It’s easy to have wisdom interwoven with understanding and assumed to mean same thing. But do they really mean the same?

“And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”
Isaiah 11:2 NLT

While Isaiah 11:2 might look like 3 bundles/pairs of the functionality of the Spirit of the Lord, however, one thing is clear, and that is the fine delineation between the Spirit of wisdom, understanding and knowledge.

Has God ever asked you to undertake a project, start a business or ministry, embark on a journey? Now, can you remember Him providing you with clear details of every stage of that endeavor from the onset?

Do you sometimes feel like you don’t know what to do? Take a look at Proverbs 24:3-4, I love this portion of scripture…

“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.“
Proverbs 24:3‭-‬4 NKJV

Defining Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding

There are different definitions of wisdom; the right application of knowledge, knowing what is right or true, sensible thinking, etc.

The Bible provides somewhat different definition of wisdom…

“And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.”
Job 28:28 NLT

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 NKJV

Wisdom is to fear the Lord.

To fear the Lord is to reverence the Lord, to trust fully in the Lord, to hearken to the Lord.

Understanding is often explained as comprehension, insights, good judgement, awareness, discernment, etc.

From the Bible, we learn that understanding means to clearly delineate evil from good and to choose to embrace good. Understanding means discernment, clarity, gainful reflections.

Knowledge is acquired fact or information.

So, with knowledge, we gather information/facts, understanding helps us make sense of knowledge while wisdom helps us arrive at the right decision/action.

Usefulness of Wisdom and Understanding

“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.“
Proverbs 24:3‭-‬4 NKJV

We create things through wisdom and establish them through understanding.

God created all the beauties of earth and heaven through wisdom. Through understanding, He founded and established all His creations.

“By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens.“
Proverbs 3:19 NLT

“But the Lord made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens.
Jeremiah 10:12 NLT

Solomon amassed the most recorded wealth in the scriptures by operating in wisdom and understanding.

“God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore.“
1 Kings 4:29 NLT

“With your wisdom and understanding you have amassed great wealth— gold and silver for your treasuries.“
Ezekiel 28:4 NLT

A prosperous farmer is one that has understood the times and seasons and through wisdom takes the right actions.

“The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding.”
Isaiah 28:26 NLT

“Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.”
Ephesians 5:17 AMPC

Therefore while we can create things through the wisdom of God, understanding is what helps us bring them to tangibility.

We need knowledge, wisdom and understanding to create and amass wealth.

To be successful in life, knowledge, wisdom and understanding must work together.

Where to find Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding

“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding“
Proverbs 2:6 NKJV

“But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his.“
Job 12:13 NLT

“Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.“
Psalms 119:104 NLT

How to Get Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding

1. Understanding comes to us as insights when we listen and are perceptive.

Understanding comes from listening, by being perceptive, through reflective thinking, through discernment.

“To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.
Matthew 13:12 NLT

“Perceptive words spread knowledge; fools are hollow—there’s nothing to them.”
Proverbs 15:7 MSG

“Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.”
Proverbs 20:5 NLT

“Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.”
Proverbs 18:2 NLT

“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.”
Proverbs 17:27 NLT

2. Knowledge is in The Word of God.

“And here’s why: God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.”
Proverbs 2:6‭-‬8 MSG

3. Wisdom begins where the fear of the Lord rules however wisdom becomes fully expressed when we go back to God for understanding and knowledge.

Making Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding work for you.

If you ever feel like you do not know what next to do in what God has asked you to do, you need wisdom….. indeed, you’ll need more than wisdom to be successful.

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.“
Proverbs 4:7 KJV

Without understanding, wisdom is fruitless.

“Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.”
Proverbs 24:3‭-‬4 NKJV

We need understanding to gain knowledge, and we have to apply knowledge gained in order to act wisely.

Here is what I see in all of this; Listen to the Word of the Lord and draw understanding, then you will build knowledge (become knowledgeable) and when you apply gained knowledge, then you are operating in wisdom. That’s how to know what to do at every time ‘t’.

“A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.”
Proverbs 14:6 NLT

Listen. Understand. Know. Act.

This is the expected pathway to acting in wisdom. However, many times, this is not the common pathway God walks us through.

Now, back to that God-inspired project you embarked on….did God walk you through; listen to my word, gain understanding, know what I want you to do, then do it? …

Commonly, we find ourselves starting from Acting on a Godly counsel (instruction or directive), we hear God say ‘start this’ or ‘do that’ and we generally obey and follow.

