THE LIGHT OF UNDERSTANDING

So Philip ran to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said, “ Do you UNDERSTAND what you are reading?” – Acts 8:30

Learning is light. Knowledge is light. Understanding also is Light; it takes learning to acquire knowledge and to understand. Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding are actually dimensions of light that work together like a trinity: “For the LORD gives WISDOM: from His mouth come KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING” (Pro.2:6). Proverbs 24:3-4 says: “Through WISDOM is a house built; and by UNDERSTANDING it is established; by KNOWLEDGE the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” In addition to Wisdom and Knowledge, Solomon asked the LORD for an “UNDERSTANDING HEART” (1Kg.3:9). Knowledge provides information, understanding explains it. Understanding unravels the details behind knowledge. Wisdom reveals HOW to apply knowledge.

Daniel 1:17 says concerning the four Hebrew youth: “As for these four young men, God gave them KNOWLEDGE and skill in all literature and WISDOM; and Daniel had UNDERSTANDING in all visions and dreams.” Daniel was the wisest man in his time. He operated in the realms of distinction and excellence. He applied his heart to Understanding and became Outstanding. He testified in Daniel 9:2, “I Daniel UNDERSTOOD by books…” Daniel was a life-long learner, hence a man of unique understanding. None of the astrologers, Chaldeans, magicians, and soothsayers of Babylon could compare to him. Understanding kept him and delivered him from the way of evil (Pro.2:11-12).

Paul, the apostle, was a life-long learner, a man of understanding, a man of the Book and books. He instructed Timothy: “Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come – and the BOOKS, especially the parchments” (2Tim.4:13). The man who wrote about half or the New Testament was still carrying books and notes about. God gave Paul the light of wisdom, but he had to keep his mind active and alive by learning. That made him a man of understanding. Proverbs 4:7 says: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get WISDOM: and with all your getting, get UNDERSTANDING.”

The encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch impacted the latter with the Light of Understanding (Acts 8:30). His eyes were opened! This made the difference between reading for mere information and profitable understanding. Beloved, I echo Paul’s prayer for you, that “the eyes of your UNDERSTANDING” be enlightened…” (Eph.1:18a).