Day 128, Year 1

Unfolding God’s Words Gives Understanding

“The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 NASB)

The above word “unfold” in Hebrew is pethach, which also means “opening, (to be) doorway, or entrance.” “Understanding” is biyn in Hebrew, meaning “reasoning, or sensible” here. We could ask God to help us become more understanding by His words and let His Word guide our lives. As a result, the simple can become wiser. Here are a few points I would like to share.

First, let God’s words unfold before you. In biblical times, the scriptures were in scrolls, people needed to unroll them in order to read the scriptures. They were also accustomed to reading the verses aloud. Hence, the first meaning of this verse for us is to open the Bible and read it aloud. We might not be attentive enough when merely looking at the scriptures without reading them aloud, as we could think or listen to other things at the same time. Attentively reading aloud the Bible could bring us a better understanding.

Second, opening God’s words could be understood as correctly interpreting His words. Correct scriptural interpretation brings emanations of divine light. In other words, when the correct scriptural interpretation is heard, we hungry for God’s words would experience spiritual insight, enlightenment, and even empowerment from within. When His words are correctly explained, our lives can be fashioned. And the foolish are able to understand themselves as well as how to abandon their foolishness and thus become wiser. However, readers need to be careful—this divine “light” should be long-lasting. Novel interpretations of the Bible could sometimes create a temporary feeling of being “lit” in the listeners, but this feeling soon fades away. In reality, it is a false “light” that only offers fleeting excitement. Contrarily, a truthful and correct biblical interpretation can deeply permeate and transform our hearts and minds.

Third, viewing God’s words as the entrance or pathway to His salvation. After deeply understanding the Bible, we should filter and evaluate everything through His words. This means we first enter into His Word, then assess everything else. Indeed, if we have a comprehensive and profound knowledge of God’s words and use them to understand our lives, the world, and all things, the foolish will entirely become the wise. We need to understand the physical world through the Spiritual realm. However, the end of those who knew His words yet discarded them will be more tragic than that of unbelievers.

Reflection questions:

1) Is your mind focused and meditation enduring enough when you read the Bible? What methods could help you get more divine light from reading the Bible?

2) Are you willing to first enter into God’s Word, and then use His words to evaluate all things and make decisions accordingly? Is this difficult for you? If so, how would you overcome it?