We follow because we trust and reverence God. By doing so, we actually begin the walk towards wisdom…. the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom….

But then, in the middle of it all, we may seem lost unless we go back to; Listen, Understand, Know. I believe that it is when we go through this process that we are able to establish and bring to tangibility the things God spoke to our hearts.

“Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.“
Proverbs 24:3‭-‬4 NKJV

Whatever point you are at in that Godly mission, here’s a prayer to pray….

I thank You Father because I have wisdom, understanding and knowledge. I listen and draw from understanding and knowledge from You (Your Word and Spirit), so I say that I know what to do (in line with your plan and purpose). Success is inevitable and success will be my experience in Jesus Christ name. Amen!

Everything God asks us to do will 1. work for the furtherance of the gospel; improve people’s knowledge of God, 2. Be of benefit to other people.

We must understand how the world we live in works, we must find out how our Godly mission fits into the larger whole, and we must identify areas of impact God would have us make.

Wisdom to create. Understanding to found and establish. Knowledge to make it functional and fit for purpose.

Thank You Father ❤

“For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
I Peter 2:25 NKJV

“Like a good shepherd, he takes care of his people. He gathers them like lambs in his arms. He holds them close, while their mothers walk beside him.“
Isaiah 40:11 ERV

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
John 10:11‭, ‬14 NKJV

“Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
Psalms 121:4 NKJV

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.”
Psalms 23:1‭-‬3 ERV

“Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.“
Psalms 23:4 ERV

“The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.”
Psalms 121:6 NKJV

“You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies. You welcomed me as an honored guest. My cup is full and spilling over.“
Psalms 23:5 ERV

“Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house a long, long time.“
Psalms 23:6 ERV

I have a Good Shepherd. He is the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul. He never sleeps nor slumbers. He ensures that I have everything that I need. I am kept safe in Him. I am protected from the scorching sun, the moon provides me light in darkness.

Thank You Lord.

‘I BELIEVE’ is All Jesus ever looked for in order to heal (John 9:35, Mark 11:24, James 2:19, John 11:26, etc).

If 5 loaves of whole bread fed 5,000+ persons (with 12 baskets of fragments) and 7 loaves of whole bread fed 4,000 persons (with 7 baskets of fragments), how many persons will 1 loaf of whole bread feed?

While it may seem like our momentary subconscious negligence of the all-time workings of grace in us is a bad thing, we can actually rejoice with the realization that we are all-time champions

I have never seen a man more audacious and unconventional than Jesus Christ. With almost every encounter with the leaders and ‘teachers’ of His time, he appeared to intentionally pull down highly revered and enshrined traditions of his people. Little wonder the people stopped at nothing to eliminate him. His claim of being the Messiah didn’t even help matters. He neither looked nor acted like anything their imagination of a Messiah should be.

Jesus’s problem wasn’t with the people as much as it was with their disrespect for the law of God. He loved the people but not their acts. The people had become quite skilled in twisting and turning every part of the law to drive their personal ambitions. Worst still, they lived nothing like the law they so easily reeled out for others to follow and obey.

Truth was, Jesus didn’t come to earth to gain cheap popularity. He had a mission to accomplish. Upsetting existing man-made systems and traditions wasn’t a big deal for Him. He knew the people, probably more than they knew themselves. Explaining why he so easily thwarted every trick and stunts they tried to pull on Him.

Jesus was settled in His identity, mission and purpose. He knew that seeking a consensus or validation would ultimately deter Him from doing the unpopular things required to deliver on His mandate. Did the people think Jesus was arrogant and not humble? Your guess is as good as mine.

Do you want to accomplish your God-given purpose in God’s way? Stop seeking cheap popularity. And definitely, stop looking for validation from wrong quarters.

Be settled in your purpose, walk closely with the Holy Spirit, be full of faith, patience and endurance. And be vigilant to identify your God-sent helpers as well as agents on a contrary and opposing mission ❤

Friends, in the day of the Lord’s power, things, situations, circumstances, turn around for good

“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Colossians 1:27 NKJV

Every victory, manifestation, revealing or glory we experience (or will ever experience) as Christians happens because Christ is in us.

Christ is in us; so we have hope of glory, ….inevitable glory.

Therefore, since the assurance of glory/manifestation is Christ in Us, then we can always have victory when we function fully from the inside …from the Spirit. If the Spirit at work in you is the Spirit of Christ, then victory is assured.

