111:1 Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and [in] the congregation. 111:2 The works of the LORD [are] great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. 111:3 His work [is] honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. 111:4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD [is] gracious and full of compassion. 111:5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. 111:6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. 111:7 The works of his hands [are] verity and judgment; all his commandments [are] sure. 111:8 They stand fast for ever and ever, [and are] done in truth and uprightness. 111:9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend [is] his name. 111:10 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever. IN THE WORD OF GOD, THE WORD "UNDERSTANDING" APPEARS 156 TIMES REVEALING FOUR THINGS" THE NEED, THE LACK, THE PLACE, AND THE VALUE OF UNDERSTANDING. I WOULD LIKE US TO LOOK AT THE PLACE OF UNDERSTANDING AND THE VALUE OF UNDERSTANDING.
PSALM 111:10 SAYS, "....A GOOD UNDERSTANDING HAVE ALL THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS...." THEREFORE, THE PLACE OF UNDERSTANDIN CAN ONLY BE FOUND IN THE LORD'S WRITTEN WORD. THE PSALMIST UNDERSTOOD THIS WHEN HE SAID, "LET MY CRY COME NEAR BEFORE THEE, O LORD: GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING ACCORDING TO THY WORD"(PSALM 119:169). I UNDERSTAND IT THIS WAY, "FOR THE LORD GIVETH WISDOM: OUT OF HIS MOUTH COMETH KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING" (PROVERBS 2:6). WHAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND IS WHY MEN (PREACHERS AND PROFESSORS) LOOK TO THE WRITINGS OF OTHERS INSTEAD OF THE WORD OF GOD, AND WHY THEY ALSO INSTRUCT AND ENCOURAGE THEIR PEOPLE AND STUDENTS TO DO THE SAME.
NOW CONSIDERING THE VALUE OF UNDERSTANDING. WE NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT GOD HAS TO SAY ABOUT ANY AND ALL SUBJECTS AS THE WORD OF GOD REVEALS THE MIN OF GOD ON THESE SUBJECTS. ACCORDING TO JOHN 14:16, "....THE COMFORTER, WHICH IS THE HOLY GHOST, WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, HE SHALL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, AND BRING ALL THINGS TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE, WHSOEVER I HAVE SAID UNTO YOU." GOD WILL ENLIGHTEN OUR EYES OF UNDERSTANDING (EPHESIANS 1:18).
ANOTHER VALUE IS KNOWING HOW TO LIVE. WE ALL NEED UNDERSTANDING SO THAT WE CAN LIVE BY FAITH, IN PEACE, HONESTLY, NOT IN OR AFTER THE FLESH. PSALM 119:130 SAYS, " THE ENTRANCE OF THEY WORDS GIVETH LIGHT; IT GIVETH UNDERSTANDING UNTO THE SIMPLE." ONE OF THE BLESSED PARTS OF THE WORD OF GOD IS THAT IT REVEALS WHAT IS EVIL AND WHAT IS RIGHT.
BY PASTOR RICHARD BRASSER, PALMYRA BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH, PALMYRA, NY. |
back to top
