For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding aren't things we conjure up ourselves, but are generously given by God directly from His presence. It’s a reminder that true insight flows from Him, not from our own cleverness or effort alone.
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The preceding verses urged the reader to "seek" wisdom diligently, as if it were hidden treasure. Now, the text clarifies that this pursuit isn't about human ingenuity, but about receiving a divine gift. It asserts that God Himself is the source of true wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, implying that our earnest search will connect us to His readiness to give.
Ever felt like you're just not 'naturally' smart? Or maybe you've worked hard for a breakthrough and wondered where it really came from? This verse clarifies the ultimate source.
Proverbs 2:6 reminds us that true wisdom isn't something we can manufacture on our own. It's a gift! The verse says, 'For the LORD gives wisdom.' This means our intelligence, our insights, and our ability to understand are all ultimately flowing from God.
We know wisdom comes from God, but how does it reach us? This verse points to a specific, reliable channel we often overlook.
The verse continues, 'out of his mouth come knowledge and understanding.' This imagery points directly to God's communication with humanity.
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Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
In the Old Testament, this is the personal, covenantal name of God (YHWH), revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful, and redeeming God of Israel.
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
Biblical wisdom is the practical, moral, and spiritual skill of living in accordance with God's design; it is fundamentally rooted in the fear of the Lord and the application of divine truth to daily life.
da'ath · Hebrew Noun
Biblical knowledge refers not merely to intellectual information, but to an experiential, relational, and moral acquaintance with God and His truth, often resulting in obedient living.
tebunah · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, understanding is the capacity to discern between right and wrong, to perceive the implications of God's truth, and to apply divine instruction with insight.
This passage echoes Proverbs 2:6 by directly stating that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously and without finding fault, highlighting God as the sole source of wisdom.
Daniel 2:21This verse parallels Proverbs 2:6 by affirming that God changes times and seasons, gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have discernment, reinforcing the idea that all wisdom originates from Him.
1 Kings 3:9This passage illustrates the principle of Proverbs 2:6, where Solomon, seeking wisdom from God to govern his people, asks for 'an understanding heart,' and God grants him not only that but also riches and honor.
1 Corinthians 1:30This New Testament passage speaks to the essence of Proverbs 2:6 by stating that Christ Jesus has become our wisdom from God—righteousness, sanctification, and redemption—emphasizing that true wisdom is found in Him and is a gift from God.
bensonProverbs 2:6: "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
Proverbs 2:6-7 . For the Lord giveth — Hebrew, יתן , will give wisdom — Hath promised to give it, namely, to those that so seek it. Thus he teaches them not to ascribe any wisdom they might attain to their own abilities or industry, but only to God’s favour and blessing. Out of his mouth cometh knowledge, &c. — That is, from his word or appointment, and good will, as, the word of God, signifies, Deu…
pulpitProverbs 2:6: "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
Verse 6. - For the Lord giveth wisdom. The Lord Jehovah is the only and true Source of wisdom. The truth stated here is also met with in Daniel 2:21, "He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding." He "giveth," or more properly, "will give" (יִתֵּן yitten, future of נָתַן, nathan), wisdom; but the connection requires us to understand that the assurance applies only t…
This verse highlights that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding aren't things we conjure up ourselves, but are generously given by God directly from His presence. It’s a reminder that true insight flows from Him, not from our own cleverness or effort alone.
The preceding verses urged the reader to "seek" wisdom diligently, as if it were hidden treasure. Now, the text clarifies that this pursuit isn't about human ingenuity, but about receiving a divine gift. It asserts that God Himself is the source of true wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, implying that our earnest search will connect us to His readiness to give.
The preceding verses urged the reader to "seek" wisdom diligently, as if it were hidden treasure. Now, the text clarifies that this pursuit isn't about human ingenuity, but about receiving a divine gift. It asserts that God Himself is the source of true wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, implying that our earnest search will connect us to His readiness to give.
"For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;" — This verse highlights that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding aren't things we conjure up ourselves, but are generously given by God directly from His presence. It’s a reminder that true insight…
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Last reviewed October 2026