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The LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men had built. Then the LORD said: "If now, while they are one people, all speaking the same language, they have started to do this, nothing will later stop them from doing whatever they presume to do. Let us then go down and there confuse their language, so that one will not understand what another says." Thus the LORD scattered them from there all over the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the speech of all the world. It was from that place that he scattered them all over the earth.
[GEN 11:5-9]
The LORD said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel, son of Uri, son of
Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with a divine spirit of skill and understanding and knowledge in every craft: in the production of embroidery, in making things of gold, silver or bronze, in cutting and mounting precious stones, in carving wood, and in every craft."
[EX 31:1-5]
"Bezalel, therefore, will set to work with Oholiab and
with all the experts whom the LORD has endowed with skill and
understanding in knowing how to execute all the work for the
service of the sanctuary, just as the LORD has commanded."
[EX 36:1]
Understand, then, that the LORD, your God, is God indeed, the faithful God who keeps his merciful covenant down to the thousandth generation toward those who love him and keep his commandments, but who repays with destruction the person who hates him; he does not dally with such a one, but makes him personally pay for it. You shall therefore carefully observe the commandments, the statutes and the decrees which I enjoin on you today.
[DEUT 7:9-11]
Understand this, therefore: it is not because of your merits
that the LORD, your God, is giving you this good land to possess,
for you are a stiff-necked people. [DEUT 9:6]
"Love the LORD, your God, therefore, and always heed his charge: his statutes, decrees and commandments. It is not your children, who have not known it from experience, but you yourselves who must now understand the discipline of the LORD, your God; his majesty, his strong hand and outstretched arm; the signs and deeds he wrought among the Egyptians, on Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and on all his land; what he did to the Egyptian army and to their horses and chariots, engulfing them in the water of the Red Sea as they pursued you, and bringing ruin upon them even to this day; what he did for you in the desert until you arrived in this place; and what he did to the Reubenites Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, when the ground opened its mouth and swallowed them up out of the midst of Israel, with their families and tents and every living thing that belonged to them. With your own eyes you have seen all these great deeds that the LORD has done. Keep all the commandments, then, which I enjoin on you today, that you may be strong enough to enter in and take possession of the land into which you are crossing, and that you may have long life on the land which the LORD swore to your fathers he would give to them and their descendants, a land flowing with milk and honey."
[DEUT 11:1-9]
"The LORD will raise up against you a nation from afar, from the end of the earth, that swoops down like an eagle, a nation whose tongue you do not understand, a nation of stern visage, that shows neither respect for the aged nor pity for the young." [DEUT
28:49-50]
But not even at the present day has the LORD yet given you a
mind to understand, or eyes to see, or ears to hear. [DEUT 29:3]
For they are a people devoid of reason, having no understanding. If they had insight they would realize what happened, they would understand their future and say, "How could one man rout a thousand, or two men put ten thousand to flight,
Unless it was because their Rock sold them and the LORD delivered them up?" [DEUT
32:28-30]
"Are we not in the harvest time for wheat? Yet I shall call to
the LORD, and he will send thunder and rain. Thus you will see and
understand how greatly the LORD is displeased that you have asked
for a king." [1SAM 12:17]
When Solomon was informed that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and had returned, the king summoned Shimei and said to him: "Did I not have you swear by the LORD to your clear understanding of my warning that, if you left and went anywhere else, you should die without fail? And you answered, 'I accept and obey.' Why, then, have you not kept the oath of the LORD and the command that I gave you?"
[1KGS 2:41-43]
"Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?" The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request. So God said to him: "Because you have asked for
this - not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is
right - I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you." [1KGS
3:9-12]
Moreover, God gave Solomon wisdom and exceptional understanding
and knowledge, as vast as the sand on the seashore. [1KGS 5:9]
He was a bronze worker, the son of a widow from the tribe of
Naphtali; his father had been from Tyre. He was endowed with
skill, understanding, and knowledge of how to produce any work in
bronze. He came to King Solomon and did all his metal work. [1KGS
7:14]
The king of Israel then summoned all the elders of the land and
said: "Understand clearly that this man wants to ruin us.
