Common sense used to be, well… common. It meant understanding the obvious, making sound decisions, and having a practical grip on everyday life. You didn’t need a college degree or a panel of experts to tell you not to spend more than you earn, to raise your children with discipline and love, or to respect your neighbor. It was the kind of plain, everyday wisdom that built strong families, decent communities, and a nation worth living in.
Nido Qubein, president of High Point University once said the problem with common sense is it's not so common anymore. Somewhere along the way, we lost it. Common sense has been replaced with confusion, noise, and foolishness dressed up as progress. It’s time we bring it back—and the Bible has a lot to say about how we do that.
What Is Common Sense?
At its core, common sense is sound judgment rooted in simple perception of the facts. It’s knowing not to touch a hot stove, to work if you want to eat, and to tell the truth even when it’s hard. It’s not about being book smart—it’s about being life smart. It’s about understanding that actions have consequences, and living accordingly.
It’s what most of our grandparents had in spades. They knew right from wrong without needing a thousand-page manual or a social media poll. They understood responsibility, respect, and reality.
What Does the Bible Say About Common Sense?
The Bible might not use the phrase common sense in every translation, but it’s full of it. In fact, the Bible calls it prudence, understanding, and wisdom.
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Proverbs 3:21-23 (NLT) says,
"My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble."
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Proverbs 8:5 calls out:
“You who are foolish, understand wisdom! You who are senseless, develop a heart of understanding!”
God’s Word links common sense with wisdom over and over again. They go hand-in-hand. Wisdom isn’t just lofty thinking—it’s the daily application of God’s truth to life’s decisions.
Common Sense and Godly Wisdom: A Needed Partnership
Here’s the thing: common sense without godly wisdom can still go astray. People can do what seems “sensible” to them but still end up morally bankrupt. That’s why the Bible teaches that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). In other words, if your sense doesn’t start with God, it’s not fully grounded.
When we tie our common sense to biblical wisdom, it becomes more than just practical—it becomes righteous. It helps us:
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Raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4),
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Treat others with honesty and integrity (Proverbs 11:3),
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Work hard and provide for our families (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12),
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Stay away from sin and foolishness (Proverbs 14:16).
Time to Bring It Back
This blog exists because we believe common sense matters. We believe that people are hungry for truth that makes sense, works in real life, and honors God. We believe that what once was common is now counter-cultural—and we’re okay with that. It's time to reclaim the plain truths that made homes stronger, churches healthier, and communities more grounded.
Let’s be people who don’t just talk about wisdom—we live it out. Let’s open God’s Word, learn His ways, and bring back the kind of common sense that never should’ve gone out of style.
Love to hear your comments. Tell us what you think.
