“Right” is the central concept in this wise saying. It discusses the relationship of two different types of people and their understanding of “what is right.”
“Evildoers do not understand what is right.” Their lives are characterized by doing hurtful and harmful things and they’re unable to grasp what “right” really means.
On the other hand, “those who seek the LORD understand it fully.” Their God-focus leads to a different lifestyle along with a different understanding of “what is right.”
While the verse characterizes the difference between the two as their “understanding” or lack thereof – the real difference between them is who they are!
In each case their actions are based on their choices. Both already made decisions to either do hurtful things or seek God’s things. No surprise that their understanding of right will be colored by their thinking.
Unfortunately, so much of the time, I focus on people’s behaviors and classify them on that basis. But the Bible always go beyond what people do, looking at their choices and attitudes, instead.
Descartes once said, “I think, therefore, I am.” What and how I think is the central piece in determining who I really am – my behaviors are simply an outcome of being that person.
While this might sound fatalistic – it’s not! People decides to change their thinking all the time. The New Testament Greek word metanoia, meaning “change of mind,” is frequently translated “repent.”
And folks do that all the time, too! History is full of wonderful stories of people who chose to live one way and then decided there was something better – and changed!
The “evildoers” of our verse can likewise!