Proverbs 1:2. To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,
Insight is a huge part of distinguishing knowledge from wisdom. Insight lets us understand not only what is happening but WHY it is happening. Relationally, sight lets you see what is happening on the outside of a person, but insight lets you see what is happening on the inside of a person. For example, if you see a person on the street corner asking for money you might simply see a poor person, but you don’t know why they’re poor. Or maybe you see another student on campus arguing with someone. Lacking insight, you are quick to just consider them a bully and stay away. But insight lets you think about WHY they are being so argumentative. What experiences have brought them to this place? Insight doesn’t just simply label people as good OR bad. Rather, insight is able to see both the good and the bad in people and in situations.
So how does a person gain insight?
Notice that Solomon calls it words of insight. Sight comes from seeing, but insight comes from listening. Relationally this means taking the time to listen to others and asking “why” questions that open up hearts and souls. But before we can do this with others we must gain insight into our own heart and soul. Listening to our own feelings, conversing with our own soul.
Of course all of this begins with the most important word of all – the Word of Christ. As Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” The Word of Christ, the gospel, is THE insight that we need into all things, including the heart and soul of God himself. When we look at the cross we see both the deep brokenness of man and the deeper love of God for man. The more we know this word of Christ, the word of the cross, the greater the insight we will have into why people do what they do, and how they can overcome anything through Christ in us.
In Christ: How does your position in Christ give you greater insight into the realities of life? Do you tend to tap into this insight, or just rely on what you physically see?
Christ in you: What situation do you need greater insight into? Who do you need to listen to today in order to gain that insight? Christ? Yourself? Others? How can Christ in you help you to listen?
Pray: Father, Christ’s cross reveals so much more than just what I see. Give me the insights of Christ in me. Help me to take the time to listen to others and care for them just like you care for me. Amen.
To Live is Christ 