Why did God give some people a higher IQ than He gave others?

Answer

Brainiacs. Geniuses. Individuals with high IQs can sometimes make us wonder why we weren’t chosen for brilliance. While some are splitting atoms, others are still trying to learn the alphabet. Why is there such a significant difference between the highly intelligent and those with learning disabilities? If IQ levels are something that God can bestow upon us, wouldn’t He prefer if we were all like Einsteins?

Apparently not. God does not assign value in the same way we do. In fact, God takes pleasure in confounding the brilliant and elevating the humble. First Corinthians 1 is quite surprising. Verse 19 states, “For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate’” cf: Isaiah 29:14. Then Paul goes on to explain why: “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe” «For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. », (1 Corinthians 1:21). In essence, understanding God does not solely depend on mental abilities. Being “smart” does not guarantee that a person will contemplate God. God has chosen to present His message of salvation in a simple way so that we must humble ourselves to receive it. Jesus said we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven «Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. », (Mark 10:15). Often, we need to set aside our preconceived notions to grasp deeper truths from God. Those with high intellect may struggle to accept by faith what cannot be fully understood by the mind.

First Corinthians 1:27&n

dash;29 says, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” Every human being is a unique creation, crafted in God’s workshop (Psalm 139:13-16). He designed us the way He wants us for His own purposes «for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: », (Colossians 1:16). Even our defects and flaws, part of living in a broken world, can bring Him great glory when we allow Him to live His life through us «I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. », (Galatians 2:20). Jesus said of a man born blind that God had allowed the blindness in order to bring about a higher purpose (John 9:1-3). The same can be said of those with lower intellect. Despite learning challenges, they may be equipped to bless the world, honor the Lord, and bear eternal fruit for God’s kingdom in ways not possible for someone with a higher IQ.

God distributes gifts as He sees fit, and anyone can serve the Lord. There are some tasks in this world that require a higher IQ than others, and God has wisely ensured those tasks get done. But our trust is never to be in man’s natural understanding, which can lead astray (Proverbs 3:5-6;28:26). The Bible cautions against the peril of pride that accompanies increased knowledge «Now concerning things offered to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. », (1 Corinthians 8:1). God is benevolent to all. While there are specific benefits linked to possessing a high IQ, there are other advantages—perhaps simpler, yet equally blessed—that individuals with a high IQ may never experience.

Life is not “fair.” Certain individuals face more challenges than others. Some are wealthier, more attractive, healthier, and more intelligent than others. However, God recognizes the potential He has instilled in each person and anticipates a yield on that investment (see the parable in Matthew 25:14-30). God understands what He has bestowed upon the brilliant and what He has given to the less intellectually gifted. The one who utilizes everything God has provided for His glory is the wisest. Intelligence quotient plays a minor role in grasping spiritual truths, and ultimately, knowing God and following His path are the only things of significance.