The Bible does not mention the herb sage (Salvia officinalis) by name or describe its use. Instead, "sage" appears in some translations as a term for a wise person or advisor, emphasizing godly wisdom over folly. Practices like burning sage (smudging) for purification are absent from Scripture and often viewed by interpreters as incompatible with biblical reliance on prayer and God's protection.

Biblical Meaning of Sage

Sage refers to individuals known for wisdom, such as King Solomon, whose insight surpassed all others. Proverbs 1:7 links true wisdom to fearing the Lord, while Proverbs 13:20 states that walking with the wise makes one wise.

Ecclesiastes 6:9-12 questions any ultimate advantage of a sage over a fool in life's vanities.

Jesus is presented as greater than Solomon in wisdom (Matthew 12:42).

On Burning Sage

Scripture describes incense use in worship (e.g., Exodus 30:7-8, Revelation 8:4), but specifies holy ingredients and ties it to prayer, not herbs like sage for cleansing.

Some view smudging as akin to pagan rituals, urging reliance on God's armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) instead.

No endorsement exists; focus remains on seeking wisdom directly from God (James 1:5).