What Does The Bible Say About Intelligence?
Intelligence and wisdom are common themes throughout the Bible. God is described as all-knowing and all-wise. Humans are called to pursue wisdom and understanding.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible has much to say about intelligence, wisdom, and knowledge. It teaches that true wisdom comes from revering and obeying God. Human intelligence is limited, but God’s knowledge is infinite.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore numerous Bible verses about intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom. We will examine what the Bible says about the source of true wisdom, the purpose of knowledge, and how believers should use their mental faculties.
The Source and Definition of True Wisdom
Wisdom Comes from God
The Bible teaches that true wisdom originates from God. As James 1:5 states, “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.”
This verse indicates that wisdom is a gift from God that He eagerly desires to bestow upon those who seek it.
In Proverbs 2:6, we read “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Here, the source of wisdom is clearly attributed to God Himself. He is the fountainhead of all true insight and discernment.
The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). More than just factual knowledge, true wisdom starts with a holy reverence for God. It is built upon the right priorities – esteeming God’s ways higher than our own.
As Psalm 111:10 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” When we humbly submit to God’s commandments, wisdom takes root in our hearts.
Wisdom vs. Intelligence and Knowledge
There is an important distinction between wisdom and intelligence/knowledge in the Bible. As Ecclesiastes 1:18 reflects, “For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.” Mere intelligence or head knowledge can prompt pride and even despair.
In contrast, the wisdom from above fuels right living and bears good fruit (James 3:17-18). It views life from the proper vantage point of God’s eternal purposes. Thus biblical wisdom exceeds human intellect, giving unique insight into how we can align our lives with God’s kingdom priorities.
As James 3:13 asks pointedly, “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.” True godly wisdom manifests itself in Christlike character and conduct.
The Purpose and Limits of Human Intelligence
Human Wisdom is Limited
The Bible teaches that human wisdom and intelligence, while useful, have limits compared to God’s perfect knowledge and understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). As created beings, we only see dimly and know partially, whereas God sees and comprehends all things fully (1 Corinthians 13:12).
This should impart humility and teachability in how we approach education, science, philosophy, and other academic pursuits.
Pursuing Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding
Although human intelligence is limited, the Bible encourages the lifelong pursuit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 4:7, Ecclesiastes 7:12). Christians can wholeheartedly participate in intellectual inquiry while recognizing that true wisdom comes from revering God (Proverbs 1:7).
Scripture also warns against vain philosophy that distracts from Christ and biblical truth (Colossians 2:8). Our learning should be coupled with spiritual discernment.
Biblical wisdom entails skillful living, moral discernment and spiritual maturity in addition to intellectual knowledge. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10). True wisdom impacts how we think, speak and act in practical daily life.
Applying Wisdom and Intelligence Virtuously
The Bible commends the proper application of one’s mental faculties to make sound judgments and decisions that accord with righteous principles (Philippians 1:9-10). Our minds and abilities are gifts from God to invest for His glory and the benefit of others (Matthew 25:14-29).
Scripture condemns foolishness, willful ignorance, intellectual laziness and using one’s intelligence deceitfully or destructively.
Ultimately, the highest expression of wisdom and knowledge is to know God in a saving relationship through Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 9:23-24, John 17:3). As Christians, we have the mind of Christ by the indwelling Holy Spirit to enlighten and renew our thinking (1 Corinthians 2:10-16).
By God’s grace and power, we can apply our minds wisely in a manner worthy of our calling in Christ.
Cultivating Wisdom Through God’s Word
Studying and Applying Scripture
The Bible teaches that studying and applying God’s Word is key to growing in wisdom and understanding (Psalm 119:97-105). As we devote time to reading, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture, we begin to think God’s thoughts after Him.
The Holy Spirit renews our minds and transforms us to align more closely with God’s truth and righteousness (Romans 12:2). Knowledge of biblical truth is useless unless it changes how we live. As James says, we must be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
Applying biblical principles to daily life requires diligence, but it leads to spiritual maturity and discernment.
Renewing the Mind
Renewing our minds is an ongoing process as we are confronted with worldly thinking that conflicts with God’s truth. We must continually retrain our minds through study, prayer, and meditation to reject ungodly influences and embrace God’s perspective.
As our thinking is renewed, our behavior and attitudes begin to reflect the character of Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24). Key strategies for mind renewal include memorizing Scripture, reviewing verses throughout the day, studying biblical truth, and exchanging lies for God’s truth when negative thoughts arise.
The Holy Spirit empowers this process, convicting us and reminding us of Scriptural truths to transform us into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Walking in the Spirit
In addition to renewing our minds, we must also walk in step with the Spirit, obeying His promptings and yielding to His control over our lives. As Galatians 5:16 (NIV) says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Being filled with the Spirit impacts our thoughts, attitudes, speech and actions. We experience the supernatural wisdom and discernment of God. Walking in the Spirit requires humility, faith and constant surrender to God’s will.
We must put off fleshly desires and ask the Spirit to guide us continually. Staying sensitive to the Spirit’s conviction and direction is essential to gaining godly wisdom and discernment in life’s decisions and relationships.
As we walk in the Spirit, our lives will overflow with the fruits of wisdom – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible has much to say about intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom. It teaches that true wisdom comes from revering God and obeying His Word. While human intelligence is limited, believers are called to pursue wisdom and understanding through studying Scripture and walking in the Spirit.
The purpose of Biblical wisdom is not just knowledge, but virtuous application for God’s glory.
