Get Wisdom, And While You're At It, Get Understanding
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Get Wisdom, And While You're At It, Get Understanding

A wise man that lacks understanding is not worth much good.

137
Get Wisdom, And While You're At It, Get Understanding
Micah Gray

Proverbs 4:7 says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and then, get understanding."

As I read this, I wondered why there was such emphasis on these two virtues. Wisdom and understanding. What's the big deal? And what kind of wisdom does God speak of?

When one thinks of being wise, they will perhaps imagine an old man with a long, white beard - something like that of Gandolf or Professor Dumbledore. Is that really the kind of wisdom God wants for us? I don't believe so.

Many times, when wisdom is mentioned in the Bible, it is contrasted with foolishness (Prov. 1:7, 1 Cor. 1:20, Prov. 14:1). Foolishness is defined as, "a lack of good sense or judgement", thus if we are called to be wise, we are warned to avoid being foolish. To have a good sense and judgement. That is the kind of wisdom God wants for us.

The beginning of Proverbs 4 paints us a better picture of wisdom. It speaks of a father's instruction to his child, to which he warns, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live."

As children, we are taught many principles and values from our parents; likewise, we have been taught how to live from God's word. Wisdom, then, is the knowledge of the principles we have been taught - the knowledge of what is right, and conversely, what is wrong.

We know this. Not only through His word, but also from the tug of our hearts. We know the warmth of goodness and also, the discomfort of doing wrong. That is wisdom. And if we have such wisdom, such knowledge of what is right as well as the consequences of doing wrong, why then, do we choose foolishness and forget wisdom?

The answer to that question is simple: a wise man that lacks understanding is not worth much good. That's the central message of Proverbs 4:7. Get wisdom and after you do, get understanding. So what exactly is "understanding?"

I believe that it's knowing how and when to use wisdom. It's the knowledge that Satan is always in full attack mode, waiting to tempt you with your favorite sins. It's understanding that he knows about your wisdom; he is not unaware of your knowledge of what is right and wrong, but he simply just doesn't care.

He wants you to forget and if he can't get you to forget your values and principles, he'll make sure you have no clue how to apply them. That's the game he plays. And if you let him, he'll win like he has many times before.

I was listening to a podcast by Levi Lusko this past week and he said that when it comes to sin, it's not about what you think is right and wrong, "it's about who is in the driver's seat of your life." And i'm telling you, if you don't understand Satan's desire to attack you at all costs, he will slip his way into the driver's seat and steer you as far from God as he can.

But it's not just the driver seat that's in danger. Likewise, who's in the passenger seat? Satan can work just as well riding shotgun. He'll let you take the driver's seat, but you're only in control until he starts playing copilot. Turn here. Go straight. Speed up.

If you're not careful, he just may become your GPS. Why? Because he wants to control you, and that's where biblical 'understanding' comes in. He has a plan and you've got to grasp that. Your insight to his schemes is the only way your wisdom becomes useful.

But you live and you learn, right? Not quite. Rather, learn and then live. You know what's right, so cling to it. Besides, only a fool could despise wisdom.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48099
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30530
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954481
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

174202
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments