100 Bible Verses about Wise Counsel

Proverbs 12:15 ESV / 2,519 helpful votes

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 11:14 ESV / 1,882 helpful votes

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 15:22 ESV / 1,695 helpful votes

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 24:6 ESV / 1,628 helpful votes

For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

Proverbs 19:20 ESV / 1,346 helpful votes

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 13:10 ESV / 1,252 helpful votes

By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Proverbs 20:18 ESV / 1,202 helpful votes

Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.

Proverbs 19:20-21 ESV / 1,201 helpful votes

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Proverbs 1:7 ESV / 1,058 helpful votes

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Psalm 119:105 ESV / 992 helpful votes

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Proverbs 28:26 ESV / 965 helpful votes

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV / 962 helpful votes

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Psalm 1:1-6 ESV / 961 helpful votes

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; ...

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 946 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Proverbs 4:13 ESV / 924 helpful votes

Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.

1 Kings 12:6-19 ESV / 852 helpful votes

Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” And they said to him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever.” But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. And he said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, “Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us,’ thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's thighs. ...

Hebrews 4:12 ESV / 844 helpful votes

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Proverbs 1:5 ESV / 839 helpful votes

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

Proverbs 3:1-35 ESV / 723 helpful votes

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. ...

James 1:5 ESV / 691 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.

James 3:17 ESV / 669 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.

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 650 helpful votes

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

Proverbs 13:20 ESV / 590 helpful votes

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Psalm 32:8 ESV / 576 helpful votes

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV / 540 helpful votes

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 509 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Proverbs 27:6 ESV / 509 helpful votes

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

1 John 4:1 ESV / 487 helpful votes

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Hebrews 3:13 ESV / 452 helpful votes

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Colossians 1:28 ESV / 451 helpful votes

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

Psalm 73:24 ESV / 433 helpful votes

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.

Proverbs 9:9 ESV / 432 helpful votes

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 29:11 ESV / 418 helpful votes

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV / 412 helpful votes

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV / 400 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Proverbs 3:7 ESV / 394 helpful votes

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Isaiah 11:2 ESV / 390 helpful votes

And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

James 1:19 ESV / 372 helpful votes

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Galatians 6:2 ESV / 367 helpful votes

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

John 16:13 ESV / 366 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 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV / 363 helpful votes

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

John 14:26 ESV / 347 helpful votes

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Proverbs 20:15 ESV / 341 helpful votes

There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Romans 15:4 ESV / 335 helpful votes

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

James 3:17-18 ESV / 334 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. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Ephesians 4:15 ESV / 330 helpful votes

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Proverbs 16:16 ESV / 311 helpful votes

How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Romans 8:28 ESV / 308 helpful votes

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Proverbs 8:14 ESV / 307 helpful votes

I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV / 294 helpful votes

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

1 Corinthians 1:30 ESV / 293 helpful votes

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

Luke 1:37 ESV / 288 helpful votes

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Proverbs 12:1 ESV / 281 helpful votes

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Proverbs 2:6 ESV / 273 helpful votes

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

Colossians 2:8 ESV / 262 helpful votes

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.

Psalm 1:1-2 ESV / 260 helpful votes

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Job 12:12 ESV / 258 helpful votes

Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.

1 Corinthians 1:25 ESV / 252 helpful votes

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Revelation 11:1-19 ESV / 250 helpful votes

Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. ...

Colossians 2:2-3 ESV / 249 helpful votes

That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 ESV / 243 helpful votes

For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 238 helpful votes

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Proverbs 27:9 ESV / 224 helpful votes

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

Proverbs 1:2 ESV / 207 helpful votes

To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,

Isaiah 9:6 ESV / 201 helpful votes

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Proverbs 12:18 ESV / 200 helpful votes

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 19:8 ESV / 199 helpful votes

Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.

Proverbs 1:1-33 ESV / 199 helpful votes

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, ...

Psalm 1:1 ESV / 199 helpful votes

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

Isaiah 25:1 ESV / 189 helpful votes

O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.

Proverbs 11:2 ESV / 186 helpful votes

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 3:3 ESV / 184 helpful votes

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 14:29 ESV / 182 helpful votes

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Proverbs 15:31 ESV / 181 helpful votes

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.

Proverbs 18:15 ESV / 176 helpful votes

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

1 Timothy 2:2 ESV / 171 helpful votes

For kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Proverbs 19:1-29 ESV / 168 helpful votes

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. When a man's folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord. Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape. ...

Proverbs 27:2 ESV / 162 helpful votes

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV / 160 helpful votes

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Proverbs 12:3 ESV / 153 helpful votes

No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.

1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV / 146 helpful votes

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Romans 13:1 ESV / 145 helpful votes

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 144 helpful votes

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Psalm 33:11 ESV / 144 helpful votes

The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.

Psalm 90:12 ESV / 143 helpful votes

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Proverbs 13:11 ESV / 142 helpful votes

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

Psalm 103:2-4 ESV / 134 helpful votes

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

Proverbs 14:1 ESV / 133 helpful votes

The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.

Proverbs 13:1 ESV / 133 helpful votes

A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Isaiah 47:13 ESV / 132 helpful votes

You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons make known what shall come upon you.

Revelation 3:19 ESV / 131 helpful votes

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

Proverbs 12:5 ESV / 130 helpful votes

The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.

Revelation 1:2 ESV / 127 helpful votes

Who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.

Ecclesiastes 4:13 ESV / 124 helpful votes

Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.

Proverbs 12:2 ESV / 124 helpful votes

A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns.

Proverbs 1:23 ESV / 122 helpful votes

If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.

Psalm 102:25-27 ESV / 122 helpful votes

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.

Proverbs 19:1 ESV / 112 helpful votes

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Proverbs 15:12 ESV / 111 helpful votes

A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

Proverbs 25:2 ESV / 104 helpful votes

It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

Suggest a Verse


Visit the Bible online to search for words if you don’t know the specific passage your’re looking for.