The concept of being "smart" in the Bible is often associated with wisdom, understanding, and discernment rather than mere intellectual ability. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of wisdom that comes from God, which is considered superior to human intelligence or cleverness.

Wisdom and Understanding

The Bible frequently highlights the value of wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." This verse underscores the priority of seeking wisdom, which is often equated with being truly "smart" in a biblical sense. Wisdom in the Bible is not just about knowledge but involves the application of knowledge in a way that aligns with God's will.

The Source of True Wisdom

True wisdom is portrayed as a gift from God. James 1:5 encourages believers, "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This passage suggests that being "smart" in a biblical context involves seeking divine guidance and understanding, rather than relying solely on human intellect.

Discernment and Prudence

Discernment is another aspect of biblical smartness. Philippians 1:9-10 says, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and profound insight, so that you can discern what is best, that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." Discernment involves the ability to judge well and make decisions that reflect God's truth and righteousness.

The Fear of the Lord

The fear of the Lord is foundational to biblical wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This reverence for God is the starting point for true wisdom and understanding, suggesting that being "smart" involves a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

Worldly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom

The Bible distinguishes between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. 1 Corinthians 3:19 states, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.'" This verse highlights that what the world considers smart or wise may be contrary to God's wisdom. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom that aligns with God's truth rather than conforming to worldly standards.

Examples of Biblical Figures

Several biblical figures exemplify true wisdom. Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, which he received from God. In 1 Kings 3:9 , Solomon asks, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." His request for wisdom to govern justly is a model of seeking divine insight.

Daniel is another example, known for his ability to interpret dreams and solve complex problems through God's wisdom. Daniel 1:17 notes, "To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and wisdom. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds."

Practical Application

The Bible encourages believers to apply wisdom in their daily lives. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This exhortation calls for a life characterized by wise decision-making and prudent living, reflecting a smartness that is rooted in God's wisdom.1. (v. i.) To feel a lively, pungent local pain; -- said of some part of the body as the seat of irritation; as, my finger smarts; these wounds smart.

2. (v. i.) To feel a pungent pain of mind; to feel sharp pain or grief; to suffer; to feel the sting of evil.

3. (v. t.) To cause a smart in.

4. (v. i.) Quick, pungent, lively pain; a pricking local pain, as the pain from puncture by nettles.

5. (v. i.) Severe, pungent pain of mind; pungent grief; as, the smart of affliction.

6. (n.) A fellow who affects smartness, briskness, and vivacity; a dandy.

7. (v. i.) Smart money (see below).

8. (v. i.) Causing a smart; pungent; pricking; as, a smart stroke or taste.

9. (v. i.) Keen; severe; poignant; as, smart pain.

10. (v. i.) Vigorous; sharp; severe.

11. (v. i.) Accomplishing, or able to accomplish, results quickly; active; sharp; clever.

12. (v. i.) Efficient; vigorous; brilliant.

13. (v. i.) Marked by acuteness or shrewdness; quick in suggestion or reply; vivacious; witty; as, a smart reply; a smart saying.

14. (v. i.) Pretentious; showy; spruce; as, a smart gown.

15. (v. i.) Brisk; fresh; as, a smart breeze.

5429. phronimos -- practically wise, sensible
... which controls key body functions ) -- properly, "how we size things up," reflecting
our personal ("visceral") opinions, ie what we consider "savvy" (smart). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5429.htm - 8k

524. apalgeo -- to cease to feel pain for
... to become callous, apathetic. From apo and algeo (to smart); to grieve out, ie Become
apathetic -- be past feeling. see GREEK apo. (apelgekotes) -- 1 Occurrence ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/524.htm - 6k

7321. rua -- to raise a shout, give a blast
... blow an alarm, cry alarm, aloud, out, destroy, make a joyful noise, smart,
shout for joy,. A primitive root; to mar (especially by ...
/hebrew/7321.htm - 6k

On Smart Novelists and the Smart Set
... XV. On Smart Novelists and the Smart Set. In one sense, at any rate, it is
more valuable to read bad literature than good literature. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xv on smart novelists and.htm