When he sent to me for my wives and sons, my silver and my gold, I
did not refuse him." [1KGS 20:7]
Then Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah and Joah said to the
commander: "Please speak to your servants in Aramaic; we
understand it. Do not speak to us in Judean within earshot of the
people who are on the wall." [2KGS 18:26]
Of the Issacharites, their chiefs who were endowed with an
understanding of the times and who knew what Israel had to do: two
hundred chiefs, together with all their brethren under their
command. [1CHRON 12:33]
"As for you, Solomon, my son, know the God of your father
and serve him with a perfect heart and a willing soul, for the
LORD searches all hearts and understands all the mind's thoughts.
If you seek him, he will let himself be found by you; but if you
abandon him, he will cast you off forever." [1CHRON 28:9]
He added: "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who
made heaven and earth, for having given King David a wise son of
intelligence and understanding, who will build a house for the
LORD and also a house for his royal estate." [2CHRON 2:11]
Now when the seventh month came, the whole people gathered as one man in the open space before the Water Gate, and they called upon Ezra the scribe to bring forth the book of the law of Moses which the LORD prescribed for Israel. On the first day of the seventh month, therefore, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand. Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak till midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion; at his right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, and on his left Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, Meshullam. Ezra opened the scroll so that all the people might see it (for he was standing higher up than any of the people); and, as he opened it, all the people rose. Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, "Amen, amen!" Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD, their faces to the ground. Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. Then (Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and) Ezra the priest-scribe (and the Levites who were instructing the people) said to all the people: "Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep"-for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!" Then all the people went to eat and drink, to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy, for they understood the words that had been expounded to them.
[NEH 8:1-6,8-10,12]
"Your good spirit you bestowed on them, to give them
understanding; your manna you did not withhold from their mouths,
and you gave them water in their thirst." [NEH 9:20]
Who are you, then, that you should have put God to the test this day, setting yourselves in the place of God in human affairs? It is the Lord Almighty for whom you are laying down conditions; will you never understand anything? You cannot plumb the depths of the human heart or grasp the workings of the human mind; how then can you fathom
God, who has made all these things, discern his mind, and understand his plan? "No, my brothers, do not anger the Lord our God."
[JDTH 8:12-14]
Having seen this dream and what God intended to do, Mordecai
awoke. He kept it in mind, and tried in every way, until night, to
understand its meaning. [ESTH A:11]
At last, broken in spirit, he began to give up his excessive arrogance, and to gain some understanding, under the scourge of God, for he was racked with pain unceasingly. When he could no longer bear his own stench, he said, "It is right to be subject to God, and not to think one's mortal self divine." [2MACC
9:11-12]
If you inquire of the former generations, and give heed to the experience of the fathers (As we are but of yesterday and have no knowledge, because our days on earth are but a shadow), Will they not teach you and tell you and utter their words of understanding? [JOB
8:8-10]
Will empty man then gain understanding, and the wild jackass be
made docile? [JOB 11:12]
So with old age is wisdom, and with length of days
understanding. [JOB 12:12]
With him are wisdom and might; his are counsel and
understanding. [JOB 12:13]
He takes understanding from the leaders of the land, till they grope in the darkness without light; he makes them stagger like drunken men. [JOB
12:24-25]
You darken their minds to knowledge; therefore they do not
understand. [JOB 17:4]
Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke and said: A rebuke which puts me to shame I hear, and because of this I am disturbed.
So now my thoughts provide me with an answer, and from my understanding a spirit gives me a reply. [JOB
20:1-3]
I would set out my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments; I would learn the words with which he would answer, and understand what he would reply to me. Even should he contend against me with his great power, yet, would that he himself might heed me! [JOB
23:4-6]
But whence can wisdom be obtained, and where is the place of understanding? Man knows nothing to equal it, nor is it to be had in the land of the living. Solid gold cannot purchase it, nor can its price be paid with silver. [JOB
28:12-13,15]
And to man he said: Behold, the fear of the LORD is wisdom; and
avoiding evil is understanding. [JOB 28:28]
Days should speak, I thought, and many years teach wisdom! But it is a spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. It is not those of many days who are wise, nor the aged who understand the right.
