7 Pillars of wisdom

“Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars.” (Prov. 9:1 NASB)

What are the 7 pillars of wisdom?

Lots of opinion and commentary has been written about what the “7 pillars of wisdom” are. In fact entire books have been written on the subject. But, I will simply refer to the previous chapter, Prov. 8:12-14, where 7 characteristics of wisdom are listed.

I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And I find knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate. “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine.” (Prov. 8:12-14)

The above passage lists seven ways we can become wiser in the way we deal with things in our lives.

1. Prudence: “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Prov. 27:12 ESV)

2. Knowledge & discretion: “A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.” (Prov. 24:5 ESV). “My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion.” (Prov. 3:21 ESV)

3. Fear of the Lord: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov. 1:7 ESV)

4. Counsel: “Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.” (Prov. 8:14 ESV) “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Prov. 11:14 ESV)

5. Sound wisdom: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 NIV)

6. Understanding: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 NIV)

7. Power: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)