can know the right thing to do, but not follow through. Similarly, we can have wisdom, but not live wisely. Ephesians 5 reminds us to walk with wisdom.
Ephesians 5:15-16
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
God wants us to live lives of wisdom, making good choices that honor Him in this broken world.
Ephesians 5:1-20 talks about how we need to glorify God with our actions. This means refraining from sinful actions and engaging in God-honoring activities.
We have God’s grace for when we inevitably fall short of this, but walking with wisdom should be our goal.
We continue to see this link between wisdom and good deeds in Matthew 7.
Matthew 7:24
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house upon the rock.”
When we listen to God’s Word and follow what it says, we are like the wise man who built his house upon the rock. Wisdom from the Bible gives us the best foundation for our life and our decisions and priorities.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.”
This Bible verse reminds us to listen to wise people and learn from them, so that we will be wise.
While we often learn from our own mistakes, it is a less painful journey to learn from instruction and perhaps other people’s mistakes. As we grow in learning and experience, we can grow in wisdom as well.
Wisdom in Relationships
Who we hang out with can greatly affect our Christian walk. While we hope that our own Christian walk can show Christ to others, there are times when we know a relationship draws us away from the Lord.
Listen to what the Bible has to say about who you spend time with.
Proverbs 13:20
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.”
Spending time with people who also love the Lord and live wise, God-honoring lives can be a great encouragement in your walk with God.
In contrast, you might be friends with someone who you often find trouble with. There can be just a few differences between relaxing/having clean fun, and foolish choices. But you often know in your heart which one it is.
If you find that foolishness defines most of your relationships, pray about what God would have you do with these relationships. If you don’t, ask another person you know who is godly and wise to advise you in these situations.
Proverbs 15:31
“The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise.”
Another way to be wise is to listen to corrections from wise and godly people.
While this doesn’t mean that you have to listen to everyone about everything, it is wise to consider the source of someone telling you that your actions or attitudes are unwise.
This shouldn’t give others license to criticize others. Not everyone knows the context or circumstances of what they think should be corrected.
But trusted friends and family can often offer a gentle word of correction that can help you not get further into a sinful habit or attitude.
James 3:17
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
When taken on its own, this verse reminds us that a godly and wise life shows through good works and a God-honoring attitude.
But looking further into the context in James 3, we see another wisdom that is not from God.
Verse 14 and 15 say, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.“
This kind of wisdom could probably be described as shrewd, and not in a good way. You can make decisions that seem strategic and smart, but do not honor the Lord. They often honor your pride or your wallet.
When you think you are being wise, make sure that it also reflects the characteristics described in James 3:17.
2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
The Apostle Paul wanted to make sure that the important message he was sending to Timothy was going to be passed along to others. He knew that it would benefit the church to hear what would become 1st and 2nd Timothy.
The wisdom contained in those words wasn’t meant to be hoarded. It was meant to be shared. We should be similarly faithful in spreading the Word of God to others.
The Cost of Wisdom
Wisdom is valuable, but it can be difficult to pursue it. Look at these descriptions of wisdom from Proverbs.
Proverbs 16:16
“How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!”
Wisdom is of better use to us than gold or silver. This goes against what the world might tell us, but God’s Word says it is true.
This is in line with our eternal mindset and storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20).
Proverbs 4:5-6
“Get wisdom! Get understanding! Forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve you; love her, and she shall keep you.”
We are strengthened in our Christian walk when we value understanding, and don’t forsake wisdom. Pray to pursue wisdom faithfully.
Wisdom in Times of Trouble
The world can feel confusing around us, but the Lord has it all in hand.
Romans 11:33
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out!”
While the Lord can give us great wisdom and understanding through His Word, through godly teaching, through prayer, and other ways, there are some of HIs ways that are beyond our understanding here on earth.
This is where we must trust the Lord for the things that we do not understand. Just because we don’t understand it, doesn’t mean that it’s not valid. We see encouragement to trust the Lord in Proverbs 3.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”
Embracing God’s wisdom in your life includes trusting in Him. The world can speak very loudly on many different things. That doesn’t mean they are speaking truth.
God is trustworthy, and we need to trust Him and His Word. Surrender your heart to Him, and ask Him to direct your paths, especially as you face difficult times.
Bible Verses for August Reading Plan
Learning more about Biblical wisdom is a worthy endeavor! Get off to a good start by reading through this FREE printable Bible Reading Plan for August: Pursuing Godly Wisdom. Download this August Bible Reading Plan in our Gumroad shop.
It’s pay what you want; feel free to enter $0 to keep it free to download.
It’s great for Bible verses for August or any other 31 days of the year. We have versions with the month of August and without the month of August on them, so that’s easy to use it any month of the year.
You can use it for many different purposes, such as a Bible verse of the day, for daily Bible reading, for family devotions, for Scripture writing, as a verse to post on social media, or as a prayer scripture of the day.
We also include these 4 Bible study and reflection questions in a printable Bible study worksheet.
- What do you learn in James 1:5 about seeking wisdom from God?
- What does Proverbs 13:20 say about choosing your friends?
- What does Ephesians 5:15-16 teach you about your daily decisions?
- Write a prayer or prayer requests about asking God for wisdom.
Don’t miss out on downloading our FREE printable Bible Reading Plan about Wisdom with the free Bible study worksheet.
If you are looking for something a little different for your Bible verses for August reading plan, consider these options.
- Walking Worthy is the theme of the August Bible reading plan from Kingdom Bloggers.
- Dive into the Whole Armor of God reading plan at Ladies Drawing Nigh.
- The Woman of Noble Character website has many reading plans on this page, including “What the Bible Says About Sadness and Overcoming it.”
Let’s prepare for August by spending a few moments in prayer.
Prayer for August
Dear God,
Thank You for being so generous with us with Your wisdom! You are wise beyond measure. Help us to grow in wisdom. Show us how to trust in You when we don’t understand.
Please provide us wise friends, and help us to be wise friends to other people.
May You be glorified in our wise actions. Guide us and correct us every day!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
If you liked reading Bible verses for August, you may also like Prayers for August and Back to School Prayers.
Our collection of articles for the Bible verses for each month series includes January, February, March, April (Easter), May, June, July, August, September, October, November (Thanksgiving), and December (Advent), as well as a roundup post with all the months.
