“Get wisdom. And in all your getting get understanding” (Prov. 4:7).
It is possible for a person to increase in knowledge and yet still be devoid of wisdom and understanding. The Bible assures us that knowledge will increase. We are living to see this prophecy fulfilled. Yet the crucial need of every person alive today is wisdom and understanding of God’s dealings and purposes of his or her own individual life.
Pursuit of knowledge is a worthwhile endeavor. But it’s not enough. An astronomer may know 100 times as much now about the solar system as his predecessors did a century ago, and still have no personal knowledge of the God who created both him and the solar system he so admires. According to Proverbs 9:10, knowledge of the Holy One produces understanding.
Understanding is important. Proverbs 3:19 tells us: “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens.” Verse 13 says: “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.”
It is possible to increase in knowledge and at the same time find wisdom and gain understanding of God’s designs for us and our lives. Proverbs 2:2 exhorts us to incline our ears toward wisdom and to apply our hearts to understanding.
Wisdom comes from an encounter with the Christ Who is the wisdom of God; understanding has to be sought and pursued. Success in life requires a solid edifice of wisdom and knowledge built upon a stable foundation of truth that cannot be swayed. That wisdom and knowledge can be acquired. It requires effort, but the reward is well worth the expense of time and energy.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.