Proverbs 18:2, “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.”
Proverbs 18:13, “He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame.”
In order to have understanding one must have insight. Facts must outweigh emotions. Yet God gave us feelings to be sensitive to others. The definition of insight found in dicitionary.com states it is the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing. Discernment is a synonym for the word insight. It is also listed in the Bible as one of the spiritual gifts that helps to determine between truth from falsehood and wisdom from foolishness. Solomon taught about having the wisdom of knowledge, which gives one understanding in contrasting its value versus being a fool. Biblical discernment depends solely on the written Word of God guided by the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error. Much wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, can be learned by reading the book of Proverbs.
“What does delight the fool is expressing his own heart. If he asks questions it is to show how clever he is rather than to learn. He is focused on self instead of God, and his folly flows from this wrong priority and wrong place to find delight.” David Guzik, Blue Letter Bible Commentary. We must ask God for understanding and spend time reading Scripture to gain insight and discernment. Then, let God speak to your spirit. Let Him do the talking. Listen to Him before you start talking. Then we will become wise instead of foolish.
Have you ever thought about praying for wisdom to understand someone who seems to trigger your reactions in setting you off? Think about someone who always speaks their opinions without asking or listening to yours. They delight in voicing their opinions and don’t give you a chance to state yours or ignore them because they are too busy hearing their voice speak. Solomon labels them as a fool.
Since God is always present, He will always hear what you have to say. He listens to you with compassion and has no bounds. They are renewed daily as Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Therefore, the LORD understands your thoughts, but He will examine your motives and heart as He listens with unconditional love.
Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP, “Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart. And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” Don’t try to over-analyze your burdens and how you got there. Trust and rely on the LORD. He will give you the strength and maybe a slingshot to fight your Goliath. He will provide all of your needs for He is Jehovah Jireh. Don’t be overwhelmed. Fix your mind on the promises of God so you will be wise and not a fool. Be a discerning listener, pause, and then speak your position of the insight you received from the Great I AM when appropriate. Find pleasure in the understanding and insight you will receive from the Holy Spirit. Abide in Him as He shows you great and mighty things you do not know. Trust Him. He will provide all of your needs – both physically and emotionally. Learn to use the pause technique and be a good listener. It will serve you well. Be aware of the Holy Spirit’s promptings. You will be anointed with wise insight from trusting and relying confidently on the LORD. He will not fail you.
Listen to Aware Worship – Trust in God (Featuring Mark Gutierrez).