For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6).
The understanding takes the level of the things with which it becomes familiar. If all would make the Bible their study, we should see a people further developed, capable of thinking more deeply, and showing a greater degree of intelligence than the most earnest efforts in studying merely the sciences and histories of the world could make them. The Bible gives the true seeker an advanced mental discipline, and he comes from contemplation of divine things with his faculties enriched; self is humbled, while God and His revealed truth are exalted (1MCP 286.1).
Can reading the Bible truly make us smarter? As a school psychologist, I've written thousands of psychological evaluations to assess intelligence. Yet, those scores don't capture true intelligence, as they primarily measure academic knowledge. A study published in Cognitive Science (2017) found that engaging with complex religious texts, including the Bible, enhances verbal reasoning and abstract thinking. Another study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2019) found that children and adolescents who engaged with religious texts and prayer had better mental health, greater optimism, and stronger character development. Reading the Bible not only sharpens the mind but also fosters wisdom, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of human nature, morality, and purpose, which are key aspects of true intelligence. Ultimately, the Bible allows you to connect your mind with the mind of God.
-Dr. Dana
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