Podcast Summary: The Wake-Up Call – "Don't Trust People Who Tout Their Own Wisdom"

Host: John David Walt (J.D. Walt)
Date: January 26, 2026
Theme: True Wisdom, Humility, and "Jesus Intelligence" vs. Artificial Intelligence

Episode Overview

In this episode, J.D. Walt explores the theme of wisdom from a biblical perspective, focusing on Proverbs 26:12: “Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” The conversation centers on the hidden nature of real wisdom, why pride is wisdom’s enemy, the subtle dangers of artificial intelligence, and how true discernment is about being possessed by Christ—the very wisdom of God—rather than simply attaining head knowledge.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Reflections & Context (00:06–03:30)

• J.D. Walt sets a welcoming, down-to-earth tone, discussing the importance of starting each day centered on Jesus.
• Announces the final chapters of Proverbs, upcoming Lent journey, and encourages listeners to journal and reflect during these seasons.

Quote:
“The plan is to win the day. And we do it by winning the morning. And we win the morning by meeting with Jesus.” (01:25)

2. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 26:12 (03:31–04:18)

• Reads and focuses on: “Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
• Emphasizes that self-assured wisdom is criticized in Scripture—true wisdom isn’t self-congratulatory.

3. The Hiddenness of True Wisdom (04:19–06:47)

• Wisdom is hidden—even from those who have it:
  “One of the hallmarks of wisdom is the way its possession is hidden from its bearer… If you think you’re a wise person, the chances are you aren’t.” (04:35)
• Explains humility’s role: not thinking less of oneself but thinking about oneself less.
• A person convinced of their own wisdom is worse off than a fool.

4. Wisdom: Possession vs. Possession by (06:48–07:39)

• Raises the provocative question: “What if we don’t possess wisdom? What if wisdom possesses us?” (06:55)
• The ultimate aim: Not to become wise for its own sake, but to belong to Jesus—“the wisdom of God.”

5. Prayer for True Wisdom (07:40–08:14)

• Prays for wisdom not as something to own, but as a gift and shaping presence from Christ and the Holy Spirit:
  “Teach us to seek wisdom not that we may possess it, but that we might be possessed by the person of your Holy Spirit. Shape our minds by the mind of Christ.” (07:52)

6. Journal Prompts for Personal Reflection (08:15–08:55)

• Prompts listeners to wrestle with questions about pride, humility, and wisdom:
  • Do you know people wise in their own eyes?
  • How do you avoid becoming wise in your own eyes?
  • How do you seek wisdom without fixating on your own attainment?

7. James 1: True Humility, Faith, and Wisdom (08:56–12:30)

• Discusses James 1, where those who lack wisdom are told to ask God, believing without doubt.
• Warns about the danger of thinking one already has wisdom.
• Humble faith in God’s generosity is a requirement:
  “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God… and believe and it will flow. You will begin to move in the mind of God—that’s the intelligence of Jesus.” (11:15)

8. The Concern with Artificial Intelligence (AI) vs. Jesus Intelligence (JI) (12:31–15:56)

• Digs into the nature of AI, describing it as “fake intelligence”:
  “What does artificial mean? It means fake. It’s fake intelligence, right? AI is not intelligence, it’s information… It’s not really smart, it’s fake intelligence.” (13:02)
• Expresses concern for overdependence on AI, especially among youth, fearing it will shortcut the personal growth process:
  “The greatest concern I have about AI is it just gives you the answers... When you don’t do the work… you’ll be the losers in that. Because we will not have walked the way.” (15:15)
• Encourages pursuit of “Jesus Intelligence” (JI) through active relationship with Christ.
• Warns that true wisdom develops through the journey, the “walking and working.”

9. Final Encouragement & Worship (16:18–19:11)

• Invites listeners into simple, heartfelt worship (“Spirit of the Living God… Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me”).
• Encourages listeners to “move in JI—Jesus Intelligence, the wisdom of God.” (19:04)

10. Looking Ahead: Ephesians Study (19:12–21:24)

• Shares future plans: after Lent, a verse-by-verse study through Ephesians (“Unpuzzled” series).
• Invites listeners to connect, prepare, and possibly gather with others for this new study.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Wisdom’s Hiddenness:
  “If you think you’re a wise person, chances are, you aren’t.” — J.D. Walt (04:40)

• On Belonging to Wisdom:
  “What if wisdom possesses us? Maybe that’s the big deception, that we can somehow possess wisdom.” — J.D. Walt (06:55)

• On Humility and Faith:
  “You’re to be humble in the sight of the Lord. And part of being humble… is actually saying, you know what? I don’t have wisdom, so I’m going to ask God for it and then I’m going to believe He’s going to give it.” — J.D. Walt (10:48)

• On AI vs. JI:
  “We don’t need AI; we need JI—Jesus Intelligence. That’s what wisdom is.” — J.D. Walt (14:05)

• On the Dangers of Instant Answers:
  “When you don’t do the work… we will not have walked the way… and the wisdom comes in walking and working. That’s where it comes from.” — J.D. Walt (15:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening reflections and intro: 00:06–03:30
• Scripture reading (Proverbs 26:12): 03:31–04:18
• The hiddenness of wisdom: 04:19–06:47
• Prayer: 07:40–08:14
• Journal questions: 08:15–08:55
• James 1 wisdom reflection: 08:56–12:30
• AI vs. wisdom, “Jesus Intelligence": 12:31–15:56
• Worship / singing: 16:18–19:11
• Ephesians study preview & wrap-up: 19:12–21:24

Conclusion

J.D. Walt calls listeners to reject self-congratulation and superficial wisdom in favor of humility, faith, and daily dependence on Jesus—the personification of true wisdom. He warns against shortcuts (including AI) that bypass personal growth and urges all to seek and be shaped by “Jesus Intelligence.” The episode closes with worship and a hopeful look toward future community study in Ephesians.

For further engagement:

• Reflect on your own attitudes toward wisdom and learning
• Consider journaling your responses to the reflection questions
• Look for the upcoming study resources on Ephesians post-Easter