Eyes that see... Ears that hear... A Heart that understands

I’ve heard of eyes that see and ears that hear, but a heart that understands…? We read in many places in scripture about eyes and ears. Obviously, they are important. But how much do we really know about an understanding heart? We read about the meditations being acceptable or create a new heart in me. But I believe the heart has a much more significant role than we sometimes think. 

   "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man

    according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings." [Jeremiah 17:10]   

   "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an

    evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the

    abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." [Luke 6:45]

I've added the, 'A Heart that understands' because an understanding heart is important. Though there are over 50 verses concerning an understanding heart, these are the most oft quoted ones: 

Matthew 6:21        Proverbs 3:5        Proverbs 4:23        Romans 12:2

Proverbs 23:26      Psalms 51:10       Psalms 73:26         Philippians 4:7

As you can see from these particular verses... heart and understanding are highly related. We do speak from the riches of our hearts... it's time that we realize this. The scripture that tells us to store up treasures where they won't be threatened is also meant to tell us the importance of our heart and how it enables understanding. 

Now consider the parable of the sower in light of heart and understanding:

   "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then

    the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is

    he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony

    places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet

    he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or

    persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.  Now he

    who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares

    of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes

    unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the

    word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a

    hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” [Matthew 13: 19-23, NKJV]

Obviously, we want to be those who are good ground. Sooooo how do we become 'good ground'? How do we have ears that hear and eyes that see?  One way is to look at ourselves the way God does:

   "... For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance,

    but the Lord looks on the heart.” [1 Samuel 16: 7]

   "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,

    piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and

    discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." [Hebrews 4:12]

In just 2 verses we see 2 powerful ways that reinforce our need for an understanding heart. When we cultivate our eyes and ears and heart, then I think we please the Lord. You are never finished with this... perhaps the issue is to begin.? It is a worthwhile endeavor, a mindset that directs us - a lifestyle.