Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:1-6 NIV)

I really like verse 6...the first part says God GIVES us wisdom. It is a gift from God! The Bible is full of passages, Proverbs especially, and it even instructs us on what to do if we don't have wisdom...if we lack wisdom, James 1:5 says,

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5 NIV)"

we have to ask for it. The second part of verse 6 says that knowledge and understanding come from God's mouth. We know that Scripture is God's Word so in order to gain knowledge and understanding, we have to read/get into His Word.

The definition of WISDOM is "the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight."

So in order to be wise, one has to be knowledgeable and understanding. If God gives the gift of wisdom but we don't seek out knowledge and understanding we can't truly be wise. The verses above say to "look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure". How many of us can say we actually do that?

Here is another verse that encourages us to be in God's Word consistently..."Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (Joshua 1:8 NLT)". This verse is very convicting to me. I struggle with staying in God's Word on a consistent basis. Hopefully this new found realization that by doing so I will gain better knowledge and understanding of who God is will be the motivation I need to increase my time with God in His Word!

Does anything in the verses above stick out to you?

Hebrews 6:10-12

> God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love
> you have shown him as you have helped his people and
> continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same
> diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
> We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who
> through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
>
> Hebrews 6:10-12

Ephesians 5:2-4

> And live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave
> himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to
> God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual
> immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because
> these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there
> be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out
> of place, but rather thanksgiving.
>
> Ephesians 5:2-4

Philippians 4:11-13

Below are some beautiful and challenging verses! What spiritual and mental toughness Paul had developed through his life! Lord help me be content!

Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

See it at YouVersion.com:

http://bible.us/111/php.4.11.niv

God Bless...

Jon Abercrombie

http://holybloggers.blogspot.com