Understanding
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and in all your getting, get understanding.
(Proverbs 4:7, NKJV)
Keeping up with the speed at which new information is released, is a tall order. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made the generation of new knowledge so fast that it is not humanly possible to keep up. With the help of search engines, one is able to get mirades of responses to any question posed. Areas like the medical field observe that when many people feel unwell or want to check a certain medical symptom, they do not now go to the medical practitioners but first check on the internet. This is helpful for a quick response, but it is also possible for one to be misled by the many responses and suggestions provided. Social media has also made it easy to learn different things from various sources of the world. There are many influencers who pose as experts in a given field and since their voices are so loud, one would be tempted to go with what has been presented as a fact or a truth without further verification, only to find down the line that this was not correct. We are clearly living in an era of information overload and the future will only get more complicated. This is where we ask ourselves whom we agree with or what information we choose to absorb.
Our reference verse calls us to consider wisdom as a principal ingredient of our lives. Wisdom will come from different aspects of learning and so the writer of proverbs highlights the place of understanding. This is not surface level understanding of a issue but it is the deep searching of a matter, which leads to foundational non-negotiable standing. We cannot be too lazy to seek out a matter which is of importance to us for if we do, we leave ourselves exposed to be led by the perceptions of others. The bible calls us to study to show ourselves approved before God, so that we are not ashamed in how we understand and implement His word (2 Timothy 2:15). It is our responsibility to gain understanding and to study so that we can stand on a solid grounding. God in His mercies has given men wisdom, but we cannot be ignorant of the fact that many have used the wisdom they possess for their own benefits and interest, at the expense of other human beings. Just like with the search engines, it is possible for one to end up confused about the path to take, if all he does is to listen to what others have done. Beloved, the God we serve is not one of confusion but He is the God of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). This is a clear indicator, that when we find ourselves confused from the variety of advice received, we need to go back to God who guides us in clarity and in peace. Let us also be cognizant of the fact that with the wisdom of men, we learn the language of political correctness as opposed to the will and the purposes of God, this could derail us from the path that God would have us follow in a given time. He promises to order our steps one at a time and we know His path is the correct one for us. In seeking understanding, we shall be pursuing the truth of God as applicable to our situation. We shall not be trusting ourselves but seeking His will for the immediate space that we have found ourselves in. When we seek Him, He crowns our heads with His grace and a crown of glory (Proverbs 4:8-9). Brethren, let us be seekers after our Father for it gives Him delight when we purpose to follow after Him in all decisions.
Thoughts:
What is your reflection of this blog?
How have you sought for understanding, God’s way?
What hinders diligent study of God’s truth in your life?