CM Smart. Prayer for Wisdom.
... I. PUBLIC WORSHIP. 37. CM Smart. Prayer for Wisdom. 1 Father of light!
conduct our feet Through life's dark, dangerous road; Let ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/37 c m smart prayer.htm

Hymns of Praise and Worship.
... as is known, of the responsive chant actually sung by Ambrose, but one of the best
modern choral renderings of the "Te Deum" is the one by Henry Smart in his ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter i hymns of praise.htm

The Races --A Letter
... poor, affect English races; or help pronouncing them, if physiognomy be any test
of character, the most degraded beings, even some of those smart-dressed men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xv the racesa letter.htm

Good Friday. Evening. But God Commended his Love Toward Us, in ...
... O Love, who mid the keenest smart. Of dying pangs wert still the same; ... Hast
bound me ever to Thy side; Oh let the weary ache, the smart,. ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/good friday evening but god.htm

Songs of the Cross under a Heavy Private Cross or Bereavement.
... Whose goodness hath no end; I know this cross with all its smart. Thy hand alone
doth send! ... If Thou canst send such bitter smart. And yet no anger know? ...
/.../lyra germanica second series the christian life/songs of the cross under.htm

The Highest Seeks the Lowest.
... What heart that would not long to bear. Some grief or smart for Thee? ... What heart
so cold it would not bear. Some pain and smart for Thee? ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the highest seeks the lowest.htm

Easter Even 167. O Paradise, O Paradise
... 8.6.8.6.6.6.6.6 [625]Paradise (Barnby): Joseph Barnby, 1866. [626]Paradise (Smart):
Henry Smart, 1868. Refrain. Frederick W. Faber, 1862; Alt. ...
/.../easter even 167 o paradise.htm

Brightly Gleams Our Banner
... Brightly gleams our banner. 6.5., 12 lines [2078]Sion: Henry Smart, 1872.
[2079]Vexillum: Henry Smart, 1868. Refrain. Thomas J. Potter, 1860. ...
/.../processionals 529 brightly gleams our.htm

The Barley Field on Fire
... If other men's barley-fields are not burned, ours will be. If the Father uses the
rod nowhere else, he will surely make his true children smart. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the barley field on fire.htm

Smart (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To feel a lively, pungent local pain; -- said of some part of the body as
the seat of irritation; as, my finger smarts; these wounds smart. ...
/s/smart.htm - 8k

Anger (387 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) Trouble; vexation; also, physical pain or smart
of a sore, etc. ... 3. (vt) To make painful; to cause to smart; to inflame. ...
/a/anger.htm - 54k

Smash (8 Occurrences)

/s/smash.htm - 8k

Pain (172 Occurrences)
... to extreme distress or torture, proceeding from a derangement of functions, disease,
or injury by violence; bodily distress; bodily suffering; an ache; a smart...
/p/pain.htm - 43k

Picked (43 Occurrences)
... 4. (a.) Carefully selected; chosen; as, picked men. 5. (a.) Fine; spruce; smart;
precise; dainty. Multi-Version Concordance Picked (43 Occurrences). ...
/p/picked.htm - 18k

Bitter (203 Occurrences)
... medicine; bitter as aloes. 3. (vt) Causing pain or smart; piercing; painful;
sharp; severe; as, a bitter cold day. 4. (vt) Causing, or ...
/b/bitter.htm - 42k

Suretyship (1 Occurrence)
... Suretyship (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall
smart for it; But he that hateth suretyship is secure. (ASV DBY YLT RSV). ...
/s/suretyship.htm - 6k

Smaragdus (1 Occurrence)

/s/smaragdus.htm - 6k

Suretiship (1 Occurrence)
... Suretiship (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall
smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure. (KJV WBS). ...
/s/suretiship.htm - 6k

Security (41 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; but
he that hateth them that strike hands is secure. (See NIV). ...
/s/security.htm - 19k

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