A Verse
Proverbs 2:1-5
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
A Comment
As I read this passage on New Year’s day, I was struck by Solomon’s emphasis on applying our hearts to understanding. The Hebrew behind the word, “understanding,” refers to a “pragmatic insight” or “competence.” Another way of stating this is to say that understanding refers to “know how.” Thus, when Solomon speaks to his son about “applying his heart to understanding,” he is not simply speaking of “knowing” details, but “knowing” and “doing” according to the wisdom that he has been taught.
When I think about the New Year and the many resolutions and goals that Christians have as they begin anew each year, it is very typical to hear and see Christians who want to grow in their Bible reading. This, of course, is a wonderful goal. I encourage each of you to make plans to read more of God’s Word this year! But more than merely reading it, I want to encourage you, as Solomon did to his son, to “apply your heart to understanding” God’s Word. Don’t be satisfied with merely reading about God’s will. Apply it! Live by it! Demonstrate a “know how” of the things of God. It is far better to read and apply a smaller portion of God’s Word than to read more of it and not orient your life accordingly.
A Prayer
Join me in prayer over these truths…
A Blessing
The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Recommended Resources for Deeper Study
Helpful resources for Studying the Bible by Casey Hough
Apply Your Heart to Understanding