3 Ways Not to Be Stupid According to the Bible

We pray for all kinds of things in our lives—healing, strength in temptation, help with children—but have you ever asked God to help you not be stupid?

When the Bible talks about stupidity, it’s not merely addressing book-smarts or street-smarts, I.Q. or knowing lots of information about a lot of things. You can be really smart and still be super stupid. Knowing the superfluidity factors of quantum mechanics pales in comparison to knowing how to live wisely before the Lord.

When God is addressing our stupidity, he’s talking about our lack of wisdom—a kink in our walking in holiness before the Lord.

I don’t want to be stupid. I’m sure you don’t either. Here are three areas where the Lord points out common stupidities to avoid. And with the omni-wise Jesus leading our lives, stupidity can be in our past.

1. Avoid Stupidity by Not Hating Correction from Others

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1 CSB)

Stupid people aren’t the ones being corrected; it’s the ones who hate being corrected. Pride and stupidity are the Tweedledee and Tweedledum of our lives. They love to travel together, play off of each other, and clog up your life. Do you hate when your spouse corrects you? Your boss? A friend? Hear the word of the Lord.

“Father, humble me. Help me to hear from my friends, family, and others in my life. I know I’m still being made more like Jesus. Help me, Spirit.”

2. Avoid Stupidity by Trusting God and Not Watering Bitterness

“When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded, I was stupid and didn’t understand; I was an unthinking animal toward you.” (Psalms 73:21-22 CSB)

If we think we know what should happen in our lives, and think God doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing—we are at the lowest low of stupidity. If you aren’t careful, you may start acting like that chicken in Moana.

“Holy Father, help me to trust you in this situation. I don’t pretend to know everything going on, but I know you do. Jesus, you always submitted to the Father, and you did that for me. Help me, Lord.”

3. Avoid Stupidity by Remembering Eternity

“A stupid person does not know, a fool does not understand this: though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be eternally destroyed.” (Psalms 92:6-7 CSB)

If we, who know the promise of eternity, want to trade the eternal treasures and joy of the risen Christ for the glimmering gravel of today—we’ve put on the dunce cap.

“Lord, help me to not love the things of this world more than you and what you offer me. Keep me content. Keep me looking forward to the future reward more the temporary pleasures of sin.”

Lord, just, help me not be stupid. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jeff Medders is Lead Pastor of Redeemer Church and the author of Rooted: Theology for Growing Christians and Gospel Formed: Living a Grace-Addicted, Truth-Filled, Jesus-Exalting Life. You can read more about Jeff on his blog, jamedders.com.

Originally published on jamedders.com. Used with permission.