Knowing and understanding are not the same. Scripture makes this clear—true understanding is not merely the accumulation of knowledge, but the right discernment and application of truth (Proverbs 4:7). Knowledge is what is learned; understanding is how that knowledge is interpreted and lived out.
In early life, we form the foundation for all future learning. As we grow, new information is filtered through education and past experience, shaping not only what we know, but how we think. Our reasoning is therefore influenced by a mixture of truth, error, and bias.

Throughout life, many influences shape this process—culture, tradition, education, family, media, religion and social expectations. Of these, education is particularly powerful, as education is specifically targeted to train the mind to think in specific ways. These influences form the framework through which we interpret reality, including how we approach Scripture—either with humility or with preconceived ideas that limit understanding.

While education and teaching provide structure, they must always be tested against Scripture (Acts 17:11). Otherwise, understanding becomes shaped more by tradition than truth. Scripture teaches that true understanding comes from the Father (Proverbs 2:6) and requires the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2).
 
Over time, what we learn becomes deeply embedded, forming unconscious patterns of thought which become harder to change as we build our understanding. The world key systems is economics, and these create incentives to comply with the structure around us—career success, wealth, and social status create an alternative framework that operates independently of the Father’s truth. Scripture describes this as being “darkened in understanding” (Ephesians 4:18).

When a person’s thinking is formed within this framework, spiritual truth becomes difficult to perceive. This is not just intellectual, but spiritual. 

1 Corinthians 1:27 But Aluah has chosen the foolish matters of the world to put to shame the wise, and Aluah has chosen the weak of the world to put to shame the strong.

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the matters of the Spirit of Elohim, for they are foolishness to him, and he is unable to know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

People may reason sincerely, yet fail to recognise truth because their understanding cannot accommodate it.
Scripture also shows that understanding is not dependent on intellectual status. The Messiah taught that truth is revealed to those with humility, like children young children and babes, because they have not yet formed their understanding, and they remain unbiased. Take for example:

Matthew 18:3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become as little children, you shall by no means enter into the reign of the heavens.

Matthew 21:16 and said to Him, “Do You hear what these say?” And Yahusha said to them, “Yes, have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nurslings You have perfected praise’?”

Luke 10:21 In that hour Yahusha exulted in the Spirit and said, “I praise You, Father, Master of the heaven and of the earth, that You have hidden these matters from clever and learned ones, and did reveal them to babes. Yes, Father, because thus it was well-pleasing in Your sight.

Therefore, the issue is not simply education, but transformation. Scripture points to the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2), the work of the Set-Apart Spirit (John 16:13), and the power of the Word to reshape the heart (Hebrews 4:12). True change comes not just from new information, but from a new way of seeing.
At the same time, people rarely change without a clear reason. This may come through experience, exposure to truth, Set Apart Spirit prompting, or recognising inconsistency in their current beliefs. For this reason, engaging others requires patience, clarity, and discernment.

If we are to understand the Scriptures and the Father’s plan, we must be willing to lay aside assumptions and approach with humility. This requires repentance, faith, and a willingness to be taught. The Messiah promised that the Set-Apart Spirit would guide and teach those who seek truth (John 14:26).
We need the Set-Apart Spirit to guide us and to discern truth from error. Teaching that is not of the Spirit will not lead to salvation; it may appear close to the truth, but teaching that follows a specific doctrine and does not follow the Scriptures, ultimately misleads. For this reason, we must carefully examine the teachings we accept and decide who we will follow.

If we desire to be part of the Father’s plan of salvation and to truly understand the Scriptures, we must be willing to re-examine what we have learned, and unlearn what are barriers to faith. Our accumulated knowledge—especially when shaped by human traditions and assumptions—hinder rather than help our understanding of the Truth. It is not knowledge itself that prevents salvation, but misplaced confidence in our own understanding that is a barrier.

However, we are not left to rely on ourselves. The Father has provided a Helper. If we take a step in faith—turning to the Messiah, repenting of our sins, and being baptised in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Set-Apart Spirit—we enter into a process of spiritual rebirth.

This requires more than outward action; it requires a wholehearted response. We must seek with all our heart, mind, body, and soul, allowing the Set-Apart Spirit to teach, correct, and guide us into truth, giving up understanding, life and habits that are contrary to the Scriptures. Through this process, our understanding is renewed, we are spiritually reborn, and we are enabled to see the Scriptures more clearly, not through the lens of past assumptions, but in alignment with the Father’s truth.

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We are all born spiritually blind and spiritually deaf
If a person is blind or deaf from birth, they have no frame of reference for what they are missing. A person born blind has no concept of sight; a person born deaf has no concept of sound. In both cases, they do not fully realise what they lack until they are given the ability to see or hear.

In a similar way, this reflects the spiritual condition of a person apart from the Messiah. Without spiritual sight and hearing, a person is unable to fully perceive or understand the truth contained in Scripture. It is only when a person turns to the Messiah that their understanding begins to change, and what was once unclear becomes visible.

Because of this, spiritual matters can seem unfamiliar or difficult to grasp, and fall outside the understanding of people who have not had a spiritual rebirth. When others speak about their spiritual walk, it may not immediately resonate, simply because the framework for understanding is not yet in place.

For this reason, it is important to approach matters of faith carefully and thoughtfully. Understanding should not rest solely on what is heard second-hand or on a single interpretation. Rather, it is valuable to examine Scripture closely and seek a deeper understanding of the original meaning. Tools such as Hebrew and Greek study resources, including Strong’s Concordance, can assist in exploring the text more fully and may provide additional insight into the message.

If you are attending a denomination that does not teach the Torah, the plan of salvation, or the Word as it is written, it is important to carefully examine and test the teaching you are receiving. Believers are encouraged to discern all teaching against Scripture and to ensure it aligns with truth.

If, after such examination, you become convinced that the teaching is not consistent with Scripture, you need to consider your position and whether you should remain. In some cases, raising these concerns may lead to disagreement or even requests to leave.

For this reason, it is important to proceed with both conviction and wisdom, seeking truth while also being prepared for the possible consequences of challenging a denominations doctrine.
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Web page last updated 8 April 2026​