Understand or Punishment

DEVOTION

PROVERBS

UNDERSTAND OR PUNISHMENT

Prov 16:22

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.

NIV

We could see this in regards to life in the human realm but it seems to have a greater meaning than being about our human life. To understand the importance of God, to understand the truth of God, the fact that he is and that he created everything, including us and that he redeemed us from death through his sending his Son to die for us brings a fountain of life for it brings us eternal life. It is those in the world who think themselves wise, but are actually fools, for they do not understand the importance of God and having him in their lives. Those who understand that God is know they are sinners which separates them from God, and that the only way to return to the rightful relationship is through Jesus Christ. If people think they can live totally for their own self-interests, their own self pleasures while saying they believe in God, simply are mocking God, giving him lip service, and are by his definition foolish and they reward will be punishment, for all their life is but folly. To gain understanding is the greatest reward of life for is reveals God in all his glory, all his power and all his truth. What greater thing in life could there be? To live with the understanding of God which brings eternal life, but to live without, it is folly. Who wants to be punished? Why bring that upon self? Why would a person live for the short moment of human life and forgo eternal life? That is just foolish.