“Your wisdom grows as you stay humble and teachable.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 7, 2026
For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
I received a heartfelt message from a young man who calls me his mentor (though I learn just as much, if not more, from him). I love his energy and his teachable, grateful attitude: “Wanted to give you an update as your prayers for me must be working! I had a great night’s sleep and a productive conversation with my wife about our home renovation idea. Also, got some good news on investors interested in our business opportunities. My time by the river with God yesterday morning helped me reconnect with my Creator and Savior. It was much needed. Just wanted you to know that our lunch conversation was really uplifting and encouraging for me in a time of need.” What a special reminder of how a little listening and encouragement can help. But what was most meaningful was the young man’s heart in seeking wisdom from the Lord.
The source of true wisdom is God. He specializes in helping you do the right thing in the right way. Gaining His wisdom is a progression. It begins with knowledge. Knowledge is raw data; it is the facts as we know them. Knowledge is the beginning. It is first base. Knowledge alone breeds pride. This is the educated fool. Knowledge must be paired with understanding to be used properly. Understanding is the “why” and the “what” behind knowledge. It is the context. Pure understanding requires gathering different perspectives, married with prayer and meditation. Understanding helps you with the “when”, “where”, and “how” of applying wisdom. Wisdom is God’s perspective. It is the best possible course of action. Wisdom keeps you focused on God and His best. It is through wisdom that you build a life worth living!
“Lean not on your own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5).
Understanding is the bridge between knowledge and wisdom. It enables you to relate to God and people, communicate more effectively, and serve them better. It helps you ask the right questions and provide solutions to real problems. However, in most situations, understanding takes time. If you rush it, you can easily draw the wrong conclusions. Understanding begins with learning to listen to God and gain His perspective. When you listen to and learn from God, you are on the road to understanding. Without His understanding, solutions are temporary at best and misapplied at worst. You learn to listen to God by quietly meditating on His Word. Over time, His Word is grafted into your being. Your understanding begins to align with His, and then you are truly walking a life of wisdom!
John Calvin, the respected pastor and leader of the 1500s, offers this insight into wisdom: “Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.”
Understanding involves listening. Listening to God and to people. Listening to people requires tremendous focus, attention, and compassion. The temptation is to draw conclusions before you fully understand the individual. It is important to ask clarifying questions. The ability to listen means you are truly unselfish, seeking to understand the other’s hurts, struggles, and accomplishments. Your body language alone communicates the care of a listening heart. Learning is as important as listening. Learning means you are becoming a student of an individual’s personality, temperament, and motivations. You are teachable. You want to learn. As you better understand the person, you better understand what they mean and why they are saying it. Your wisdom grows as you stay humble and teachable.
“The fear of the Lord — that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant me wisdom from above. Teach me to listen to Your Word, to Your Spirit, to others. Pair my knowledge with understanding, and bend my heart toward Your perspective. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Before speaking today, ask one clarifying question and listen fully. Open Scripture, meditate slowly, invite God’s perspective. Pause before deciding; pray, ponder, then act on heaven’s wisdom, not impulse.
Related Reading
Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 119:130; Colossians 2:2-3; James 1:5, 3:17
Worship Resource
Getty Music: Speak O Lord
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