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In a conversation with a computer hardware shop owner recently, he shared bitter experiences of how people bought his merchandise on credit, or borrowed money from him, but failed to pay.

Thinking his business could be in trouble, I advised him to try and stay clear off his business when lending to people. That way he could, at the least, keep his business running, and continue to lend his profit to the people. 

I later purchased some of his stuff; and when I asked him to give me discounts on the items, he decided to quote my words back to me saying,

“You told me not to give business money to anyone.”

I had to remind him, that I was not borrowing from him or buying on credit. I was simply asking for a discount; or negotiating.

He had totally misapplied the advice, and wisdom I was sharing with him.

I have seen this so many times, but he was the first to overtly quote back my own words to me.

In the next few days, I will be writing on some of the pitfalls that lead to misapplication.

The first is “Misunderstanding”.

 READ Proverbs 4:1-7

 “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,

And give attention to know understanding;

For I give you good doctrine:

Do not forsake my law.

When I was my father’s son,

Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,

He also taught me, and said to me:

“Let your heart retain my words;

Keep my commands, and live.

Get wisdom! Get understanding!

Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;

Love her, and she will keep you.

Wisdom is the principal thing;

Therefore get wisdom.

And in all your getting, get understanding. ( Proverbs 4:1-7)

In a society where it is almost unheard of, for young people to question older people, or for subordinates to question their bosses, many people do things without understanding what they are doing. 

People will usually hide under the guise of the cliché,

“Obey before complain.”

or quote the Nike slogan,

“Just Do it!”

as if it is scripture! 

Others will take it further when you insist on understanding and ask,

“Are you questioning me?”

Unfortunately, the lack of understanding has led to a lot of problems.

I have heard the tragic story of a cleaner in a hospital who unplugged the life support machine whenever he was cleaning, till someone noticed the trend of deaths in that particular ward, and decided to investigate. I believe those deaths would have been avoided if someone took time to explain the use and importance of the life-sustaining machine to him, and made sure he understood the implications of interrupting it.

I believe the prodigal son(Luke 15:11-32) got into a lot of trouble because he did not understand wealth; nor did he understand how his father became wealthy; and what it meant to be under a father’s protection.

The word “understanding” appears three times in text we just read(in the New King James Version); and I believe it is so for emphasis.

The text concluded by saying,

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)

Please, ask questions when you don’t understand something. Often we make this mistake when we are dealing with someone whose aura, authority, nobility, or mere exuberance intimidates us. The picture that comes to mind is; the way a houseboy in a Ghanaian or Nigerian movie runs off even before the boss finishes giving instructions! How would you achieve what is expected, if you don’t understand what is expected?

On the other hand, it is also very important that powerful people encourage their subordinates to ask questions and seek clarification. It always feels good when people have “jelly legs” in your presence; until they ignorantly turn-off that life-support machine, or use your toothbrush to clean the sink!

Let us seek understanding, and encourage others to do the same. It makes the world a better place!

MEMORY VERSE

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. “(Proverbs 4:7)

QUESTIONS

1. Is there something you don’t understand? Ask questions and seek clarification.

2. Are you happy when people around you fear to ask you questions? Their ignorance can be very costly, even fatal!

PRAYER TIP

God helps us get understanding, and also encourage others around us to seek understanding too.

Written by:

BENNY MALM

For:

TESTIMONY DEVOTIONAL