Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil.
Intelligence is a great asset when used wisely. It can also become a huge liability when spiritual wisdom does not guide our intelligence. This is because God knows the future, and His wisdom is far superior to our intelligence.
Take a moment to introspect… Don’t we willingly accept God’s wisdom in all areas except a few?
Humility of Wisdom vs Pride of Intelligence
Peter met the Lord Jesus after a tiring and unproductive night at sea. Yet, when Jesus told him to drop his net, he didn’t think twice. His reward was a catch so abundant that his nets began to give way.
It was easy for Peter to humble himself and obey the Lord, though he had more intelligence and experience in fishing.
Much later, the Lord asked the disciples who they thought He was. Peter said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” – Matthew 16:16
It was an answer saturated with spiritual wisdom! The Lord Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Though the Lord Jesus made it clear that spiritual wisdom revealed this to him, Peter probably heard only the latter portion of the verse and believed that it was his intelligence that was commended.
A few verses later, when Jesus explained His mission on earth, i.e., His imminent death, Peter took Him aside and rebuked Him, “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” – Matthew 16:22
Immediately Jesus said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me.”
How did Peter go from being the only disciple to recognize the Messiah to being the one who was influenced to hamper the Messiah’s mission?
Sometimes we are like Peter. We let God’s wisdom rule most areas of our lives. But not all. And in doing so, we give satan a foothold in our lives.
Today, can we surrender our lives completely to God and let His wisdom guide our intelligence?
