Get Wisdom, Get Understanding

Proverbs 4:5 says "Get wisdom, get understanding"

What do these words mean and how do I get wisdom and understanding?

First of all, let's look at the definitions of these three words:

Get means to receive, possess, to go after and take hold
Wisdom means knowledge of what is true and right, coupled with judgment and discernment.

Understanding means mental process of a person who comprehends, enlightened intelligence, superior power of discernment. 

So to put all those words together, we must go after, take hold and receive this knowledge of what is true and right and comprehend with the power of discernment. 

So if now I understand the definitions of these words, how to I "get" this wisdom and understanding?

1.  Ask and Seek It
 The bible states in James 1:5 "If any man lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously for all".  So to get wisdom, we must seek  and ask God for it.  In verse Proverbs 4:7, it says we should get wisdom though it cost all we have, get understanding.  We must seek for wisdom though it cost us everything.  In Proverbs 8:10 we must "choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than gold".  We must ask and seek for the wisdom that comes from God. 

2.  Listen to God's Instructions
In Proverbs 1:1, the bible says for us to "Listen to my father's instructions, pay attention and gain understanding.  In verse 2, it states that He (God) will give sound learning.  In verse 20, we must "listen closely" to God's words.  In Proverbs 1:5, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning."  In Proverbs 8:6 "Listen for I have worthy things to say, I open my lips to speak what is right.  My mouth speaks what is true. 

So we see in these scriptures that "God will instruct us and teach us with His words".  We are to listen closely as God's talks to us for what He is teaching is right and true.  While He is speaking to us, the scripture says in Proverbs 2:10 "Wisdom will enter your heart.  Discretion with protect you and Understanding will guard you. " 

These scriptures assure us that God will teach us and He will speak to us. We will hear His voice because He will speak to us and speak what is true and right. 

3.   Take hold with all my heart
We must hold on to the instructions that God gives us and not forsake it.  We must allow the words to go deep into our hearts, guard it and not forget it.  We must "pay attention".  In Prov 1:2, the scripture says "do not forsake my teaching". verse 4 says "Lay hold of my words with all your heart".  verse 5 say "do not forget my words"   His word also tells us as we take hold of this wisdom that God will guide in the way of wisdom and lead" (v11).  In verse 13, we are to "Hold on to instruction, guard it well".  V21 "Keep them within my heart". 

These scriptures tell us that God will teach us and He will speak words of wisdom to our hearts and we must take hold of these words because they are "true and right".  His words are words of truth.  In a world where there are many that speak lies and try to deceive, we know that God's instructions of true and full of life.  We know that God will lead us and guide us. 

May we today ask God for wisdom, listen to His voice of instruction and keep those words in our hearts and guard them well. 

Trusting in God during difficult times

Jeremiah 17:7:  "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is." 


Where do you turn when difficult times come?  When life seems hard and your heart and soul cries within.... turn your heart toward God and trust him. 


Pour out your heart to God:
Pour out your heart, your tears, your heartache to the Lord.  Allow God to soothe your pain and heartache.  Allow God to place his arms of love around you and comfort you and bring you peace.  When all else fails you, when others despise you and go against you, trust in the Lord.  He is in control of all things and He sees our tears and hears our prayers.  Even though we do not understand, you must trust that God.  He knows all and he knows every circumstance of our lives.

Seek Him:
Seek the Lord as stated in Psalm 9:10 " And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee; for thou, Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee"   When difficulties of life overtake us, just seek the Lord.  Fall before him and seek Him and His righteousness.  He is always available when we seek Him with all our heart. 

TRUST HIM:
When you have poured out your heart and have sought Him with your whole heart... when you have done all you can do... just trust and put your hope in Him. 

2 Samuel 22:31 and Psalm 18:30: "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried; he is a buckler to all them that trust him".  What is a buckler?  A buckler is a shield, protection, support, defend.  When we realize that God is our defender, our protection and our support, then we can look beyond our difficult times and trust him to defend us against all our enemies.  We know that God has his "grip" on us and will defend us against all enemies and those who wish to destroy us.  We can rest assured that He is with us always and will never leave us or forsake us.

Praise to our Lord Jesus that protects us and holds us close to Him through all the difficulties of life.