“TRUST IN THE LORD with all your heart and do not lean on YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.” (Pro. 3:5)
When the Bible tells us in this verse not to lean (depend) on our own understanding, it is not encouraging us to be foolish. The Bible does not put up a barrier between our intellect and our faith. In fact, the book of Proverbs speaks very highly of understanding:
- “[Incline] your heart to understanding” (Pro. 2:2).
- “Raise your voice for understanding” (Pro. 2:3).
- “Understanding will guard you” (Pro. 2:11).
- “Blessed is the one who…gets understanding” (Pro. 3:13).
- “Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding” (Pro. 14:33).
- “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge” (Pro. 15:14).
- “To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver” (Pro. 16:16).
- “Buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (Pro. 23:23).
So, if we’re supposed to get understanding, why are we not supposed to LEAN (depend) on it?
What we’re told not to lean on is our “own understanding,” meaning assumptions based primarily on OUR OWN OBSERVATIONS. God’s desire is that we trust in Him with ALL OUR HEART. And not on own understanding because it is not adequate nor intended to work in ordering our lives.
God forbade Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 2:17). So, why did God forbid them of this knowledge?
You see, in order to use the knowledge of good and evil, we must possess:
- the ability to COMPLETELY COMPREHEND ALL POSSIBLE OPTIONS and possibilities (that’s called omniscience)
- the righteousness and wisdom to ALWAYS CHOOSE THE RIGHT COURSE (omniscience)
- the power to MAKE REALITY CONFORM TO THE RIGHT COURSE (omnipotence)
In other words, ONLY GOD can handle such knowledge.
“Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting 1Rock.” (Isaiah 26:4) 1tsûr: from a root implying “bind together” with strength and solidarity.
THIS IS WHY WE MUST TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL OUR HEARTS…
-Bill Stockham