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Seek First to Understand

Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing their opinion.

—Proverbs 18:2

Some people never tire of sharing their opinion on the topic of the day, whether anyone asked them for it or not.

Wisdom doesn’t care so much about opinions. Wisdom always seeks first to understand. Understanding something is a layered process. You can understand the first layer, but once you’ve peeled it off, somewhat like an onion skin, and gone to the next layer, you may have to start again to grasp the deeper concept. God designed us to strive to understand one another. He wanted us to dig in and work for a clearer meaning to things.

Intellect may help, but intelligence doesn’t necessarily bring true understanding to the table. We must seek understanding like thirsty explorers, hoping to come upon nuggets of truth that we simply couldn’t see before even if they were right in front of us.

For a person of faith, understanding is a treasure to be sought after, precious in all that it brings.

Keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus for greater understanding.

QUIET THE WAVES

Lord, I do seek to understand more of you today and to be more closely attuned to others as I go about my work. I ask you to help me offer an attitude of understanding more than an ungrounded opinion. Amen.