Proverbs 2:11. discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,
Yesterday we learned about how God guards us by giving us discretion. Today we will talk about discretion’s friend, understanding.
What is understanding? Understanding is the ability to choose the better of two things. Understanding doesn’t just ask “What CAN I do?” It asks, “What SHOULD I do?” Understanding can see two choices and decide which one is the best choice to make.
Often our knowledge of good and evil, our conscience, or God’s moral law answers these questions for us. One option is clearly evil while the other is clearly good. God’s commandment expressly forbids something, so forsaking it is a no brainer for the Christian. Lie to get ahead or tell the truth? Lend your lawnmower to the neighbor or selfishly withhold it? Bully your employees or respect them? Such choices should be easy because we know what God is like (gracious, kind, caring), and the fear of the Lord causes us to desire to be like him.
But many of life’s choices are much more difficult. They require advanced understanding to guard us. We know what is good, but often it is difficult to know what is the BEST way to do something. For example, we know we should be generous and give to help the needy, but what is the best way to do this? Or, we know we should reconcile with others, but what is the best way to reconcile with someone who is still untrustworthy?
Like we said yesterday, God’s wisdom isn’t magic. Nor is understanding something that we gain simply by getting older. Understanding comes only when we ask questions, talk through our choices, seek the word, and seek the Lord.
Even Christ in us doesn’t magically grant us wisdom and understanding. If that were the case, then no Christian would ever do anything foolish or harmful. And we know that’s not happening. But Christ in us does provide understanding for us, the understanding of the cross, the indwelling crucified life. The cross of Christ grants us understanding because it is a living demonstration of the best way to live. It is wisdom on display. The cross shows us both God’s love and our sinfulness. Understanding both of these things in every situation will gradually makes us wise. Remembering that people are both sinful but also loved by God helps us know not only what is good for others, but also the BEST way to help them.
You: Do you tend to only be guided by morality (right and wrong) without understanding what is best? Can you think of a situation of your life that requires such understanding?
You in Christ: Your position in Christ isn’t just good, it is best! How does trusting this position allow you to be guarded by Christ as you pursue wisdom in all the various situations of your life.
Crist in you: Think about your situation above. How do the two truths of the cross 1) We are sinful, and 2) We are loved, give you understanding in this situation?
Pray: Father, the cross of Jesus helps me understand our sin and your grace. Let these two truths guide me into what is best for others. Amen.
To Live is Christ 