The concept of acting or thinking "intelligently" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible using this specific term; however, the Scriptures provide numerous insights into the principles of wisdom, understanding, and discernment, which are closely related to the idea of intelligence. The Bible emphasizes the importance of using one's mind to seek truth, make wise decisions, and live a life that honors God.

Wisdom and Understanding

The Bible frequently associates intelligence with wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." This verse highlights the value placed on wisdom, which involves the intelligent application of knowledge and insight. Wisdom is portrayed as a divine gift that enables individuals to navigate life's complexities with discernment and prudence.

Discernment

Discernment is another aspect of intelligence emphasized in the Bible. In Philippians 1:9-10 , the Apostle Paul prays, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, in order to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." Here, discernment is linked to the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, and to make choices that align with God's will.

The Role of the Mind

The Bible encourages believers to use their minds actively and intelligently in their faith journey. Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves an intelligent engagement with God's Word and a thoughtful application of its truths to one's life.

The Fear of the Lord

A foundational aspect of biblical intelligence is the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This reverential awe and respect for God is the starting point for true wisdom and understanding, guiding individuals to live intelligently in accordance with divine principles.

Jesus as the Embodiment of Wisdom

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the embodiment of divine wisdom. Colossians 2:3 affirms, "In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Jesus' teachings and actions exemplify perfect intelligence, providing a model for believers to emulate in their pursuit of wisdom and understanding.

Practical Application

The Bible encourages believers to apply their intelligence in practical ways, such as in their speech, relationships, and decision-making. James 1:5 offers a promise for those seeking wisdom: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This verse underscores the availability of divine wisdom for those who seek it earnestly and humbly.

In summary, while the Bible may not use the term "intelligently" explicitly, it provides a rich framework for understanding and applying intelligence through the pursuit of wisdom, discernment, and the fear of the Lord. These principles guide believers to live thoughtfully and purposefully in alignment with God's will.(adv.) In an intelligent manner; with intelligence.3562. nounechos -- sensibly, discreetly
... reasonably, sensibly. Word Origin from nous and echo Definition sensibly,
discreetly NASB Word Usage intelligently (1). discreetly. Adverb ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3562.htm - 6k8085. shama -- to hear
... A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience,
etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.) -- X attentively, call (gather ...
/hebrew/8085.htm - 7k

Nor Let this Promise Seem to You Contrary to the Natural Structure ...
... Saviour Himself, and the conclusions of natural reason, confirm the truth of the
resurrection of our flesh;"if, I say, we have intelligently followed these ...
/.../47 nor let this promise.htm

At the Foot of the Bamboos
... difficulty. It requires years of close application. In Southern Fukien not
more than one man in a hundred can read intelligently. It ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/v at the foot of.htm

Description of the Gnostic's Life.
... Whence he bears intelligently what the Word intimates to him to be requisite and
necessary; intelligently discriminating what is really safe (that is, good ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xi description of the gnostics.htm

The Christian Man
... Vast and glorious as it is, the sun cannot think God's thoughts; can fulfill
but cannot intelligently sympathize with God's purposes. ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study iii the christian man.htm

Lessons from the Angelus
... not only becomes a mathematician, but a thorough man; if he attends to the instructions
that are given him in the class-room intelligently and conscientiously ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/a life for a life/lessons from the angelus.htm

Attributes of Love.
... to obey the law of the intellect rather than the impulses of the sensibility; that
to act virtuously we must act rationally, or intelligently, and not give ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xii attributes of love.htm

The Value of Life
... activities. He affirmed the humane instinct consciously and intelligently,
and raised it to the dignity of a social principle. This ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter i the value of.htm

Dionysius the Areopagite and the Alexandrine School.
... of Alexandria, writing to Tope Sixtus II., c.250, respecting the writings of Dionysius
the Areopagite, affirms "that no one can intelligently dispute their ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/dionysius the areopagite and the.htm

A Free Grace Promise
... need. In presenting true prayer to the true God you shall be delivered.
Moreover, the prayer should be intelligently presented. We ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/a free grace promise.htm

Introduction
... While it be true that a real mental effort (as well as a prayerful heart) is required
in order to grasp intelligently some of the finer distinctions which are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/1 introduction.htm

Intelligently (2 Occurrences)
...Intelligently (2 Occurrences). Mark 12:34 And Jesus, seeing that he had answered
intelligently, said to him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. ...
/i/intelligently.htm - 7k

Intelligent (47 Occurrences)

/i/intelligent.htm - 20k

Knowingly (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) With knowledge; in a knowing manner; intelligently;
consciously; deliberately; as, he would not knowingly offend. ...
/k/knowingly.htm - 7k

Geology
... GEOLOGY OF PALESTINE. je-ol'-o-ji, The geology of Palestine cannot be discussed
intelligently without taking into consideration the surrounding regions. ...
/g/geology.htm - 16k

Witty (1 Occurrence)
... "Wittingly" occurs in Genesis 48:14 (sakhal, "act intelligently"). Burton Scott
Easton. WITTY. See WIST, WITTY, WOT. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/w/witty.htm - 10k

Wist (13 Occurrences)
... "Wittingly" occurs in Genesis 48:14 (sakhal, "act intelligently"). Burton Scott
Easton. Multi-Version Concordance Wist (13 Occurrences). ...
/w/wist.htm - 14k

Wot (10 Occurrences)
... "Wittingly" occurs in Genesis 48:14 (sakhal, "act intelligently"). Burton Scott
Easton. WOT. See WIST; WITTY; WOT. Multi-Version Concordance Wot (10 Occurrences ...
/w/wot.htm - 13k

Intelligible (3 Occurrences)

/i/intelligible.htm - 7k

Brightly (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (adv.) Brilliantly; splendidly; with luster; as, brightly shining armor. 2.
(adv.) With lively intelligence; intelligently. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/b/brightly.htm - 7k

Agony (20 Occurrences)
... Redeemer came in Gethsemane. The moral issue of His atoning work was
intelligently and voluntarily met here. The Gospels exhaust ...
/a/agony.htm - 18k

What is missiology? | GotQuestions.org

What is the best evidence/argument for intelligent design? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian view environmentalism? | GotQuestions.org

Intelligently: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus