Are Bees Intelligent Planners?

1 Corinthians 2:7-8
“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Before we had detailed knowledge of the daily lives of many animals, it was easy for scientists to dismiss signs of animal intelligence as instinct. After all, to the evolutionist, intelligence can only evolve in the highest creatures – like humans.

In the last couple of decades, animal intelligence has become a busy field of study. Researchers are learning that animals can be just as intelligent as humans in their own area of specialization.

In one experiment, researchers moved a supply of sugar water 25 percent further away from a beehive each day. The bees quickly figured out what was going on and started anticipating where the sugar water would be the next day. In another experiment, researchers placed sugar water on a boat that was anchored in the middle of a small lake. When scouts returned to the hive to report their find, other bees refused to go with them, knowing that bees don’t find food in the middle of a lake. Scientists have concluded that bees think events through to see if they make sense.

Creationists know that intelligence did not evolve. It is a gift of the Creator who generously shared what was needed with each creature He created. We also know that intelligence is not what separates us from the animals. Only humans were made for an ongoing, intimate relationship with the Creator. That also means that each of us is responsible before our Maker. God has wisdom, not just intelligence, and He wants to share the wisdom of His forgiving love through Jesus Christ with us!

Prayer:
Dear Father, people are impressed with intelligence. Help me to be better able to communicate the wisdom of Your forgiving grace to us through Jesus Christ, which is far better than intelligence. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Notes:
“Do bees plan ahead intelligently?” Science News, v. 123, Apr. 23, 1983. p. 271.