[JOB 32:7-9]
Therefore, men of understanding, hearken to me: far be it from
God to do wickedness; far from the Almighty to do wrong! [JOB
34:10]
Men of understanding will say to me, every wise man who hears my views: "Job speaks without intelligence, and his words are without sense." [JOB
34:34-35]
Then the LORD addressed Job out of the storm and said: Who is this that obscures divine plans with words of ignorance? Gird up your loins now, like a man; I will question you, and you tell me the answers! Where were you when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its size; do you know? Who stretched out the measuring line for it? Do you know the ordinances of the heavens; can you put into effect their plan on the earth? Can you raise your voice among the clouds, or veil yourself in the waters of the storm? Can you send forth the lightnings on their way, or will they say to you, "Here we are"? Who puts wisdom in the heart, and gives the cock its understanding? [JOB
38:1-5,33-36]
For God has withheld wisdom from her and has given her no share
in understanding. [JOB 39:17]
Then Job answered the LORD and said: I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered. I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know. I had heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen you. Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes. [JOB 42:1-3,56]
"Understand this, you who forget God, lest I attack you with no one to rescue. Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me; to the obedient I will show the salvation of God." [PS
50:22-23]
Is it in vain that I have kept my heart clean, washed my hands in innocence? For I am afflicted day after day, chastised every morning. Had I thought, "I will speak as they do," I would have betrayed your people. Though I tried to understand all this, it was too difficult for me, Till I entered the sanctuary of God and came to understand their end.
You set them, indeed, on a slippery road; you hurl them down to ruin. How suddenly they are devastated; undone by disasters forever! They are like a dream after waking, Lord, dismissed like shadows when you arise. [PS 73:13-20]
Since my heart was embittered and my soul deeply wounded, I was stupid and could not understand; I was like a brute beast in your presence. Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand. With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor. [PS
73:21-24]
They say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice."
Understand, you stupid people! You fools, when will you be wise? Does the one who shaped the ear not hear? The one who formed the eye not see? Does the one who guides nations not rebuke? The one who teaches humans not have knowledge? The LORD does know human plans; they are only puffs of air. [PS
94:7-11]
I lie prostrate in the dust; give me life in accord with your word. I disclosed my ways and you answered me; teach me your laws. Make me understand the way of your precepts; I will ponder your wondrous deeds. [PS
119:25-27]
How I love your teaching, Lord! I study it all day long. Your command makes me wiser than my foes, for it is always with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, because I ponder your decrees. I have more insight than my elders, because I observe your precepts. I keep my steps from every evil path, that I may obey your word. From your edicts I do not turn, for you have taught them to me. [PS
119:97-102]
The revelation of your words sheds light, gives understanding
to the simple. [PS 119:130]
LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My travels and my rest you mark; with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all. [PS
139:1-4]
Great is the LORD and worthy of high praise; God's grandeur is
beyond understanding. [PS 145:3]
That men may appreciate wisdom and discipline, may understand words of intelligence; May receive training in wise conduct, in what is right, just and honest; That resourcefulness may be imparted to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man by hearing them will advance in learning, an intelligent man will gain sound guidance, That he may comprehend proverb and parable, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; wisdom and instruction fools despise.
[PROV 1:2-7]
My son, if you receive my words and treasure my commands, Turning your ear to wisdom, inclining your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you call to intelligence, and to understanding raise your voice; If you seek her like silver, and like hidden treasures search her out: Then will you understand the fear of the LORD; the knowledge of God you will find; For the LORD gives wisdom, from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; He has counsel in store for the upright, he is the shield of those who walk honestly, Guarding the paths of justice, protecting the way of his pious ones. Then you will understand rectitude and justice, honesty, every good path; For wisdom will enter your heart, knowledge will please your soul, Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you; Saving you from the way of evil men, from men of perverse speech, Who leave the straight paths to walk in the way of darkness, Who delight in doing evil, rejoice in perversity; Whose ways are crooked, and devious their
paths [Taken from PROV 2:1-15]
Happy the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains
understanding! [PROV 3:13]
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, established the heavens by understanding; By his knowledge the depths break open, and the clouds drop down dew.
