Wisdom and understanding are often paired together in the scriptures, yet I have paid more attention to wisdom–gave it more star power. The word, itself seemed more tangible. Then I read Proverbs 3:19: “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens.” In the moment it took to read that simple verse, ‘understanding’ began to give me a guided tour of its nature.
In Isaiah 11:2, the Spirit of God is described as the ‘Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Three couplets–partnered in word and work. Wisdom and understanding must work together for us to have full access to all the Lord would impart.
When Jesus walked among us, He spoke only what He heard the Father saying. His lips formed wisdom…once more Wisdom was lifting her voice in the noisy streets and calling to the naive and the foolish to turn to reproof ( Proverbs 1:20-33). All could hear, but not all could understand. Indeed–understanding is a return to fluency.
Wisdom lures us to the veil between heaven and earth. Understanding is the portal.