Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; yet with all thy getting, get understanding.—Prov. 5:7.

WHAT is wisdom, and what is understanding? Wherein is wisdom different from understanding?

From the authorities we learn that wisdom is the faculty of being wise, and is the power of discerning what is true, right and best for one’s highest interest, and of conforming one’s conduct to it.

Understanding is that faculty and ability to reach through symbols and perceive their inner meanings; to bring forth hidden truths; to interpret to the mind what is perceived by the soul or inner consciousness.

Wisdom is a faculty of the mind gained from much experience and use. Understanding is a faculty of the soul, an inner knowing that can be called upon by illumined minds.

The word understanding of itself shows it is a knowing that lies back of or under that of the outer mind. Some claim it is the knowing of the subconsciousness. Can we not therefore say that the subconsciousness is the knowing of the soul—yes, is the soul itself?

Of course we are speaking of true understanding and therefore of souls that truly know the subjects understood. The mind can learn to know from outer instruction, but it cannot understand without learning to listen to and be taught by the soul.

Above we said that understanding is an inner knowing that can be called upon by illumined minds. Let us consider that thought.