“The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15 AMP
Words to the wise for such a time as this! The verse opens with “the mind of the prudent.” We don’t often hear the word prudent today, but it is worth the moment to stop and investigate! The Hebrew word used here is the word meaning to “hear or apprehend information; to have knowledge that is effectively implemented; to look closely at some piece of information; to see with the eyes and have perception and judgement about what is seen.” It is referring to the ability to evaluate a piece of information, understand its meaning and then apply it to practice. In other words, to respond appropriately to wht has been evaluated! We see this as the request made by King Solomon.
“So now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of David my father; and as for me, I am but a little boy in wisdom and experience]; I do not know how to go out or come in [that is, how to conduct business as a king]. 8Your servant is among Your people whom You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. 9So give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart [with which] to judge Your people, so that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge and rule this great people of Yours?”
1 Kings 3:7-9 AMP
Notice that the first step in the process is acknowledging that one is unable on their own to have understanding without first acknowledging that fact! This is the king of a country saying, “I am but a little boy!” WOW, such humility. But remember the premise of the book of Proverbs?
“The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.”
Proverbs 1:7 AMP
Having this kind of wisdom is what allows one to teach and share knowledge about a given subject. The problem comes when man seeks to understand the issues outside of the light of God’s purpose! Remember what the book of John said about the coming of Christ?
“There it was–the true Light [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone. 10He (Christ) was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.”
John 1:9 AMP
“And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).”
John 1:14 AMP
It was as though the world was shouting “turn off the light! We don’t we to see what is really going on!” And so it goes today! Man is running with his fingers in his ears and blinders on his eyes denying the very reality of what is right before him: he is a sinner in need of salvation! Notice though the prudent man “always” acquires knowledge of the truth! The word acquires means to “purchase at any cost.” The cost today is man’s pride, the gain his eternal soul which is more valuable than all the riches and pleasures this world can give!
Those that are prudent never think that they have “acquired all of the truth” but will forever be driven to understand and adhere to the ways of God! That man will see it as his obligation in service to God to know the truth that will set him and others free from the snares of the enemy. Those that prudently seek knowledge shall certainly get knowledge, for God never said to such, “seek in vain,” but “seek and you shall find!” The knowledge that we receive must then be transported out of our heads into our hearts, so it becomes the reality of who we are and how we live! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken