Lean not unto thine own understanding

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

The scope of our finite understanding is small. The portion of those things which we do understand cannot be compared with that which we do not understand. We know very little. Our knowledge is minuscule, infinitesimal, minute. Nevertheless, we often behave as though our knowledge is complete, infinite, and comprehensively large. We forget about our own limitations. We forget about the tininess of our knowledge, and insult the Lord by not consulting him. We get enamored with the little we do know, and ignore the large portion that we are ignorant of.

This is the precise reason that we are told not to lean on our own understanding: the very inconceivable smallness of it. We must trust in the Lord with all our heart. Because He knows it all. He has an infinite understanding, as in Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. There is nothing He does not know! There is nothing that He is not familiar with, or does not understand to infinite depths. Therefore, we are told to trust in Him, and not to lean on our own understanding.

Instead, dearly beloved, lean on His understanding. Lean on His eternal Word. Look to His almighty wisdom. Rest yourself on His knowledge. Lean on Him! He will never guide you astray. Are you leaning fully on the Lord, resting completely in His wisdom? Don’t look for your own wisdom. Do not seek to figure it out yourself, for He has promised that He will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, and that He giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not. Wisdom shall be given you if you ask. Ask Him for wisdom today, and He will grant it! Lean not unto your own understanding.

“Father, give us your understanding today, we pray. Help us never to lean on our own, but to trust in your wisdom with all our hearts. We confess that we need it desperately, and can never have it without your bestowal. We ask for it, trusting your promise to give it to us liberally. We trust you completely for this. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”