The Characteristics of a Wise Man
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 09/21/2025
Foundation Scriptures:
Who [is] wise and intelligent among you? let him shew out of the good behaviour his works in meekness of wisdom. James 3:13 YLT
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17 KJV
1. Heavenly Wisdom.
a. Wisdom is one of the most valuable treasures we can possess.
b. The Bible distinguishes between earthly wisdom, which is limited, self-serving, and often deceptive, and heavenly wisdom, which is pure, peaceable, and from above.
c. Wisdom is not simply knowledge or intelligence.
d. It is the application of God’s truth in daily life and a life aligned with God’s Word.
e. The characteristics and qualities of a wise man are practical, life-shaping principles that show up in our words, actions, decisions, and relationships.
2. A Wise Man Fears the Lord.
a. Proverbs 9:10 –– The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
b. Ecclesiastes 12:13 –– The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments.
c. True wisdom begins with reverence, awe, and obedience toward God.
d. Without this foundation, all other wisdom crumbles.
e. No matter how skillful the builder is, if the house’s foundation is crooked, the whole structure will be unsafe.
f. The fear of the Lord is the straight, strong foundation upon which all wisdom is built.
g. A wise man makes decisions with God’s Word in mind and chooses to do only that which pleases God.
3. A Wise Man is Humble and Teachable.
a. Proverbs 15:31 –– The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
b. Wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, and willing to yield to reason.
c. True wisdom is marked by humility, not arrogance, and is a strength, not a weakness.
d. Proverbs 1:5 –– A wise man will hear, and will increase learning.
e. Ecclesiastes 7:5 –– It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than… the song of fools.
f. A wise man is teachable and listens more than he speaks.
g. He does not think he knows everything but is willing to learn, make changes, and grow.
h. He is willing to receive correction without anger, and to learn from mistakes.
i. He knows that every rebuke is an opportunity for growth.
4. A Wise Man Controls His Tongue.
a. Proverbs 10:19 NKJV –– …he who restrains his lips is wise.
b. Ecclesiastes 10:12 –– The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious.
c. A wise man knows when to speak and when to keep silent.
d. He uses words to build up, not tear down.
e. His words are gracious, healing, and edifying.
f. A surgeon uses a scalpel carefully, to heal, not harm.
g. In the same way, a wise man uses his words to bring life, not destruction.
h. Our words should reflect grace—speaking encouragement instead of criticism, truth instead of gossip.
5. A Wise Man Lives Uprightly.
a. His works show meekness and good conversation (conduct or manner of life).
b. Wisdom is not hidden but is revealed in how a man lives.
c. Uprightness, integrity, and meekness are the hallmarks of true wisdom.
d. The wise man’s character, choices, and countenance reflect righteousness.
e. Our testimony matters.
f. Wisdom is not only what we know but how we live.
6. A Wise Man Avoids Evil.
a. Proverbs 14:16 AMPC –– A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil.
b. Wisdom is cautious, discerning, vigilant, and alert to danger.
c. Wisdom doesn’t flirt with sin and compromise and says no to temptation.
d. The wise man avoids paths that lead to destruction and chooses the narrow path that leads to life.
e. A wise traveler sees a broken bridge ahead and turns back, but a fool ignores the danger and continues.
f. Wisdom sees sin’s consequences and flees.
7. A Wise Man is Peaceable and Pure.
a. Wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, full of good fruits, without hypocrisy.
b. True wisdom is not harsh or self-seeking.
c. It produces purity of heart, peace with others, mercy, and sincerity.
d. A wise man is peaceful and a peacemaker.
e. Just as a clear spring produces fresh water, heavenly wisdom produces purity and peace in our lives.
8. A Wise Man Seeks Counsel and Gives Sound Advice.
a. Proverbs 12:15 AMPC –– …he who listens to counsel is wise.
b. Proverbs 13:10 –– …with the well advised is wisdom.
c. A wise man recognizes the value of godly counsel.
d. He surrounds himself with those who walk with God and listens carefully.
e. In turn, he becomes a source of wise guidance for others.
f. Pilots fly planes using both instruments and communication with the control tower.
g. A wise man does the same—he trusts the Word of God (instruments) and godly counsel (control tower).
h. Before making decisions about family, finances, or future, we should consult the Lord and wise counselors.
9. A Wise Man Wins Souls.
a. He that wins souls is wise (Prov. 11:30).
b. A wise man sees beyond this life into eternity.
c. He recognizes that people’s souls are eternal, and the greatest investment of wisdom is to lead others to Christ.
d. He uses his influence to point others to Christ, investing in eternal fruit.
e. If you knew of a cure for a deadly disease, you would share it immediately.
f. The wise man knows that Jesus is the cure for sin and eternal death, and he shares Him gladly.
g. Do we look for opportunities to witness, encourage, and pray for the lost?
h. True wisdom always points others to Christ.
10. Build Wisely.
a. The wise man is not defined by how much he knows, but by how he lives.
b. He fears God, listens and learns, controls his tongue, seeks counsel, wins souls, lives uprightly, avoids evil, remains humble, builds others up, and walks in purity and peace.
c. Proverbs 24:3 NKJV –– Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established.
d. God’s wisdom builds families, strengthens relationships, and establishes strong foundations.
e. Build your life on God’s Word.