Topical Encyclopedia Cleverness, as a concept, is often associated with mental acuity, quickness of understanding, and skillful problem-solving. In the Bible, cleverness can be seen in both positive and negative lights, depending on its application and the heart behind it.Positive Aspects of Cleverness Cleverness, when aligned with wisdom and righteousness, is portrayed positively in Scripture. The Bible often commends those who use their intellect and skills for godly purposes. For instance, in the construction of the Tabernacle, God endowed Bezalel with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship (Exodus 31:3). This divine gifting enabled him to execute the intricate designs required for the holy sanctuary, demonstrating that cleverness, when inspired by God, serves a noble purpose. Proverbs frequently highlights the value of wisdom and understanding, which can be seen as forms of cleverness. Proverbs 8:12 states, "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." Here, cleverness is associated with prudence and discretion, qualities that lead to righteous living and decision-making. Negative Aspects of Cleverness Conversely, the Bible warns against cleverness that is rooted in deceit or used for selfish gain. The serpent in the Garden of Eden is described as "more cunning than any beast of the field" (Genesis 3:1). This cleverness, however, was used to deceive Eve, leading to the fall of humanity. This narrative illustrates how cleverness, when divorced from truth and righteousness, can lead to destructive outcomes. The Apostle Paul cautions against being led astray by those who use clever arguments to deceive. In Colossians 2:4 , he writes, "I say this so that no one will deceive you by smooth rhetoric." Here, cleverness is associated with persuasive speech that can lead believers away from the truth of the Gospel. Cleverness in the New Testament In the New Testament, Jesus Himself demonstrates a form of cleverness in His interactions with the Pharisees and other religious leaders. His responses to their attempts to trap Him in His words reveal a profound wisdom and understanding. For example, when asked whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus replied, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s" (Mark 12:17). This answer not only avoided their trap but also conveyed a deeper spiritual truth. The Apostle Paul also exemplifies cleverness in his missionary work. In Acts 17, Paul uses the Athenians' altar to an unknown god as a starting point to proclaim the Gospel, demonstrating an astute understanding of his audience and an ability to communicate effectively within their cultural context. Cleverness and Humility The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding, but it also emphasizes the importance of humility. James 3:13 advises, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." Cleverness, when coupled with humility, becomes a tool for serving others and glorifying God, rather than for self-promotion or manipulation. In summary, cleverness in the biblical context is a double-edged sword. It can be a gift from God, used for His glory and the benefit of others, or it can be a tool for deceit and self-serving purposes. The key lies in the heart and intentions of the individual, aligning cleverness with the wisdom and righteousness that come from a relationship with God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The quality of being clever; skill; dexterity; adroitness.Greek 3834. panourgia -- cleverness, craftiness ... cleverness, craftiness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: panourgia Phonetic Spelling: (pan-oorg-ee'-ah) Short Definition: cunning, craftiness ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3834.htm - 7k 4907. sunesis -- a running together, spec. understanding 4678. sophia -- skill, wisdom Library Innocent Alypius, Being Apprehended as a Thief, is Set at Liberty ... The Beginning and End of Wisdom Daily Bread. Chapter iii Manasseh Cast Your Eye Round the Room in which You Sit... 1 Cor. Ii. 1, 2 The Attack on the Scriptures John 0. 297222222 "To Whom?" The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel. Thesaurus Cleverness (4 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality of being clever; skill; dexterity; adroitness. Multi-Version Concordance Cleverness (4 Occurrences). ... /c/cleverness.htm - 7k Cliff (11 Occurrences) Unscrupulous (2 Occurrences) Waves (43 Occurrences) Ingenuity (1 Occurrence) Resemble (15 Occurrences) Device (17 Occurrences) Mariners (7 Occurrences) Mislead (13 Occurrences) Babes (18 Occurrences) Resources What Greek gods are mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Satan think he could defeat God? | GotQuestions.org What is the purpose of the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Cleverness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cleverness (4 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 1:17 1 Corinthians 1:19 Ephesians 4:14 Isaiah 25:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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