. . . and with all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7(b)

The amplified version of this scripture reads, “And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]”. I like this amplified version because it explains how to get understanding – we must “actively seek” it out. Some of us are too passive when it comes to our spiritual life. We tend to go with the flow of whatever is popular: catch phrases, slogans, declarations, etc. Therefore, we seldom “actively seek” out and understand what the Word of God says on a matter. It sounds good and it makes us feel good, and everybody is saying it, so we follow suit. Interestingly enough, just repeating and mimicking others does not produce anything in our lives. However, it does reveal our lack of understanding and it reveals our immaturity.

A clear example of this is the incessant obsession with “haters.” When we take the time to “actively seek” out what the Word of God has to say about “haters,” that would no longer be the focus or topic of our conversation. When we understand by the Word of God that every time someone dislikes you for no reason, disparage your name, questions your calling, your dreams, and your purpose; they are causing blessings to run over in our lives. When we understand this, we would be about our Father’s business – doing more and being more unapologetically.

When haters consume our thoughts, it is a clear indication that we do not know and we do not understand that the Word says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies (haters); you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” Psalm 23:5. Through this scripture, we understand that God blesses us in spite of haters; not only in spite of them, but in front of them. Proverbs 16:7 reads, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies (haters) to be at peace with him.” God assures us that He is in control of even the lives of our enemies. If we really understood this and believed this, we would rejoice when haters rise up against us. We would thank and praise God because we know that He is preparing a table of blessings for us, and He is anointing us for even greater works.

When we truly understand who is orchestrating our lives, we would stop crying over what they say and what they think; and we would stop crying over being betrayed, being misunderstood, and being overlooked. We need to get an understanding of Psalm 31:16, “My times are in your hand.” Whoever; whatever; whenever; however; it is all working for our good (Romans 8:28). For that reason alone, we can follow the instructions of Psalm 110:1, “Sit here at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Selah.