Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 KJV

King Solomon was known as a very wise man and he penned these words, ‘with all thy getting get understanding.’ He articulated it so well, in all of our getting, get first understanding. Isn’t it interesting that the most important and the most valuable things in life are free. I can think of two of those free things instantly, that is grace and understanding. Grace, God’s unmerited favor is 100% free and understanding (wisdom) is free, yet, very few ever get it. We pursue and pay enormous amounts for things that are less important. Yet, the things that are life changing and free, we totally ignore it.

Understanding helps us to grow, to mature and live. Yet we throw it away without realizing that what we had is worth more than anything in life. Job says in 28:28, ‘The fear of the Lord is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding’ and King Solomon co-signs off on it in Proverbs 3:7(NIV) when he says ‘Do not be wise in our own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.’

King Solomon didn’t ask God for the riches of this world, no, he asked God for wisdom (understanding) that he may rule fairly to his people. Solomon was kingdom minded, and as a result of this, God gave him what he didn’t ask for, riches, honor and long life. Jesus himself co-signed this in Matthew 6:33 when he tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and everything else will be added on. If you want that house, that car, that husband, that job, become kingdom minded, get understanding-which is to shun evil and every thing will fall into place.

‘Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and yields better returns than gold.’ (Proverbs 3:13-14)NIV

Peace and Blessings, Dr. Arlene S. Chavis