The Source of Spiritual Understanding

The Bible leaves no doubt that understanding is not a matter of "updated language" or "better translation." Understanding comes from God, who gives it to or withholds it or withdraws it from men on the basis of what they do with His word.

The inspiration of the Lord giveth understanding. Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Understanding is not produced by an updated translation; by faith we understand. Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Where does such faith come from? The answer is from the word of God. Rom. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The word comes first, not the understanding. Prov. 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

Prov. 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Understanding comes from God, not "my language" or "updated translations." David was completely fluent in "the original Hebrew," yet he asked God for understanding. Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Psalm 119:73 JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. Psalm 119:125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. Psalm 119:169 TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. God demands reception of the words before He grants understanding.

Paul prayed for God to give others understanding. God provides that understanding through His word, which is breathed out of His mouth. Psalm 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. David discovered after asking for understanding. Some disciples discovered that same truth on the road to Emmaus. Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, Even the simple-minded can receive understanding from God's word. Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Today, people demand understanding before a person receives the words of God; God demands reception of the words before He grants understanding.

Mark 8:17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Sin and the hardening of the heart can prevent a person's understanding of the word of God. People can have their understanding darkened because they are ignorant of God's word, yet people would claim that lack of understanding produces the ignorance and not vice versa. Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: God removes understanding from teachers who reject His word. 1 Tim. 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. Job 17:4 For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them. When God removes a man's understanding, an updated translation does not restore it.