Is it insulting?

I've always been called "hard-working" at work, but never been called smart. In fact, a professor actually said jokingly that I tend to not use my brains. And implied that I'm not very bright.
I wonder then if being hardworking makes it a joke if I'm not smart enough.

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Queendragonfly · 31-35, F

I think it depends who says it. From the professor it was clearly an insult. But I know many including me who complement people by saying they are a hard worker. To me it means you care about your job and you take responsibility and are ambitious and not afraid of challenges.