The term “smart” does not have a direct biblical definition, but it often relates to wisdom or intelligence. In biblical context, wisdom is frequently associated with understanding and applying knowledge in a way that aligns with God’s will (Proverbs 2:6).
Scripture
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
2 To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—
5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
and the one who understands obtain guidance,
6 to understand a proverb and a saying,
the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Biblical Meaning of “Smart”
In the Bible, the concept of being “smart” can be closely linked to wisdom and understanding, which are highly esteemed virtues throughout scripture. Wisdom is portrayed not merely as intellectual capability but as the practical application of knowledge in accordance with God’s directives. For instance, Proverbs 3:13-18 reveals, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding; for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” This passage suggests that true “smartness” is found in the pursuit of wisdom, which leads to a more fulfilling and prosperous life—one that transcends material gain.
Moreover, the Bible often contrasts worldly wisdom with divine wisdom, emphasizing that true understanding comes from a reverence for God. In James 1:5, it is stated, “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.” Here, the implication is clear: genuine intelligence is rooted in a relationship with the Creator. Thus, the broader biblical meaning of “smart” transcends intellectual knowledge; it encompasses a profound understanding of spiritual truths and the ability to apply that understanding thoughtfully in the world, fostering a life aligned with God’s will and purpose.
The biblical notion of being “smart” also encompasses discernment and the ability to navigate complex situations. For example, in the Book of Proverbs, the wise are frequently depicted as those who not only gather knowledge but also skillfully apply it to everyday life. This is particularly illustrated through the metaphor of the prudent person who anticipates danger and acts accordingly. Such foresight, which is an essential aspect of smartness, reflects an understanding of both human nature and divine principles, allowing individuals to make choices that honor God while benefiting themselves and others.
Additionally, the pursuit of wisdom is often portrayed as a lifelong journey rather than a destination. Throughout scripture, believers are urged to seek out knowledge—through prayer, study, and community—and to remain open to growth and learning. This dynamic understanding of smartness, rooted in humility and a readiness to seek God’s guidance, creates a foundation for ethical decision-making and interpersonal relationships. It signifies a deeper engagement with the world, encouraging individuals to bring forth good works that reflect their understanding of divine tenets. Through such actions, the smart individual becomes a beacon of light, inspiring others not only with their intelligence but with their character, reinforcing the concept that true smartness is integrally linked to one’s moral and spiritual life.
Wisdom and Discernment
In the biblical context, being “smart” often relates to possessing wisdom and discernment. This type of intelligence goes beyond mere knowledge; it involves the ability to apply understanding in practical ways, make sound decisions, and navigate life’s complexities. Wisdom is portrayed as a valuable trait that leads to a fulfilling and righteous life, guiding individuals to act justly and compassionately.
Spiritual Insight
Another dimension of “smart” in the Bible can be understood as spiritual insight. This refers to the ability to perceive and understand spiritual truths and realities that may not be immediately obvious. It encompasses a deep awareness of God’s will and the moral implications of one’s actions. Such insight is often seen as a gift from God, enabling believers to live in alignment with divine principles and to discern the right path in challenging situations.
Practical Knowledge and Skill
Additionally, the concept of being “smart” can also encompass practical knowledge and skill. In various biblical narratives, individuals are recognized for their abilities in craftsmanship, leadership, and problem-solving. This practical intelligence is valued as it contributes to the well-being of the community and the fulfillment of God’s purposes. It highlights the importance of using one’s talents and skills wisely for the benefit of others and the glory of God.
How to Cultivate Wisdom and Discernment as a Christian
Cultivating wisdom and discernment as a Christian is a journey that requires intentionality and a heart open to God’s guidance. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, as Proverbs 2:6 reminds us that “the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Make it a daily practice to read and meditate on the Word, allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions. Prayer is equally vital; seek God earnestly, asking for clarity and insight in your decisions. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can offer diverse perspectives and support, as Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “Iron sharpens iron.” Finally, be willing to learn from your experiences—both successes and failures—recognizing that each moment is an opportunity for growth. As you cultivate these habits, you’ll find that wisdom and discernment become more natural, guiding you in your walk with Christ and in your interactions with others.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Smart”:
Proverbs 2:1-6: 1 My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Proverbs 3:13-18: 13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gets understanding,
14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
and her profit better than gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.
Proverbs 4:5-9: 5 Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.
8 Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head a graceful garland;
she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
Proverbs 8:1-11: 1 Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 Beside the gates in front of the town,
at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
4 “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.”
5 O simple ones, learn prudence;
O fools, learn sense.
6 Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right.
7 for my mouth will utter truth;
wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all straight to him who understands,
and right to those who find knowledge.
10 Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
Proverbs 9:10-12: 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
Proverbs 10:13-14: 13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found,
but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.
14 Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.
Proverbs 12:15-16: 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
16 The vexation of a fool is known at once,
but the prudent ignores an insult.
Proverbs 13:20-21: 20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
21 Disaster pursues sinners,
but the righteous are rewarded with good.
Proverbs 14:8-9: 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,
but the folly of fools is deceiving.
9 Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.
Proverbs 15:21-24: 21 Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.
22 Without counsel plans fail,
but with many advisers they succeed.
23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol below.
Proverbs 16:16-17: 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold!
17 The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.
Proverbs 18:15-16: 15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.
Proverbs 19:20-21: 20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 22:17-21: 17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,
that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?
Proverbs 24:3-6: 3 By wisdom a house is built,
and by understanding it is established;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man is full of strength,
and a man of knowledge enhances his might,
6 for by wise guidance you can wage your war,
and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Ecclesiastes 7:11-12: 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun.
12 For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-5: 1 Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.
2 I say: Keep the king’s command, because of God’s oath to him.
3 Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases.
4 For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?”
5 Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and a wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.
Daniel 1:17-20: 17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.
19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king.
20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.
Matthew 7:24-27: 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
Luke 2:46-47: 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25: 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
James 1:5-8: 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 3:13-18: 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.