A Man Of Understanding

by Chris Simmons

We have all at times in our life, observed foolish behavior, conduct and speech in others and remarked that they just don’t “get it,” while others, through their wisdom, demonstrate they do “get it.” The wise man Solomon observed the same thing in his life under the sun and spoke repeatedly of the man who “gets it” by referring to “a man of understanding.” Within the book of Proverbs, Solomon’s references to “the man of understanding” help us to get a divinely inspired perspective of the person who “gets it.” A “man of understanding” is someone who:

Understands the need for continual learning and wise counsel. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 1:5, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” The “man of understanding” realizes that the need to “hear and increase in learning” never goes away. We need to maintain a hunger and passion for increasing in our learning and knowledge of God’s word. Peter’s exhortation in I Peter 2:2, “like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,” is one for all Christians and not just those who are babes in Christ. We can never rest on the amount of knowledge and wisdom we already have. Again Solomon wrote, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will still be wiser, teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning” (Proverbs 9:9). If we “get it,” we’ll realize the need to devote a portion of every day of our lives to our continual learning of God’s truths and we’ll never miss an opportunity to study together with our brethren.

Views wisdom as a “sport” – that is, an activity he takes seriously and finds enjoyment in. We read in Proverbs 10:23, “Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool; and so is wisdom to a man of understanding.” Acquiring spiritual wisdom and understanding should not be drudgery and something we find burdensome. It is to be “our delight.” Nine times in Psalms 119, David spoke of his “delight” in the law, commandments, testimonies and statutes of the Lord (verses 16, 24, 35, 47, 70, 77, 92, 143 & 174). Do we find pleasure in, and apply diligence to, studying God’s word? Paul told Timothy he must “be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). Many of us take our favorite sports, hobbies and recreational activities very seriously and apply ourselves diligently to them – is it right to treat God’s word and our spiritual growth with anything less?

Knows when to keep his tongue in check. Proverbs 11:12 reads, “He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent.” Someone who just doesn’t “get it” is someone who just doesn’t realize when they need to close their mouth and not say anything. James wrote, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger” (James 1:19). There are several other Proverbs that address this point including: Proverbs 13:3, “The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” and Proverbs 10:19, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Solomon noted in Ecclesiastes 5:7, that there is indeed “a time to be silent and a time to speak” and the “man of understanding” will be careful to distinguish the two.

Is focused on worthwhile goals. Solomon recorded in Proverbs 15:21, “Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight.” The “man of understanding” has a purpose to his life and is focused on walking straight toward that goal. He does not get caught up in foolishness and worthless pursuits nor does he allow obstacles and trials to keep him from attaining his goal. This is what is described in Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” It’s important to note that the “man of understanding” does not assume that he has all the answers or is the source of his own guidance towards that goal (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 16:25) but seeks, and submits to, the wisdom that is from above (James 3:17; 4:7).

Exhibits self-control and displays a calm demeanor even when facing great challenges. Proverbs 17:27, “He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” The man of understanding realizes that life has challenges and trials, and that there is the need to be governed by self-control in such times. The Hebrew word for “cool” literally means “cool, calm, self-possessed” (Thayer) and is represented by the common expression of being “level-headed.” The man who “gets it” doesn’t allow his passions and emotions to govern but exercises self-control in order to remain cool under pressure and focused on the prize (cf. I Corinthians 9:25; II Peter 1:6). As discussed earlier, the “man of understanding” will certainly “restrain his words” as he keeps his cool, but he also understands that he has to first control his thoughts and keep them under control (II Corinthians 10:4-5; Matthew 15:18-20).

Is a man of action. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 20:5, “A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out.” “Men of understanding” are “doers” of God’s will and not “merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22). To be a man of action, the “man of understanding” must first get his mind ready for action as Peter wrote in I Peter 1:13, “Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Do we plan to follow after the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ or do we actually do it (Luke 6:46-49)? We will be blessed if we are “doers” and not just “planners” (John 13:17).

Is a preserving and stable influence. Proverbs 28:2, “By the transgression of a land many are its princes, but by a man of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.” We are that “man of understanding” when we realize and accept our responsibility to be “lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15) and a positive influence on those around us. Being a light, not for the purpose of drawing attention to self, but to bring glory to our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). We are reminded, “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

There is no special talent, skill or strength necessary to become a “man of understanding.” You aren’t chosen or selected by God to become one. Each of us must choose to become such and make the effort to know and apply these truths.