Sage is often used in rituals for cleansing spaces or warding off negative energy, but what does the Bible say about it? While sage itself is a plant, the practices associated with it can sometimes conflict with biblical teachings on spirituality and trust in God. Exploring what scripture says about these practices can help guide your spiritual life.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About other religions
What Does The Bible Say About sage
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of having reverence for God as the foundation for acquiring wisdom and understanding. It suggests that those who disregard wisdom and instruction are foolish.
Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Here, it is acknowledged that true wisdom comes from God. He is the source of knowledge and understanding, and it is through seeking Him that we can gain wisdom.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse encourages complete trust in the Lord and surrendering our limited understanding. By submitting to His guidance, we can have the assurance that He will direct our paths.
Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Wisdom is highly valued and worth pursuing, even if it requires sacrifice. It is an ongoing journey to obtain understanding, and this verse highlights its significance.
Proverbs 8:11
“For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
This verse underscores the incomparable value of wisdom. No material possessions or desires can rival the worth of true wisdom.
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Once again, the fear of the Lord is highlighted as the starting point for wisdom. Understanding God and having knowledge of Him leads to true understanding.
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
This verse links wisdom to humility, indicating that pride leads to disgrace while humility opens the path to wisdom.
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
Foolishness blinds individuals to their erroneous ways, but the wise are open to receiving counsel and guidance from others.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
The company we keep has a significant impact on our wisdom. Associating with the wise leads to wisdom, while surrounding ourselves with fools can lead to harm.
Proverbs 14:16
“The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.”
The fear of the Lord and avoiding evil go hand in hand with wisdom. Conversely, fools are characterized by impulsive behavior and a false sense of security.
Proverbs 15:33
“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”
Here, humility is emphasized as a precursor to honor, and wisdom is closely tied to fearing and revering the Lord.
Proverbs 16:16
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
Wisdom and insight are prized far more than material wealth. This verse highlights their immeasurable worth.
Proverbs 17:24
“A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.”
A person with discernment remains focused on wisdom, whereas a fool’s attention is scattered and lacks direction.
Proverbs 18:15
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Those who are discerning actively seek knowledge. They have a hunger to learn and acquire wisdom.
Proverbs 19:8
“The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.”
Embracing wisdom leads to a fulfilling life and ultimately brings prosperity to those who value understanding.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
Showcasing wisdom, this verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary conflicts. Fools are prone to engage in quarrels impulsively.
Proverbs 21:30
“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”
This verse reminds us that no human wisdom or strategy can ever prevail over the Lord’s sovereignty and wisdom.
Proverbs 22:4
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
Humility, when grounded in the fear of the Lord, leads to abundant blessings, including wealth, honor, and a fulfilling life.
Proverbs 23:4
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.”
This verse advises against exhausting oneself in a pursuit of wealth and warns against relying solely on one’s own wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 2:26
“To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness, but to the sinner, he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
God generously grants wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him. However, for the sinner, their toil to accumulate wealth will eventually be given to those who seek to please God.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
In times of lacking wisdom, this verse encourages believers to seek God, who generously grants wisdom to all who ask without any reservations.
James 3:13
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
This verse challenges the wise to demonstrate their understanding through a righteous life, marked by good deeds and the humility that accompanies true wisdom.
James 3:17
“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.”
Here, the characteristics of divine wisdom are elaborated. True wisdom is pure, promotes peace, shows understanding and compassion, produces good fruits, remains impartial, and is genuine.
1 Corinthians 2:6-7
“We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.”
Paul distinguishes between human wisdom and the divine wisdom he proclaims. God’s wisdom is not of this age but has been ordained from before time began, ultimately meant for the glory of believers in Christ.
Colossians 2:2-3
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Paul desires believers to be encouraged and united in love, leading to a deep comprehension of God’s wisdom. He emphasizes that in Christ, all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.
In conclusion, the Bible offers numerous verses that highlight the value and importance of wisdom. It emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God and is obtained through revering Him, seeking understanding, and embracing humility. Wisdom should guide our actions, relationships, and choices, and it brings about blessings and honor. The contrast between wisdom and foolishness is showcased, with wisdom providing discernment, peace, and a flourishing life. The pursuit of wealth or self-reliance should not take precedence over wisdom. Instead, believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, live a righteous life, and demonstrate understanding through good deeds and humility. Ultimately, divine wisdom surpasses worldly wisdom, and in Christ, believers have access to the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge.