Common sense is defined as sound practical judgment derived from experience rather than study. It refers to the basic ability to perceive, understand, and judge things, which is shared by nearly all people and can reasonably be expected of nearly all people without any need for debate. The Bible does not explicitly mention “common sense” but it does address many aspects of practical wisdom and discernment that relate to this concept.
The Bible promotes wisdom, discernment and prudence
There are many verses in Scripture that promote the use of wisdom, discernment and prudence – qualities associated with common sense. For example:
“The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.” (Proverbs 10:14)
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)
“Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:7)
“The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.” (Proverbs 14:8)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)
These verses indicate that God values careful thought, discernment, discretion and wisdom. Developing these qualities leads to success and prosperity, while lacking them leads to harm and ruin. The Bible promotes using one’s faculties of judgment, perception and reason.
The Bible warns against foolishness
In contrast to wisdom, the Bible repeatedly warns against foolishness, lack of sense and judgment. For example:
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15)
“Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.” (Proverbs 26:11)
“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” (Proverbs 28:26)
“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.” (Proverbs 14:1)
These verses indicate that foolishness leads to harm, lack of discipline, and destruction. The Bible advocates against foolishness and encourages learning from one’s mistakes and gaining wisdom.
The Bible values careful planning and thinking
The Bible has many examples that demonstrate the value of planning, foresight and careful consideration – all aspects of common sense. For example:
“Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.” (Proverbs 24:27)
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28)
These verses promote thoughtful planning and assessing a situation before embarking on a course of action. Careful thinking is presented as wise and prudent.
The Bible promotes learning from consequences
The Bible shows how experiencing consequences can instill wisdom and common sense. For example:
“Blows and wounds scrub away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.” (Proverbs 20:30)
“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” (Psalm 119:71)
These verses indicate that undergoing trials can refine one’s character and instill wisdom. Learning from consequences instead of repeating mistakes demonstrates acquiring common sense.
The Bible values skepticism and testing
The Bible advocates healthy skepticism instead of blind acceptance. It encourages testing and scrutinizing instead of simply believing whatever you are told. For example:
“The naïve believes everything, but the sensible man considers his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)
“Test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
These verses promote using reason and discernment instead of blindly trusting. The Bible values skepticism, testing, and questioning – aspects of common sense.
The Bible teaches moderation and self-control
The Bible advocates living wisely through moderation and self-control instead of living to excess. For example:
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.” (Proverbs 23:20)
“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 27:12)
These verses indicate that overindulgence leads to lack of restraint and wisdom. Moderation and self-control are marks of common sense.
The Bible encourages learning from wise mentors
The Bible provides many examples of seeking out and learning from wise teachers and mentors. For example:
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” (Proverbs 19:20)
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” (Proverbs 1:8)
These verses indicate that wisdom can be attained by humbly learning from those wiser than oneself. Seeking guidance from seasoned mentors is portrayed as sensible.
The Bible values practical life experience
The Bible depicts gaining life experience and learning skills as valuable over merely studying theoretical knowledge. For example:
“Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 23:12)
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” (Proverbs 14:23)
These verses indicate that simply gaining head knowledge without real understanding and experience leads to folly. The Bible endorses practical engagement to gain wisdom.
The Bible promotes humility and correction
The Bible advocates maintaining humility and accepting correction from others. For example:
“Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.” (Proverbs 9:8)
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” (Proverbs 19:20)
These verses indicate that only a humble person willing to accept feedback can become truly wise. Arrogance and an unteachable spirit are shown as foolishness.
The Bible values evidence and eyewitnesses
The Bible promotes the use of evidence and eyewitness testimony in determining truth and reaching reasoned conclusions. For example:
“Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.” (Exodus 23:1)
“A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (Deuteronomy 19:15)
These principles require factual evidence and discourage false or hearsay claims. The Bible endorses evidence-based reasoning.
The Bible teaches learning from history
The Bible provides detailed historical accounts so that readers can learn from the experiences of those who came before them. For example:
“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us.” (1 Corinthians 10:11)
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction.” (Romans 15:4)
These verses indicate the importance of studying history to gain wisdom and avoid folly. Learning from the past demonstrates common sense.
In summary, while the Bible does not specifically mention “common sense,” it is filled with principles that align closely with this concept. Scripture promotes practical wisdom, careful discernment, moderation, humility, evidence-based reasoning and learning from experience, mentors and history – all aspects of common sense. The Bible warns against foolishness and advocates developing understanding, perception and sound judgment. For the Christian desiring to gain more common sense, the Bible provides abundant wisdom and guidance.