What does "good understanding" mean in the context of Psalm 111:10? Verse at a Glance “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice His precepts have good understanding. His praise endures forever!” — Psalm 111:10 What “Good Understanding” Means • Sound, practical discernment that flows from knowing and doing God’s Word • Insight that lets a person see life from the Lord’s viewpoint and choose rightly • Moral intelligence—knowing not just what is true, but what to do with that truth Hebrew Snapshot • The phrase “good understanding” translates sekel ṭov – sekel: prudence, insight, discretion, skillful wisdom – ṭov: good, beneficial, beautiful • Together they picture wisdom that is attractive, beneficial, and proven by results Linked to Obedience The verse ties good understanding to “all who practice His precepts.” Scripture never separates insight from obedience: • Deuteronomy 4:5-6 — keeping God’s statutes will show “your wisdom and your understanding.” • Psalm 119:98-100 — obedience makes the psalmist “wiser than my enemies… I have more insight than all my teachers.” • John 7:17 — “If anyone desires to do His will, he will know concerning the teaching.” Good understanding is not an academic degree; it is the fruit of hearts that revere God enough to act on His commands. Visible Results of Good Understanding • Wise choices that honor God (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Favor and respect from others (Proverbs 3:4; 13:15) • Steadfast praise—Psalm 111 ends with worship because true insight always points back to Him. Echoes Across Scripture • Proverbs 9:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” • Job 28:28 — “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom; to depart from evil is understanding.” • James 3:13 — “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct.” Every echo couples insight with reverence and action. Putting It All Together In Psalm 111:10, “good understanding” is practical, God-given discernment that rises out of holy fear and is proven by obedient living. It equips believers to navigate life skillfully, draws the notice of others, and ultimately results in ceaseless praise to the Lord whose wisdom it reflects. |
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