(Nuggets from Proverbs 1:5)
"The wise also will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain sound counsel so that he may be able to steer his course rightly."
WISDOM IS INTERDEPENDENT.
Like a tripod, there are two other legs that are essential to make the tripod complete, giving you BALANCE, STABILITY and CONFIDENCE as an individual.
The three legs of this TRIPOD you must not neglect in life are:
1). Knowledge
2). Understanding
3). Wisdom
1). KNOWLEDGE, the first leg is receiving and HAVING THE RIGHT ANSWERS AFTER ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS.
Knowledge asks the question - WHAT?
Knowledge is the EXPOSITION that transitions you from IGNORANCE to UNDERSTANDING.
It's like suddenly discovering and turning on a switch after being in darkness for too long due to IGNORANCE.
Knowledge is like COLLECTING PIECES OF A PUZZLE; but it is not enough to have the pieces of a puzzle when you can't decipher what to do with the pieces.
This is where UNDERSTANDING comes in.
2). UNDERSTANDING, the second leg, is to GRASP, MAKE A MEANING OUT OF SOMETHING, and having FULL AWARENESS of something.
UNDERSTANDING asks the question - WHY?
Things don't just happen; for every CAUSE, there is an EFFECT and for every EFFECT, there is a CAUSE.
Understanding is PUTTING THE PIECES OF PUZZLE TOGETHER in a bid to see the final picture.
3). WISDOM is HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.
The Advanced English dictionary defines WISDOM as THE ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, UNDERSTANDING, COMMON SENSE and INSIGHT.
Knowing something and understanding it without applying it in your daily life is a waste of time and effort.
Wisdom is the right application of knowledge and understanding. It asks the question - HOW?
TRUE WISDOM cannot be exhibited without DEEP COMPREHENSION, and UNDERSTANDING is not complete without WISE ACTION.
Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom in our context today are in line with HEARING, LISTENING TO or READING GOD'S WORD.
Proverbs 4:7 says:
"The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation)."
If you lack this TREASURE called WISDOM, no worries at all.
James 1:5 has got you covered:
"If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him."
KNOWLEDGE of God's word is the FOUNDATION, which entails GATHERING FACTS and INFORMATION about God.
UNDERSTANDING God's word is HAVING INSIGHT, HAVING YOUR EYES OF UNDERSTANDING ENLIGHTENED, GRASPING the meaning and principles of God's word and God's ways.
WISDOM is when you APPLY that understanding CORRECTLY and EFFECTIVELY, using God's word (the Scriptures) as a compass to guide you MORALLY, SPIRITUALLY, EMOTIONALLY, MENTALLY, in your BUSINESS, CAREER, VOCATION and ALL FACETS of your life.
You can have KNOWLEDGE (FACTS) but lack UNDERSTANDING (INSIGHT), and you can also have UNDERSTANDING but lack WISDOM (APPLICATION).
WISDOM can be acquired when you seek counsel from God's word, and not lean on your own Understanding which is limited.
LET THE WISE LISTEN...
This phrase emphasizes the importance of humility and openness in the pursuit of wisdom. In biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep understanding rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). Listening is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the need for receptivity to God's word and guidance (James 1:19). The wise are those who recognize their need for continual growth and are willing to learn from others, including God’s revelation through Scripture and the counsel of godly individuals.
...AND GAIN INSTRUCTION
Instruction in the biblical sense often involves correction and discipline, as seen in Proverbs 3:11-12, where the Lord's discipline is described as an expression of His love. The Hebrew word for instruction can also imply training or teaching, suggesting a process of growth and development. Gaining instruction is an active process, requiring effort and a willingness to be shaped by God's truth.
...AND THE DISCERNING ACQUIRE WISE COUNSEL
Discernment is the ability to judge well, a quality highly valued in Scripture (1 Kings 3:9). It involves understanding and insight, enabling one to navigate complex situations with GODLY WISDOM. Wise counsel refers to advice that aligns with God's principles and purposes. In the historical context, kings and leaders often sought counsel from prophets and wise men (2 Samuel 16:23). This phrase underscores the importance of seeking guidance from those who are spiritually mature and grounded in biblical truth, reflecting the communal aspect of wisdom in the biblical narrative.
