“Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them.” (Proverbs 18:15 NLT)

Although we may not say this to others, we all want to be considered intelligent. If we think others consider us to be intelligent it helps our self-esteem and it might help us get better jobs. We certainly don’t want to be consider unintelligent, we then become the subject of ridicule. In fact, one of the worst insults you can make is to tell a person that they are “dumb” or “stupid.” Those words are always very discouraging and demeaning.

Proverbs 18:15 states that “intelligent people are always open to and looking for new ideas." In other words, intelligent individuals are not only open to change and new ideas presented by other people, they are constantly looking for opportunities for change, and are constantly seeking new forms of input and insight from others.

“How do you typically respond when others share new ideas that can help you personally, help other individuals, or help groups corporately?” Many people are open to new ideas from others, but many others are resistant to new ideas. People often resist new ideas because those ideas brings “change” and many people don’t like “change”. In fact, the older we get the less likely we are to experience change in our lives. People also resist new ideas because their insecurities don't allow them to admit that others can have better ideas than they have. Another reason people resist new ideas from others is because we simply don’t like those individuals. Seldom, however, should our dislike of other’s personalities keep us from appreciating their insight or opinions. The Bible teaches that one of the ways we hear from God as He speaks to us is through others (Proverbs 15:22). I have discovered that God can speak to me even through the most dysfunctional individuals. Therefore, we should always be open to receiving “new ideas” from others.

So. . . trying to be intelligent. . . what new ideas would you like to share with me today?