[PROV 3:19-20]
Hear, O children, a father's instruction, be attentive, that
you may gain understanding! [PROV 4:1]
"Get wisdom, get understanding! Do not forget or turn aside from the words I utter. Forsake her not, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will safeguard you; The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom; at the cost of all you have, get understanding."
[PROV 4:5-7]
My son, to my wisdom be attentive, to my knowledge incline your ear, That discretion may watch over you, and understanding may guard you.
[PROV 5:1-2]
My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands. Keep my commands and live, my teaching as the apple of your eye; Bind them on your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to Wisdom, "You are my sister!" call Understanding, "Friend!" That they may keep you from another's wife, from the adulteress with her smooth words.
[PROV 7:1-5]
Does not Wisdom call, and Understanding raise her voice? [PROV
8:1]
"I, Wisdom, dwell with experience, and judicious knowledge I attain. (The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;)
Pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate. Mine are counsel and advice; Mine is strength; I am understanding. By me kings reign, and lawgivers establish justice; By me princes govern, and nobles; all the rulers of earth.
Those who love me I also love, and those who seek me find me."
[PROV 8:12-17]
Wisdom has built her house, she has set up her seven columns... "Let whoever is simple turn in here; to him who lacks understanding, I say, Come, eat of my food, and drink of the wine I have mixed! Forsake foolishness that you may live; advance in the way of understanding."
[PROV 9:1,4-6]
The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD, and knowledge
of the Holy One is understanding. [PROV 9:10]
The woman Folly is fickle, she is inane, and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house upon a seat on the city heights, Calling to passers-by as they go on their straight way: "Let whoever is simple turn in here, or who lacks understanding; for to him I say, Stolen water is sweet, and bread gotten secretly is pleasing!" Little he knows that the shades are there, that in the depths of the nether world are her guests!
[PROV 9:13-18]
Folly is joy to the senseless man, but the man of understanding
goes the straight way. [PROV 15:21]
He who rejects admonition despises his own soul, but he who
heeds reproof gains understanding. [PROV 15:32]
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To acquire
understanding is more desirable than silver. [PROV 16:16]
The fool takes no delight in understanding, but rather in
displaying what he thinks. [PROV 18:2]
He who gains intelligence is his own best friend; he who keeps
understanding will be successful. [PROV 19:8]
Man's steps are from the LORD; how, then, can a man understand
his way? [PROV 20:24]
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, against the
LORD. [PROV 21:30]
Get the truth, and sell it not - wisdom, instruction and
understanding. [PROV 23:23]
By wisdom is a house built, by understanding is it made firm
[PROV
24:3]
Evil men understand nothing of justice, but those who seek the
LORD understand all. [PROV 28:5]
By words no servant can be trained; for he understands what is
said, but obeys not. [PROV 29:19]
Three things are too wonderful for me, yes, four I cannot understand: The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent upon a rock,
The way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.