What spirit is at work in you?

If you are a Child of God then rejoice because God ensured you have the winning spirit….the spirit of love, power and of a sound mind.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
II Timothy 1:7 NKJV

This new or recreated spirit in us is set up to win always through faith…

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
I John 5:4 NKJV

In addition to giving us a recreated spirit, God also anoints us with the Holy Spirit…the Exhibitor of the power of Christ. The Holy Spirit is none other but God Himself in us.

“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.”
I John 5:7 NKJV

So we have the spirit of love, power and a sound mind to win always through faith by operating in the Holy Spirit. Faith comes through the Word, impressed upon our hearts by the Spirit.

Sometimes when we read 1 John 4:4, we think of a great God in us, who has overcome the world (and every evil in it) ….on our behalf. Like a big brother thing…..That’s absolutely correct. But then, Christ won His victory several years ago, so that we can have victory today. Christ’s victory is our victory. We already won.

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
1 John 4:4 NLT

The Spirit living in us is greater, so we are greater than every situation, challenge or adversity.

Christ is in you…..Halleluyah! You already overcame. Don’t give up, don’t give in. Stand in your victory. You already won. Halleluyah!!!

I recently heard about a thief who crawled from house to house in a highly guarded neighbourhood. A few times residents came face to face with this assailant as he quickly brushed past them disappearing into thin air only to reappear in another house. One or two persons registered a sketchy face description in their minds.

When I heard the story it sounded both dumb and ridiculous. What a dumb thief he must be! I mean people already saw him and being a closely-knit and cliquish neighbourhood, words would soon go round. Wouldn’t be long before someone identified him and pointed him out to the security parading the streets. Dumb thief.

You know that’s the kind of thief Jesus spoke about in John 10:10..

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”
John 10:10 AMP

John 10:10 thief comes (present continuous tense) and keeps coming, and coming, ….what a dumb thief!

Oh! I thank God that Jesus came. And He came (past tense).

One coming of Jesus was all that was needed. He came that we might have life and have life more abundantly. Jesus came once, and that one coming was enough to secure our salvation, healing, peace, wealth and all things that pertains to life and godliness.

“Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
Hebrews 9:12 NKJV

Why am I so excited today that Jesus came ?

Because the thief always comes with an agenda. No, he didn’t just stop by to see how things are with you…na… He comes to steal, kill and destroy.

To steal our health, take away our peace, joy, hope etc…and subsequently kill and destroy our destiny.

Ah! Ah!! Thank God Jesus came…

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5 NKJV

Jesus came, got wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquity. Now we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. No sin, no penalty, no death. Aha!

Jesus came, took upon Himself all harassment, anxiety, punishment and reprimand that should have come to us. Instead, He gave us peace, His peace, not the type the world gives, no, the peace that passes all understanding.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.“
John 14:27 NKJV

Thank God Jesus came…

He came, carried all our wounds in His own body, now we are healed by His Stripes.

I am so thankful that Jesus came.

Therefore any time this dumb thief crawls into our neighbourhood we lift high our banner of victory (The Name of Jesus) bought by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,”
Philippians 2:9‭-‬10 NKJV

Thank God Jesus came.

Today, I have life and life more abundantly. I walk in health, peace, love, power, soundness of mind. Because the One in me is greater, I am greater.

Thank You Jesus❤

“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it. “He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, Nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.

The Lord his God is with him, And the shout of a King is among them. God brings them out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox.

“For there is no sorcery against Jacob, Nor any divination against Israel. It now must be said of Jacob And of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!’ Look, a people rises like a lioness, And lifts itself up like a lion; It shall not lie down until it devours the prey, And drinks the blood of the slain.”

Then Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all!” So Balaam answered and said to Balak, “Did I not tell you, saying, ‘All that the Lord speaks, that I must do’?”

Numbers 23:19‭-‬26 NKJV

“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.“
I John 3:8 NKJV

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord , And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord”
Isaiah 54:17 NKJV

I declare every work of evil over my life, purpose, ministry, family, affairs, destroyed in the name of Jesus. And I condemn every tongue that has risen against my life, purpose, ministry, family, affairs…in judgement in Jesus Christ name. Amen. I declare that no weapon fashioned against me, my life, purpose, ministry, family, affairs shall prosper in Jesus Christ name. I resist you devil, get out! In Jesus Christ name. Amen. I declare that the BLESSING (to be fruitful and to multiply) is upon me, and the Blessing cannot be reversed.