Are You "Stupid Intelligent"?

Published on 15 February 2025 at 18:03

You know the type. The one who's got all the knowledge—book smart, highly learned, whether you’ve got a degree or not. The friend everyone admires for your intelligence and brilliance. People turn to you for advice, and you're quick to dish out solutions that sound practical, logical, and solid. It works for everyone else, but... not so much for you.

You might have the kind of wisdom that can solve someone else's problems, but when it comes to your own life, things just don’t quite seem to click. You find yourself making poor decisions, struggling with relationships, or dealing with financial issues despite knowing exactly how to manage other people's stuff. The disconnect can be baffling.

What’s going on here? Are you just "stupid intelligent"?

It might sound a bit strange but hear me out. The kind of intelligence I’m talking about isn’t about memorizing facts or passing exams. It’s the kind that works in theory—perfectly fine when someone else is in the hot seat. But when it comes to applying that same brilliance to your own life, it falls short. You have the knowledge, the smarts, the plans, but something’s missing.

As Christians, we know that wisdom is more than just knowing facts. It’s applying knowledge in a way that honors God, serves others, and leads to a life that reflects His grace. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” That’s the key difference here. You can be book smart all day long, but if you’re not trusting in God’s guidance, that knowledge might not lead to the results you're hoping for.

You might be thinking, “I get what you’re saying, but I’ve always trusted my brain. I’ve always relied on my intellect.” And that’s fine. God gave you that intelligence for a reason! But here’s the thing . . . when we rely too much on our own understanding, we miss out on the deeper wisdom God offers. Wisdom that guides us through difficult decisions. Wisdom that helps us build strong, meaningful relationships. Wisdom that teaches us to be good stewards of what we have, whether it’s finances, time, or relationships.

True intelligence, the kind that aligns with God’s will, requires humility.

It’s knowing that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn. And it’s recognizing that God's wisdom transcends our own. So, instead of depending on your own brilliance alone, why not start submitting your decisions to God? Ask for His guidance, His wisdom, and His discernment.

You see, "stupid intelligent" isn't a set state. It’s a challenge to move past surface-level wisdom and dive into a deeper understanding—one that acknowledges your own limits and seeks God’s wisdom above all. God promises to guide you, and when you trust in Him, even the areas where you’ve felt like you’ve failed or stumbled can be turned around.

So, if you’ve been feeling like your intelligence is more of a hindrance than a help lately, maybe it's time to take a step back. Reflect on how you can bring God into your decision-making. Stop relying only on your own understanding and start embracing the wisdom He freely offers.

The smartest decision you could make today might just be to stop leaning on your own intellect and start trusting in God's direction for your life. After all, James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

You may be "stupid intelligent," but with God’s wisdom, you can transform that intelligence into something truly powerful and practical.

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