Truth, Wisdom, Instruction, and Understanding

This morning as I continue my study of the word “father” I am led to Proverbs 23. As usual, God had plans for me and my learning this morning. Too often I go into something expecting one thing and receiving something entirely different.

“²³Buy truth, and do not sell it;

buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.”

— Proverbs 23:23 (ESV)

Where yes, if you look at the verses before and after the above, there are the references to “father”, I also see that which is in the one verse above, and that is truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

It is not a coincidence that Solomon asked for wisdom from God and not riches. It is too often that we go looking for the quick “fix” to what seems to be working against us. I know that I just want things to be over as opposed to understanding them. Yet, God, our Father, is glad in us when we are wise.

“²⁴The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;

he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.”

— Proverbs 23:24 (ESV)

And it is more than just wisdom that we should be seeking. It is truth and instruction and understanding as well.

I pay attention to politics for the purpose of understanding what is there and what is coming. In doing so, I have to spend a lot of time sifting through the deception, half-truths, and outright lies that are presented. It does not matter the side of the aisle you are on, there is plenty of it to go through. And yet, there are those who are allowing themselves to be duped as they accept what they are told and do not seek with wisdom for the truth and understanding. They are averse to the instruction as it is easier and faster just to take everything at the word of those speaking.

Our Father wants us to seek the truth with wisdom through instruction to gain understanding. When we do, we are blessed with discernment and can then act according to God’s plan.

What are you accepting from others? Are you allowing others to dictate what you know? What if you were to seek truth using wisdom through instruction to gain understanding of God’s plan and how you might execute His plan?