The Reward of Seeking Understanding

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.” Proverbs 2:6-8 NLT

The patient pursuit of anything can be a challenge. This especially applies to our faith and knowledge of the Lord and our understanding of life. Some don’t even try. Some simply “give up.” Others in their frustration just take an adversarial position. They just dismiss what they can’t easily grasp.

Solomon’s counsel is to, “…concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.” (Proverbs 2:2-4 NLT) 

Wisdom and understand don’t come naturally. They require focused attention; concerted thought and contemplation. The thoughts and reason of man, does not give insight into understanding the ways of the Lord.

Solomon concludes his ramblings and reflections in Ecclesiastes with this summary,“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NLT)

In Proverbs, he says the end result of diligently seeking wisdom, insight and understanding is, Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:5 NLT)

We must involve ourselves in the continual pursuit of understanding the Lord, His ways and life. Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” (Mathew 11:29 NIV) Peter wrote, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV)

Solomon reminds us that true wisdom and understanding comes from God. It is not a byproduct of human intellect or what seems to “make sense” to our minds. It involves our mind and heart. The emphatic statements is, “the Lord grants wisdom.”

We see the other “rewards” of seeking wisdom and understanding that come from the Lord. He gives, “common sense” to the humble. In my years of political service the frustration of many was that fact that “common sense isn’t very common.” An attitude of humility; being open to what is contrary of our “way” and our “thoughts” is critical.

When we live in the fear of the Lord, He becomes a “shield” to those who live with integrity. You could say, the lack of integrity puts you, “on your own” – vulnerable to the attacks, accusations and barbs of others.

Finally, the Lord guards and protects. He keeps us on the “right” path and protects those who are faithful to Him. I believe at times that protection is from the harm we do to ourselves when we fail to rely on the Lord’s wisdom and “lean to our own understanding.”

At times understanding comes in the, “aha moments.” After sometime of confusion and frustration it begins to sink in. The reward of that, is seen in these words, For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.” (Proverbs 2:10 NLT)

Prayer for today… Lord, give us the patience and the anticipation of continually seeking You and learning from You. We recognize our inadequacy, but we can rely on Your infinite knowledge and truth to guide and protect us in this world.