What defines common sense?

I. Overview of Common Sense

Common sense can be understood as straightforward, sensible judgment that aligns with sound reasoning. It usually encompasses practical decision-making and basic moral intuition about right and wrong. In everyday life, it guides individuals to discern how best to interact with others, how to navigate challenges, and how to maintain a sense of order in personal and communal affairs.

Yet Scripture underscores the idea that true wisdom and understanding originate in a reverent acknowledgement of the Creator. Proverbs 1:7 declares: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” This sets a foundational principle: any discussion of common sense includes recognizing the Author of wisdom as its source.

II. Biblical Terminology and Concepts

Several biblical terms overlap with what many today call “common sense.” Terms such as wisdom, prudence, discernment, and understanding all relate to observing reality clearly and acting rightly. For instance:

• Wisdom (Greek: sophia; Hebrew: chokmah) – Often signifies insight into the nature of God’s world and His moral design (cf. Proverbs 2:6).

• Discernment (Greek: diakrisis; Hebrew: binah) – Refers to the ability to judge rightly and distinguish truth from error (cf. Hebrews 5:14).

• Prudence (Latin root prudentia in theological writings; akin to Hebrew ormah) – Suggests shrewd, careful decision-making that foresees consequences (cf. Proverbs 8:12).

Within Scripture, these terms reveal that “common sense” is not merely intuition or social convention; rather, it is a moral and spiritual capacity to perceive the good, the true, and the right course of action.

III. Scriptural Foundations for Common Sense

1. Acknowledgment of Divine Order

From the opening pages of Genesis, the universe displays purposeful design and order: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The natural world’s consistency and structure form a basis for rational thought and daily reasoning. Observing this order—whether in the laws of nature or the moral instincts shared among many cultures—reflects the Creator’s handiwork.

Scientific findings that show consistent laws of physics and biology echo what Scripture teaches regarding divine intentionality and design, which in turn undergirds common sense: we live in a universe subject to orderly principles rather than random chaos.

2. God-Given Moral Conscience

Romans 2:14–15 explains that even those without direct knowledge of divine law often act in harmony with it, displaying that “the work of the law is written in their hearts.” This internal moral code aids people in making decisions that align with common sense, such as avoiding harm to others or showing kindness.

3. Practical Instruction in Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs abounds with principles for everyday judgment, such as honesty (Proverbs 12:22), diligence (Proverbs 6:6–11), and humility (Proverbs 11:2). These principles align with what many people term common sense. By following them, individuals experience stability and blessings. This moral framework provides universal guidelines that often resonate with both believers and non-believers, pointing to the practical wisdom that Scripture offers.

4. Learning from the Teachings of Jesus

Jesus taught in parables that frequently drew on universal truths from daily life—farming, fishing, shepherding, and household matters. For example, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) highlights compassion as a hallmark of sensible, godly living. These lessons offer accessible illustrations of wisdom that align with one’s innermost sense of right and proper conduct.

IV. Reverence for God as the Root of Common Sense

According to Scripture, authentic common sense begins with a humble posture before the Creator. Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” True discernment grows from aligning one’s heart with God’s character and commands.

• Asking for Wisdom – James 1:5 invites anyone who lacks wisdom to “ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given.” Such seeking reflects a form of reverence that acknowledges one’s need for divine guidance.

• Submitting to God’s Word – Psalm 119, preserved with remarkable consistency in manuscripts such as those found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, testifies that immersing oneself in God’s laws leads to understanding (cf. Psalm 119:98–100). When one’s heart is tuned to God’s revelation, moral and practical reasoning become more reliable.

V. Common Sense in Everyday Conduct

1. Decision-Making and Prudence

Scripture encourages believers to be thoughtful in their daily choices, weighing potential outcomes (Proverbs 14:8). Practical examples include managing finances wisely, maintaining healthy relationships, and practicing self-control. Such behaviors often coincide with the broader cultural idea of common sense, but they are firmly rooted in biblical principles of stewardship and responsibility.

2. Relationships and Communication

Ephesians 4:29 teaches to “let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need.” Treating people with respect, kindness, and fairness reflects common sense at its best—motivated by love, empathy, and moral clarity rather than selfish gain.

3. Avoiding Foolish Choices

Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise with the fool, associating folly with carelessness and shortsighted decisions (Proverbs 26:11). Common sense steers one away from hasty judgments and harmful habits, urging caution and thoughtful evaluation of consequences.

VI. Evidence of Common Sense in Scripture’s Reliability

The reliability of the biblical manuscripts, attested by extensive manuscript evidence—such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and numerous New Testament papyri—reinforces the trustworthiness of Scripture’s instructions. Archaeological findings, including the ancient city of Jericho’s archaeological layers and accounts by historians like Josephus, further highlight the historical reliability of the biblical record. Such corroboration bolsters confidence in Scripture’s counsel. If the Bible demonstrates fidelity in historical and textual matters, many argue it is sensible and sound to trust its moral and spiritual guidance.

VII. Practical Encouragement and Conclusion

Common sense, from a biblical vantage point, emerges from recognizing the Creator’s design, embracing a moral conscience, and responding to the Word of God. This blending of rational reflection, moral responsibility, and reverence for God aligns practical wisdom with eternal principles.

Ultimately, living out common sense means approaching life decisions with humility, honesty, and a willingness to learn. In the biblical view, the most enduring sense is anchored not only in human reasoning but also in trust in the One who established the order of creation. As Proverbs 3:5–6 exhorts: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”