Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; 2 For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.3 When I was my father’s son, Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, 4 He also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. 5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:1-7 (NKJV)
I was studying this scripture in preparation for a small group bible study recently and began to ask God the question, “What constitutes understanding?” I believe this can mean different things to different people. As I was asking, God answered me by saying, “Understanding is application.”
Wow. I just stood there for a minute. The proof of understanding is application. I cannot claim to have understanding of God’s Word if I don’t walk it out.
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
James 2:14-18 (NKJV)
This scripture agrees that our understanding of God’s Word is contingent on our application. We can’t just say we know God’s Word… we have to live it. New understanding means new application. If God’s Word is alive and active, so should our understanding be!
Go shine the light of Jesus on people today. Share you understanding with the world around you!