The Bible doesn’t focus on intelligence as we think of it today, but it does have a lot to say about wisdom. If you’re wondering what the Bible says about being smart, you’ll find that scripture values wisdom and understanding—qualities that go far beyond book smarts and knowledge.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being Smart
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
This verse highlights the importance of having a reverence for God as the foundation for attaining knowledge and wisdom. It emphasizes that those who disregard wisdom and instruction exhibit foolishness.
Wisdom is not simply about being intellectually smart, but also about having a humble and teachable spirit, recognizing that true knowledge comes from God.
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.”
Being truly smart involves relying on God rather than our limited understanding. This verse encourages us to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly and acknowledge Him in every aspect of our lives.
By submitting to God’s guidance and wisdom, He promises to lead us on straight paths, offering divine insight and direction even in the most complex situations.
Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
True wisdom starts with a desire and pursuit for knowledge and understanding. This verse teaches the importance of valuing wisdom and being willing to invest whatever it takes to attain it.
Being smart involves acknowledging that knowledge is a lifelong journey, and we should continually seek to expand our understanding and gain insights into the ways of God and the world around us.
Proverbs 8:13
“To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”
Being truly smart means having a deep reverence for God and actively avoiding evil. This verse emphasizes that fearing the Lord involves despising pride, arrogance, and sinful actions.
An individual who is smart in the eyes of God will prioritize righteousness and choose to speak words that build up and encourage rather than engaging in corrupt and perverse speech.
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Wisdom and understanding originate from a reverential fear of the Lord. This verse reiterates that acknowledging God as the Holy One and seeking to know Him leads to true understanding.
A person who is smart in God’s eyes understands that wisdom is not about mere intellectual prowess, but about aligning one’s life with the ways and character of the Holy One.
Proverbs 10:14
“Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites ruin.”
Smart individuals are diligent in acquiring knowledge and understanding, recognizing its value. This verse emphasizes that wise people actively seek to accumulate knowledge.
A fool, on the other hand, careslessly speaks without considering the consequences, often inviting disaster and failure. Being truly smart involves knowing when to speak, what to say, and when to listen.
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 blesses those who please Him with wisdom, knowledge, and happiness. This verse reminds us that true smartness is not solely focused on material gain, but on seeking God’s pleasure, which leads to true fulfillment.
Chasing after wealth without pursuing wisdom and godliness is futile, as it ultimately ends in emptiness. Smart individuals understand the true value of spiritual knowledge and prioritize its acquisition.
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Being truly smart involves humility and recognizing that pride only leads to disgrace. This verse underlines that wisdom is often found in those who embrace humility and are willing to learn from others.
Smart individuals understand the dangers of arrogance, choosing instead to approach life with a teachable spirit and a willingness to grow and develop in wisdom.
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
Smart individuals are open to guidance and counsel from others. This verse highlights that fools often think they are right and refuse to listen to wise advice.
Being truly smart involves recognizing our own limitations and being willing to seek input and wisdom from trusted sources, understanding that collaboration and shared knowledge lead to better outcomes.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Choosing our companions wisely is crucial to being smart. This verse emphasizes that spending time with wise individuals leads to personal growth and increased wisdom.
However, associating with fools can lead to harm and negative consequences. Smart individuals intentionally seek the company of those who inspire and challenge them to become smarter.
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 are characteristics of truly smart individuals. This verse draws the contrast between the wise, who recognize the need to revere and follow God, and fools, who are impulsive and overconfident.
Being smart involves understanding the importance of aligning our lives with God’s ways and seeking to walk in righteousness, guarding against pride and self-assurance.
Proverbs 15:32
“Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.”
Smart individuals value discipline and correction, recognizing that it leads to growth and understanding. This verse highlights that those who disregard discipline only harm themselves.
Being truly smart involves being open to correction and feedback, allowing ourselves to learn from our mistakes and grow in wisdom and understanding.
Proverbs 16:16
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
The pursuit of wisdom is more valuable than material wealth. This verse emphasizes that acquiring wisdom and insight surpasses the worth of any earthly treasures.
A smart person understands that cultivating wisdom is of utmost importance, as it enables us to navigate life’s challenges and make wise decisions that lead to true fulfillment.
Proverbs 17:27
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
Smart individuals exercise self-control in their speech and emotions. This verse highlights that those with knowledge choose their words carefully and demonstrate emotional stability.
Being truly smart involves knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, as well as maintaining an even-tempered disposition, leading to effective communication and healthier relationships.
Proverbs 18:15
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Smart individuals have a hunger for knowledge, actively seeking it out. This verse emphasizes that those with discerning hearts and wise ears pursue knowledge.
Being truly smart involves actively engaging in a lifelong learning process, continually seeking knowledge, and using discernment to evaluate and apply that knowledge in meaningful ways.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
Listening to advice and accepting discipline are key traits of smart individuals. This verse highlights that those who do so are considered among the wise.
Being truly smart involves humbly recognizing that we don’t know it all and being willing to receive input, correction, and guidance from others, leading to personal growth and wisdom.
Proverbs 20:18
“Plans are established by seeking advice; so, if you wage war, obtain guidance.”
Smart individuals seek counsel before making important decisions. This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and guidance when establishing plans or preparing for significant endeavors.
A truly smart person understands the value of seeking input from others, leveraging collective wisdom to make informed choices and increase the likelihood of success.
Proverbs 21:20
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.”
Smart individuals exercise self-control and plan for the future. This verse illustrates that the wise store up provisions, while fools indulge without concern for the consequences.
Being truly smart involves thoughtful decision-making and embracing delayed gratification, recognizing that short-term indulgence can hinder long-term prosperity and stability.
Proverbs 22:17-18
“Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.”
Listening to the teachings of the wise and internalizing their wisdom is a mark of smart individuals. This verse encourages attentive listening and heartfelt application of wise sayings.
Being truly smart involves valuing the insights and teachings of those who have gone before us, internalizing their wisdom and being able to readily share these truths with others.
Proverbs 24:3-4
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
Smart individuals prioritize wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in building a strong foundation. This verse highlights the significance of these qualities in establishing a flourishing and fulfilling life.
Incorporating wisdom, understanding, and knowledge into various aspects of life enriches our experiences, relationships, and accomplishments, resulting in a life filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
Ecclesiastes 7:12
“Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.”
Wisdom provides protection and stability, similar to the security that financial resources can offer. This verse emphasizes that the advantage of knowledge lies in its ability to preserve and safeguard those who possess it.
A smart individual understands that while money may provide temporary security, true lasting security comes from cultivating wisdom and applying it to navigate life’s challenges.
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.”
Smart individuals recognize their need for wisdom and turn to God, who generously provides it. This verse assures us that if we lack wisdom, we can freely ask God, who is ever willing to grant it.
Knowing that wisdom comes from God, the truly smart person humbly seeks His guidance through prayer and relies on His wisdom to navigate life’s complexities.
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.”
True understanding and wisdom are found in Christ. This verse highlights that through a deep relationship with Jesus, we can experience the fullness of understanding and access the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Being truly smart involves recognizing that Christ is the ultimate source of wisdom and allowing His teachings to shape our worldview and guide our decisions.
Psalm 111:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
Fearing the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. This verse underscores that those who diligently follow God’s instructions possess good understanding.
Being truly smart involves acknowledging God’s authority and seeking to live according to His commands, resulting in a life marked by wisdom and the eternal praise of the Lord.