You Probably Missed This

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In my article about Understanding - the Key to Producing Results, I pointed out the ONE INGREDIENT that changes non-productive soil into that which produces fruit.

That one ingredient?

Understanding

Now, maybe you knew that already. And perhaps it didn't surprise you that Jesus considered UNDERSTANDING to be the key - the difference-maker.

I was surprised, though.

And as I started looking into it, I realized this concept is mentioned throughout the Bible. But it was often obscured because of my perspective.

I'll give you an example.

Proverbs 2:1-5 NKJV

1. My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,

2. So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;

3. Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,

4. If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;

5. THEN you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.

We've been taught Proverbs is the book of wisdom, right?

The natural inclination when reading Proverbs is to look for WISDOM. But earlier in this email, I brought a change to your perspective. Armed with that new perspective, you SAW when UNDERSTANDING was mentioned. And you probably skimmed over the word, WISDOM.

A new perspective changes how you see things.

Now, notice verses 2 and 3. They END with a focus on the word UNDERSTANDING.

Because Proverbs is the "book of wisdom," you'll likely think verse 4 encourages you to seek WISDOM. But the subject of verse 4 is NOT wisdom. The subject of the verse is UNDERSTANDING.

So, then, we're told to

"Seek UNDERSTANDING as (you would seek for) silver. And search for UNDERSTANDING as (you would) for hidden treasures."

Here's another one:

Proverbs 4:7 NKJV

7. Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, GET UNDERSTANDING.

The grammatical structure leaves UNDERSTANDING as the subject of the following verses.

Proverbs 4:8-9 NKJV

8. Exalt her (UNDERSTANDING), and she will promote you;
She (UNDERSTANDING) will bring you honor when you embrace her.

9. She (UNDERSTANDING) will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she (UNDERSTANDING) will deliver to you.

Once you see this emphasis on UNDERSTANDING, you can't unsee it.

In some places, it's hidden (as in the above examples). In others, it's right out in the open.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own UNDERSTANDING;
- Proverbs 3:5 NKJV

Let my cry come before You, O Lord; Give me UNDERSTANDING according to Your word.
- Psalm 119:169 NKJV

The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives UNDERSTANDING to the simple.
- Psalm 119:130 (NKJV)

Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me UNDERSTANDING, that I may learn Your commandments.
- Psalm 119:73 (NKJV)

The apostle Paul saw this, too.

(I pray) the eyes of your UNDERSTANDING may be enlightened; that you may KNOW the hope of His calling, and the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
- Ephesians 1:18 NKJV

And before I SAW it in the scriptures, I stumbled on this concept when I prayed, "God, what am I missing?"

Do you see?

In essence, I was asking for UNDERSTANDING - the key ingredient that turns failure into success. The critical component that turns no results into an abundance of results.

King Solomon basically said, "Don't bother asking for silver, gold, and treasures. Ask for that which will automatically produce what you desire. Ask for UNDERSTANDING."

Jesus said, "I have the LIGHT (REVELATION, INSIGHT, and UNDERSTANDING) you need. I'm not trying to hide it from you. But if you stay outside, you won't benefit from what I know. It's available only to those who enter in."
- Luke 8:16 (my paraphrase)

Who enters in? Who will get the UNDERSTANDING they need?

The ones who come to Jesus and ASK.

Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.
- Matthew 7:7-8 AMPC

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.
- John 15:5 NIV

I urge you to seek UNDERSTANDING - not YOURS, but HIS.

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own UNDERSTANDING;
- Proverbs 3:5 NKJV

(I pray) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and REVELATION in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your UNDERSTANDING being ENLIGHTENED; that you may KNOW what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.
- Ephesians 1:17-19 NKJV

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (HIS METHODS AND WAYS OF DOING THINGS AND BEING RIGHT), and THEN all these things will be given to you.
- Matthew 6:33 AMPC

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