[PROV 30:18-19]
I thought of beguiling my senses with wine, though my mind was
concerned with wisdom, and of taking up folly, until I should
understand what is best for men to do under the heavens during the
limited days of their life. [ECCL 2:3]
The wise man's understanding turns him to his right; the fool's
understanding turns him to his left. [ECCL 10:2]
When the fool walks through the street, in his lack of
understanding he calls everything foolish. [ECCL 10:3]
Rejoice, O young man, while you are young and let your heart be
glad in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart, the
vision of your eyes; Yet understand that as regards all this God
will bring you to judgment. [ECCL 11:9]
Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful
shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his
holy ones, and his care is with the elect. [WISDOM 3:9]
For the fruit of noble struggles is a glorious one; and
unfailing is the root of understanding. [WISDOM 3:15]
But the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest. For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time,
nor can it be measured in terms of years. Rather, understanding is the hoary crown for men, and an unsullied life, the attainment of old age. [WISDOM
4:7-9]
He who pleased God was loved; he who lived among sinners was
transported - Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind or deceit beguile his soul; For the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind. Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career; for his soul was pleasing to the LORD, therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness. But the people saw and did not understand, nor did they take this into
account. Yes, the just man dead condemns the sinful who live, and youth swiftly completed condemns the many years of the wicked man grown old. For they see the death of the wise man and do not understand what the LORD intended for him, or why he made him secure. They see, and hold him in contempt; but the LORD laughs them to scorn. [WISDOM
4:10-18]
For [wisdom] is instructress in the understanding of God, the
selector of his works. [Taken from WISDOM 8:4]
Or again, if one yearns for copious learning, she knows the
things of old, and infers those yet to come. She understands the
turns of phrases and the solutions of riddles; signs and wonders
she knows in advance and the outcome of times and ages. [WISDOM
8:8]
Now with you is Wisdom, who knows your works and was present when you made the world;
Who understands what is pleasing in your eyes and what is conformable with your commands. Send her forth from your holy heavens and from your glorious throne dispatch her
That she may be with me and work with me, that I may know what is your pleasure. For she knows and understands all things, and will guide me discreetly in my affairs and safeguard me by her glory; Thus my deeds will be acceptable, and I shall judge your people justly and be worthy of my father's throne. [WISDOM
9:9-12]
Before all things else wisdom was created; and prudent
understanding, from eternity. [SIRACH 1:4]
Wisdom's garland is fear of the LORD, with blossoms of peace and perfect health. Knowledge and full understanding she showers down; she heightens the glory of those who possess her.
[SIRACH 1:16-17]
Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone
hoped in the LORD and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in
his fear and been forsaken? has anyone called upon him and been
rebuffed? [SIRACH 2:10]
With what is too much for you meddle not, when shown things
beyond human understanding. [SIRACH 3:22]
Wisdom and understanding and knowledge of affairs, love and
virtuous paths are from the LORD. [SIRACH 11:15]
Happy the man who meditates on wisdom, and reflects on knowledge; Who ponders her ways in his heart, and understands her paths; Who pursues her like a scout, and lies in wait at her entry
way [SIRACH 14:20-22]
He who fears the LORD will do this; he who is practiced in the law will come to wisdom. Motherlike she will meet him, like a young bride she will embrace him, Nourish him with the bread of understanding, and give him the water of learning to drink. He will lean upon her and not fall, he will trust in her and not be put to shame.
[SIRACH 15:1-4]
The eyes of God see all he has made; he understands man's every
deed. [SIRACH 15:19]
The LORD from the earth created man, and in his own image he made him. Limited days of life he gives him and makes him return to earth again. He endows man with a strength of his own, and with power over all things else on earth. He puts the fear of him in all flesh, and gives him rule over beasts and birds. He forms men's tongues and eyes and ears, and imparts to them an understanding heart. With wisdom and knowledge he fills them; good and evil he shows them.
[SIRACH 17:1-6]
That is why the LORD is patient with men and showers upon them his mercy. He sees and understands that their death is grievous, and so he forgives them all the more.
[SIRACH 18:9-10]
There are those with little understanding who fear God, and
those of great intelligence who violate the law. [SIRACH 19:20]
A resolve that is backed by prudent understanding is like the
polished surface of a smooth wall. [SIRACH 22:17]
And the man who dishonors his marriage bed and says to himself "Who can see me?
Darkness surrounds me, walls hide me; no one sees me; why should I fear to sin?"
Of the Most High he is not mindful, fearing only the eyes of men; He does not understand that the eyes of the LORD, ten thousand times brighter than the sun,
Observe every step a man takes and peer into hidden corners. He who knows all things before they exist still knows them all after they are made. Such a man will be punished in the streets of the city; when he least expects it, he will be apprehended. [SIRACH 23:18-21]
Thus all who dwell on the earth shall know, and all who inhabit
the world shall understand, That nothing is better than the fear
of the LORD, nothing more salutary than to obey his commandments.
[SIRACH 23:27]
"He who obeys me will not be put to shame, he who serves me will never fail." All this is true of the book of the Most High's covenant, the law which Moses commanded us as an inheritance for the community of Jacob. It overflows, like the
Pishon, with wisdom - like the Tigris in the days of the new fruits. It runs over, like the Euphrates, with understanding, like the Jordan at harvest time.
