In the context of the Bible, "wit" or "wits" is often associated with wisdom, understanding, and discernment. While the term "wit" as used in contemporary language may imply humor or cleverness, in biblical terms, it is more closely related to the faculties of the mind and the ability to make sound judgments.

Biblical References and Context

The concept of wit, as it pertains to wisdom and understanding, is woven throughout the Scriptures. Although the specific term "wit" is not frequently used in most English translations, the underlying principles are evident in various passages.

1. Wisdom and Understanding: The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding, which are closely related to the idea of wit. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." This verse highlights the value placed on the ability to discern and make prudent decisions, which aligns with the biblical notion of wit.

2. Discernment: The ability to discern right from wrong and to understand deeper truths is a key aspect of biblical wit. Hebrews 5:14 notes, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil." This passage underscores the importance of developing one's mental faculties to achieve spiritual maturity.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is often associated with imparting wisdom and understanding to believers. John 14:26 says, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Holy Spirit aids in sharpening the believer's wit by providing divine insight and guidance.

4. The Example of Solomon: King Solomon is a quintessential biblical figure associated with wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:12 , God grants Solomon unparalleled wisdom: "Behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been nor will ever be another like you." Solomon's wit, in the form of wisdom, became legendary and was sought after by leaders from other nations.

5. Warnings Against Earthly Wisdom: The Bible also warns against relying solely on human wit or wisdom, which can be flawed. 1 Corinthians 3:19 cautions, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.'" This serves as a reminder that true wit and wisdom come from God and should be sought through a relationship with Him.

Practical Application

In practical terms, biblical wit involves the application of godly wisdom in everyday life. It requires a heart and mind attuned to God's Word and a willingness to seek His guidance in all matters. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek divine wisdom: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

In summary, while the term "wit" may not be explicitly used in the Bible, its essence is captured in the broader themes of wisdom, understanding, and discernment. These qualities are highly valued in Scripture and are seen as gifts from God that enable believers to navigate life with insight and integrity.

To the Right Honourable the Earl of Lichfield.
... Obscene, and sweeten ordure to perfume. Wit, a true Pagan, deifies the
brute,. ... But, what can't wit, when stung by strong desire? ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/to the right honourable the.htm

God's Training
... known want, and the golden lessons which want brings."God help them, for they need
his help even more than the poor young man who is at his wit's end how to ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon iv gods training.htm

Of the Inward Working of God's Grace
... and senses, through flesh and blood, and the whole bodily nature, and cause a pressure
and restlessness in all his members, so that he is often at his wit's end ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter ix of the inward.htm

Psalm 107
... with trouble and with pain. ^27They reel and stagger like one drunk,. at their
wit's end they be: ^28Then they to God in trouble cry,. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 107.htm

December 15. "When My Heart is Overwhelmed Lead Me to the Rock ...
... experience of many a Christian. God wants us "at our wit's end," and then
He will show His wisdom, love and power. How often we ask ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /december 15 when my heart.htm

A Tinner's Story
... He was then at his wit's end and went to the window, looking to drop into hell
instantly, when he heard those words, "I will be merciful to thy unrighteousness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/a tinners story.htm

The World
... Near him, his lute, his fancy, and his slights [147] ,. Wit's sour [148] delights;
With gloves and knots [149] , the silly snares of pleasure; ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cxxxi the world.htm

The Sheep and their Shepherd
... thing to be weak, that I may rely on his strength; to be full of wants, that I may
draw from his fullness; to be shallow and often at my wit's end, that I may ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the sheep and their shepherd.htm

Of Four Kinds of Fever Wherewith a Man May be Tormented
... And then they fall into such confusion that they are at their wit's end and know
not what to do. This illness is more dangerous than either of the others. ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxxii of four kinds.htm

Letter cxxvi. (AD 411. )
... 3. In the midst of this excitement and great distress, when, being at our wit's
end, we could not, so to speak, take breath, behold our pious son Pinianus ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxvi a d 411.htm

Wit's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Wit's (1 Occurrence). Psalms 107:27 They reel to and fro,
and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end. (KJV WBS). ...
/w/wit's.htm - 6k

Wittingly (1 Occurrence)

/w/wittingly.htm - 6k

Witty (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Possessed of wit; knowing; wise; skillful;
judicious; clever; cunning. 2. (n.) Especially, possessing ...
/w/witty.htm - 10k

Wist (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (v.) Knew. 2. (pp) of Wit. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. WIST, WITTY, WOT. wist, wit'-i, wot: The ...
/w/wist.htm - 14k

Wot (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp.) of Weet. 2. (pres. sing.) of Wit. 3. (v.) 1st
& 3d pers. sing. pres. Of Wit. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/w/wot.htm - 13k

Wits (1 Occurrence)

/w/wits.htm - 6k

Fro (54 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 107:27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken
man, and are at their wit's end. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/f/fro.htm - 23k

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