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.