[SIRACH 24:21-24]
How becoming to the aged is wisdom, understanding and prudence
to the venerable! [SIRACH 25:5]
How different the man who devotes himself to the study of the law of the Most High!
He explores the wisdom of the men of old and occupies himself with the
prophecies... His care is to seek the LORD, his Maker, to petition the Most High,
To open his lips in prayer, to ask pardon for his sins. Then, if it pleases the LORD Almighty, he will be filled with the spirit of understanding;
He will pour forth his words of wisdom and in prayer give thanks to the LORD, Who will direct his knowledge and his counsel, as he meditates upon his mysteries. He will show the wisdom of what he has learned and glory in the law of the LORD'S covenant. Many will praise his understanding; his fame can never be effaced;
Unfading will be his memory, through all generations his name will live; Peoples will speak of his wisdom, and in assembly sing his praises. While he lives he is one out of a thousand, and when he dies his renown will not cease.
[SIRACH 39:1,6-11]
My son, live not the life of a beggar, better to die than to beg; When one has to look to another's table, his life is not really a life.
His neighbor's delicacies bring revulsion of spirit to one who understands inward feelings: In the mouth of the shameless man begging is sweet, but within him it burns like fire.
[SIRACH 40:28-30]
He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart; their innermost being he understands.
The Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from of old the things that are to come: He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets. No understanding does he lack; no single thing escapes him.
[SIRACH 42:18-20]
He permitted him to hear his voice, and led him into the cloud,
Where, face to face, he gave him the commandments, the law of life
and understanding, That he might teach his precepts to Jacob, his
judgments and decrees to Israel. [SIRACH 45:5]
Your understanding covered the whole earth, and, like a sea,
filled it with knowledge. [SIRACH 47:15]
Wise instruction, appropriate proverbs, I have written in this
book, I, Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sirach, as they gushed
forth from my heart's understanding. [SIRACH 50:27]
For [wisdom] I purified my hands; in cleanness I attained to
her. At
first acquaintance with her, I gained understanding such that I
will never forsake her. [Taken from SIRACH 51:20]
With harp and lyre, timbrel and flute, they feast on wine; But what the LORD does, they regard not, the work of his hands they see not. Therefore my people go into exile, because they do not understand;
Their nobles die of hunger, and their masses are parched with thirst. Therefore the nether world enlarges its throat and opens its maw without limit;
Down go their nobility and their masses, their throngs and their revelry. [ISA
5:12-14]
And he replied: Go and say to this people: Listen carefully,
but you shall not understand! Look intently, but you shall know
nothing! You are to make the heart of this people sluggish, to dull
their ears and close their eyes; Else their eyes will see, their
ears hear, their heart understand, and they will turn and be
healed. [ISA 6:9-10]
But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.
Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land's afflicted.
He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. [ISA
11:1-4]
This is not an understanding
people; therefore their maker shall not spare them, nor shall he
who formed them have mercy on them. [Taken from ISA 27:11]
The Lord said: Since this people draws near with words only and honors me with their lips alone, though their hearts are far from me,
And their reverence for me has become routine observance of the precepts of men, Therefore I will again deal with this people in surprising and wondrous fashion:
The wisdom of its wise men shall perish and the understanding of its prudent men be hid. Woe to those who would hide their plans too deep for the LORD!
Who work in the dark, saying, "Who sees us, or who knows us?" Your perversity is as though the potter were taken to be the clay:
As though what is made should say of its maker, "He made me not!"
Or the vessel should say of the potter, "He does not understand." [ISA
29:13-16]
Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those
who find fault shall receive instruction. [ISA 29:24]
Then Eliakim and Shebna and Joah said to the commander,
"Please speak to your servants in Aramaic; we understand it.
Do not speak to us in Judean within earshot of the people who are
on the wall." [ISA 36:11]
Who has directed the spirit of the LORD, or has instructed him as his counselor? Whom did he consult to gain knowledge? Who taught him the path of judgment, or showed him the way of understanding? [ISA
40:13-14]
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