Lean not on your own understanding

👤Rachel

Proverbs 3: 5 is one of the most well-known and well-quoted scriptures:” Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”.
Sometimes God does require us to blindly trust him in situations we do not understand.
However the writer of this proverb tells us to not lean on our own understanding. Instead we should lean on an understanding that comes from God. This God-given understanding is referred to throughout the Old Testament wisdom scriptures and comes from the Hebrew word ‘biynah’ which can also be translated as insight or discernment. Another example, Proverbs 16:16 urges us to “get wisdom – how much better it is than gold! And get understanding – it is preferable to silver” (CSB).

Daniel was repeatedly described as a man of exceptional understanding, not of his own, but given by God. Daniel actively sought God’s understanding through humility and prayer (Dan. 10:12).
This understanding enabled Daniel to know God’s will, but also ‘why’ it was God’s will. God revealed to Daniel his perspective and heart regarding people and situations. Knowing this enabled Daniel to repeatedly act with great wisdom and integrity. God’s understanding even saved Daniel’s live.  
God-given understanding is referred to also in the New Testament. For example Paul prays for the church in Colossae that they may be filled with “the knowledge of his (God’s) will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives….”

I make it a point to ask God for his understanding, his insight, his heart and his perspective on situations and people, recognising that my understanding and perspective is often flawed or plain wrong.

Jesus said in Matthew chapter 23 that God’s understanding will save our life too. In this chapter he refers to the God-given ability to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God. Jesus said that some people completely lack this God-given understanding and this has dangerous consequences.

As individuals and as a church it is wise to be praying for God’s understanding, especially as we face perplexing or difficult situations as Daniel did. This will enable us to also act with wisdom and integrity. If we lean on our own understanding it is likely to lead us away from God’s will. Daniel said, “there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (Dan. 2:28). I have found God is often delighted to reveal His mysteries and understanding to those who humbly ask. Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1: 9 is a great place to start.