Proverbs 10:13 “Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.”
Proverbs 10:13 provides a contrast between having understanding and not having understanding. Having understanding or discernment will cause a person to speak carefully, conveying wisdom that will help others. Along with Proverbs 10:13a, Psalm 37:30 tells us “The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.” What a blessing to say the right things. As well what a blessing to have someone around you who speaks wisdom to you.
On the other hand, the one lacking understanding or discernment is going to find their tongue gets them in a lot of trouble. (Does your tongue get you in trouble?) Lacking understanding is a characteristic of a fool and a fool brings forth a silliness with their speech, followed by stupidity that is then followed up with sinfulness. Proverbs 15:2b tells us “The mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” That foolishness has the potential for getting them in fights. They don’t know when to shut up.
Are you gaining understanding? Understanding is one of the facets of wisdom. It has the idea of being able to discern. When one has understanding they have the ability to know the difference between what is right and what is wrong. With discernment one can avoid the wrong paths that lead to trouble.
Solomon wanted understanding heart so he could discern between good and evil. (1 Kings 3:9)
We are living in a day where discernment and understanding is greatly lacking. There are those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20). We need to heed the call of Proverbs 4:5,7 to “Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”
The advantages of wisdom and understanding are many. Heed her call!
You can be gaining understanding reading one chapter of Proverbs a day!
Having understanding will help you to help others as well as not hurt yourself!
Continue strong by acquiring and applying understanding,
And remember to DATE the Word