For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

PROVERBS 2:6KJV
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Proverbs 2:6 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 2:6 mean?

Proverbs 2:6 teaches that true wisdom comes from the LORD, and that knowledge and understanding are given by Him. This verse emphasizes that these qualities are not just human achievements but are gifts that originate from God’s own words.

In Proverbs 2:6, a father is instructing his child about the value of seeking wisdom. The verse highlights that the source of real insight is not human effort alone, but the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible). The idea is that wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are treasures God willingly gives to those who seek Him.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 2:6

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Scriptures, stressing a close, covenant relationship. The verse points to God Himself as the giver, not just a distant force.
  • Wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokhmah): This word means more than intelligence; it includes skill in living, making good choices, and understanding how life works. The verse says this kind of wisdom is a gift from God.
  • Knowledge (דַּעַת, da‘at) and Understanding (תְּבוּנָה, tevunah): These words refer to insight and the ability to discern what is true or right. The verse links both directly to God’s “mouth,” meaning they come from His instruction or revelation.

Why Proverbs 2:6 matters

  • Proverbs 2:6 corrects the idea that wisdom is only about study or personal experience; it shows that wisdom is ultimately something God gives.
  • The verse connects wisdom, knowledge, and understanding directly to God’s words, underlining the importance of listening to what God says.
  • In the wider context of Proverbs, this verse is a foundation for the whole book’s teaching: to truly live wisely, a person must look to God as the source.

Where else these words appear

“understanding” Hebrew H8394 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 31:3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
  • Psalms 147:5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
  • Proverbs 19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

“knowledge” Hebrew H1847 · used in 91 verses

  • Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • Proverbs 2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

“wisdom” Hebrew H2451 · used in 141 verses

  • Exodus 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Job 28:20 Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
  • Proverbs 29:3 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance.