In short: the Buddha linked wisdom to practice, not cleverness: "From meditation springs wisdom, without meditation, wisdom ends" (Dhammapada 282). And "You're not an astute scholar just because you speak a lot" (Dhammapada 258). Here are seven genuine quotes on wisdom, each with its source.
1. Dhammapada 282
"From meditation springs wisdom, without meditation, wisdom ends. Knowing these two paths— of progress and decline— you should conduct yourself so that wisdom grows."
2. Dhammapada 372
"No absorption for one without wisdom, no wisdom for one without absorption. But one with absorption and wisdom— they have truly drawn near to extinguishment."
3. Dhammapada 63
"The fool who thinks they're a fool is wise at least to that extent. But the true fool is said to be one who imagines that they are wise."
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4. Dhammapada 258
"You're not an astute scholar just because you speak a lot. One who is secure, free of enmity and fear, is said to be astute."
5. Dhammapada 76
"Regard one who sees your faults as a guide to a hidden treasure."
6. Dhammapada 100
"Better than a thousand meaningless sayings is a single meaningful saying, hearing which brings you peace."
7. Dhammapada 160
"One is indeed the lord of oneself, for who else would be one's lord? By means of a well-tamed self, one gains a lord that's rare indeed."
All quotes are from the early Buddhist texts in Bhikkhu Sujato's translation on SuttaCentral, copied exactly. Last checked: 17 October 2026.
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What did the Buddha say about wisdom?
'From meditation springs wisdom, without meditation, wisdom ends' (Dhammapada 282).