From My Perspective - - -

There is considerable discussion regarding intelligence and how a person achieves it. One must ponder whether or not Intelligence is synonymous with Wisdom or Knowledge. If not, then the distinctions and determinations must be made regarding why they are dissimilar. Another consideration would be on the ground that wisdom and/or knowledge can and will impact one’s intelligence and comprehensive skills. The Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test score was obtained by dividing the mental age – which reflects the age-graded level of performance as derived from population norms – by the chronological age and multiplying by 100. The conclusion drawn was a score of 100 indicates a performance at exactly the normal level for a designated age group. A conclusion drawn is the following: “IQ scores reflect general capacity for performing intellectual tasks, such as solving verbal and mathematical problems. The average IQ score is 100.  The standard deviation of IQ scores is 15.  So, this means: 50% of people have IQ scores between 90 and 110; 2.5% of people are very superior in intelligence (over 130 – Albert Einstein scored 160); 2.5% of people are mentally deficient/impaired/ retarded (under 70); 0.5% of people are near genius or genius (over 140). 

This is an old discussion. There was this proposition – “An Intelligence Quotient Test Does Not Measure Intelligence” by Alfred Binet - made in 1905. Alfred Binet, a French psychologist who had designed one of the first such tests in 1905 stated this opinion. He used the test to see which pupils would need special help with the school curriculum. He believed that the test scales were not able to measure intelligence: “The scale, properly speaking, does not permit the measure of intelligence, because intellectual qualities are not super-imposable, and therefore cannot be measured as linear surfaces are measured. He argued that with good education programs, most students could catch up and perform quite well in school. This was independent of the background of the pupil. He did not believe that intelligence was a measurable fixed entity.” He cautioned: “Some recent thinkers seem to have given their moral support to these deplorable verdicts by affirming that an individual's intelligence is a fixed quantity, a quantity that cannot be increased. We must protest and react against this brutal pessimism; we must try to demonstrate that it is founded on nothing…”

An obvious distinction that is made when one considers the spiritual approach alongside of the secular propositions. The Scriptures address “Intelligence” and illustrates it in places like the Book of Daniel where Daniel and his friends were selected for special position in Babylon because of their comprehensive skills. The requirement of King Nebuchadnezzar was – Daniel 1:4 – “young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.” There was also the display of intellectual acumen on the part of the Apostle Paul in his encounter with the Epicureans and Stoics – Acts 17:22-26 – “Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you…” He summarized in Acts 17:30-33, “these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world…He has given assurance of this to all by raising Jesus Christ from the dead…when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, We will hear you again on this matter….”

What is wisdom and how does one get it? In Proverbs 1:2-7, “To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth - Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Are you seeking to be Intelligent – or – to be a person of Wisdom? Only a fool would despise wisdom and instruction!  Consider these things with me!