WHY IS LISTENING IMPORTANT?
True wisdom begins with the willingness to listen. Even those who are wise must remain teachable and open to new insights.
Listening helps you Grow Continuously in Wisdom.
Wisdom is not a static achievement but a lifelong journey. The wise and discerning are encouraged to continually seek instruction and counsel.
Listening provides you with Wise Counsel.
Surrounding oneself with wise advisors is crucial. The discerning should actively seek out and value the input of those who are knowledgeable and godly.
Listening makes you Humble enough to learn.
A humble heart is essential for gaining wisdom. Recognizing that there is always more to learn is a mark of true wisdom.
Listening helps you to APPLY WISDOM ARIGHT.
Wisdom should lead to practical application in daily life. It is not merely theoretical but should influence decisions and actions.
• Wisdom is not a finish line; it is a lifelong pursuit. Even those already called “wise” are urged to keep their ears open. Proverbs 9:9 echoes, “Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still,” showing that growth is expected, not optional.
• Listening precedes learning. James 1:19 reminds believers to be “quick to listen,” underscoring that teachability is the doorway to further insight. Proud ears stay shut; humble ears stay open.
• The “instruction” being offered here is God-given, reliable, and meant for shaping character. 2 Timothy 3:16 describes Scripture as “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness,” so every time the wise person listens to God’s Word—or to a godly teacher—more Christlike maturity is within reach.
• Refusing instruction withdraws the Lord’s care. Proverbs 10:17 warns that whoever ignores correction “leads others astray,” proving that teachability blesses not only oneself but everyone influenced by one’s life.
Always Keep your Bible open daily and your notebook ready. Expecting God to speak cultivates attentive ears.
Invite feedback from trusted believers (Hebrews 13:17); the Spirit often speaks through them.
Measure every voice against Scripture (Acts 17:11) so that what is learned is truth, not trend.
• Discernment recognizes need. It is the insightful person who consciously gathers “wise counsel,” acknowledging that nobody sees every angle. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
• “Acquire” signals INTENTIONAL PURSUIT. Wisdom is rarely stumbled upon; it is sought. Consider the Bereans in Acts 17:11 who examined the Scriptures daily to verify Paul’s teaching; showing active, persistent investigation.
• Counsel must be “wise,” not merely plentiful. Rehoboam collected advice in 1 Kings 12, but because he favored unwise voices, the kingdom split. Proverbs 12:15 contrasts the fool who trusts his own heart with the wise man who “listens to counsel.”
• Scripture provides the ultimate counsel. Psalm 119:24 declares, “Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.” God’s Word stands as the measuring stick for every other opinion.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Build relationships with mature believers whose lives display biblical fruit (Proverbs 13:20).
Pray before big decisions, then weigh input against clear scriptural principles (Psalm 32:8).
Remain humble enough to shift course when godly counsel and Scripture point another direction.
Proverbs 1:5 invites everyone already walking in wisdom to keep their hearts teachable, their ears open, and their hands ready to reach for trustworthy guidance. Growth in GODLINESS flourishes where humble listening and careful counsel-gathering are practiced under the steady light of God’s unchanging Word.
To harness TRUE WISDOM, need to KNOW GOD EXPERIENTIALLY by UNDERSTANDING His principles and ways; that way, He will guide your ACTIONS, ORDER YOUR STEPS and PATTERN YOUR LIFE according to His PERFECT WILL.
KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING and WISDOM are DEEPLY INTERTWINED, MUTUALLY DEPENDENT and INSEPARABLE; SEEK ALL, AND HAVE ALL.
This is HOLINESS CHALLENGE
DAY 341 OF 365 🔥
📹 KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING AND WISDOM: THE INSEPARABLE TRIO
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