--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We do not understand and then obey: that…" description: "\"We do not understand and then obey: that is instruction. We obey by faith, and then we understand: that is illumination.\" — Warren W. Wiersbe" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e55/warren-w-wiersbe-2017_faith_we-do-not-understand-and-then-obey-that_1977489.png" --- # We do not understand and then obey: that is instruction… ![“We do not understand and then obey: that is instruction. We obey by faith, and then we understand: that is illumination.” quote by Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e55/warren-w-wiersbe-2017_faith_we-do-not-understand-and-then-obey-that_1977489.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e55/warren-w-wiersbe-2017_faith_we-do-not-understand-and-then-obey-that_1977489.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e55/warren-w-wiersbe-2017_faith_we-do-not-understand-and-then-obey-that_1977489.png) > “We do not understand and then obey: that is instruction. We obey by faith, and then we understand: that is illumination.” [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Understanding follows obedience, while true enlightenment comes after faith precedes comprehension. **In simple terms:** Obey first, then understand; faith leads to illumination. Key Takeaway Trust precedes insight; act before you fully grasp. Themes faith obedience illumination Mood reflective hopeful Type spiritual inspirational When to use this quote - religious practice - personal decision - learning new skills Key Concepts theology spiritual growth Questions to Reflect On - When have you acted on faith before understanding? - How does this shape your growth? A Different Perspective Blind obedience can lead to error without critical thought. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faith/) [Illumination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/illumination/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) ## Related quotes > [“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Obeying God is too hard. Trying to understand, and obey, the Scriptures will break you. If…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-cord-of-three-strands-is-not-quickly-broken-ecclesiastes-4-12/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Faith is that strengthening power within Urging me on my way, Teaching me all that I must know, Helping to obey. Faith is that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-piper/faith-is-that-strengthening-power-within-urging-me-on-my-way-teaching/) [John Piper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-piper/) > [“Is it more important to understand than to obey? Is it more important to me to know than to believe?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elisabeth-elliot/is-it-more-important-to-understand-than-to-obey-is-it-more-important/) [Elisabeth Elliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elisabeth-elliot/) > [“People only Listen,Understand, Obey the Morality for a minute After that They do, what ever They want !”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shibu-bera/people-only-listen-understand-obey-the-morality-for-a-minute-after/) Shibu Bera > [We must choose with our agency to obey in faith that the promised blessing will come, that the promise is true because it comes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-b-eyring/we-must-choose-with-our-agency-to-obey-in-faith-that-the-promised/) [Henry B. Eyring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-b-eyring/) > [If we try to obey without faith, we get nowhere. If we try to have faith without obedience, it ends in nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aiden-wilson-tozer/if-we-try-to-obey-without-faith-we-get-nowhere-if-we-try-to-have/) [Aiden Wilson Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aiden-wilson-tozer/) > [Don't hate the arising of thoughts or stop the thoughts that do arise. Simply realize that our original mind, right from the start, is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bankei-yotaku/don-t-hate-the-arising-of-thoughts-or-stop-the-thoughts-that-do-arise/) [Bankei Yotaku](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bankei-yotaku/) > [The investigation of making is illuminating towards that moment rather than the other way around, a reversal of the way that I would approach…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julie-mehretu/the-investigation-of-making-is-illuminating-towards-that-moment/) [Julie Mehretu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julie-mehretu/) > [ “He exuded wisdom-even the wisest...were pale, flickering candles next to the nourishing solar illumination of \[his\] insights.” ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aprilynne-pike/he-exuded-wisdom-even-the-wisest-were-pale-flickering-candles-next-to/) [Aprilynne Pike](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aprilynne-pike/) > [Most new discoveries are suddenly-seen things that were always there. A new idea is a light that illuminates presences which simply had no form…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susanne-katherina-langer/most-new-discoveries-are-suddenly-seen-things-that-were-always-there/) [Susanne Katherina Langer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susanne-katherina-langer/) > [An unsophisticated forecaster uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts - for support rather than for illumination.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-lang/an-unsophisticated-forecaster-uses-statistics-as-a-drunken-man-uses/) [Andrew Lang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-lang/) > [The end for which we are created invites us to walk a road that is surely sown with a lot of thorns, but it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pier-giorgio-frassati/the-end-for-which-we-are-created-invites-us-to-walk-a-road-that-is/) [Pier Giorgio Frassati](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pier-giorgio-frassati/) > [We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a Thousand Points of Light...We…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-h-w-bush/we-can-find-meaning-and-reward-by-serving-some-higher-purpose-than/) [George H. W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-h-w-bush/) > [Act as if the universe is a prodigious miracle created for your amusement and illumination. Assume that secret helpers are working behind the scenes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rob-brezsny/act-as-if-the-universe-is-a-prodigious-miracle-created-for-your/) [Rob Brezsny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rob-brezsny/) > [You are unique, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more noble and praiseworthy in their way than those recorded in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/spencer-w-kimball/you-are-unique-and-there-may-be-incidents-in-your-experience-that-are/) [Spencer W. Kimball](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/spencer-w-kimball/) ## More by Warren W. Wiersbe > [The bumps are what you climb on.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/the-bumps-are-what-you-climb-on/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [Those times when you feel like quitting can be times of great opportunity, for God uses your troubles to help you grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/those-times-when-you-feel-like-quitting-can-be-times-of-great/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“The Hebrew word translated “comfort” also means “to repent.” God brings comfort, not to rebellious people but to repentant people.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/the-hebrew-word-translated-comfort-also-means-to-repent-god-brings/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“When we trust the Son of God, there is no need for intermediary beings between us and heaven!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/when-we-trust-the-son-of-god-there-is-no-need-for-intermediary-beings/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“The faith that conquers fear is faith in the Word, not faith in feelings.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/the-faith-that-conquers-fear-is-faith-in-the-word-not-faith-in/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“Yesterday God helped me, Today He’ll do the same. How long will this continue? Forever—praise His name!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/yesterday-god-helped-me-today-he-ll-do-the-same-how-long-will-this/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa. 28:16). True faith in God brings a calmness to the heart that keeps us from rushing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/he-that-believeth-shall-not-make-haste-isa-28-16-true-faith-in-god/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“The I AM statements recorded in Scripture reveal the depths of the Christian life and how God’s children can go deeper by living with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/the-i-am-statements-recorded-in-scripture-reveal-the-depths-of-the/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“Note that God chose us even before He created the universe, so that our salvation is wholly of His grace and not on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/note-that-god-chose-us-even-before-he-created-the-universe-so-that/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“The world’s philosophy is that you are 'great' if others are working for you, but Christ’s message is that greatness comes from our serving…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/the-world-s-philosophy-is-that-you-are-great-if-others-are-working/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“Luther called marriage “a school for character,” and he was right. He realized that his own life was enriched because of the love of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/luther-called-marriage-a-school-for-character-and-he-was-right-he/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [Four Lessons on Life 1. Never take down a fence until you know why it was put up. 2. If you get too far…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/four-lessons-on-life-1-never-take-down-a-fence-until-you-know-why-it/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“The service we render for others is really the rent we pay for our room on this earth. ” Wilfred Grenfell”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/the-service-we-render-for-others-is-really-the-rent-we-pay-for-our/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [Life's trials are not easy. But in God's will, each has a purpose. Often He uses them to enlarge you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/life-s-trials-are-not-easy-but-in-god-s-will-each-has-a-purpose-often/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“In times of despair, it’s best to ignore our feelings and simply do what God tells us to do, leaving the consequences with Him.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/in-times-of-despair-it-s-best-to-ignore-our-feelings-and-simply-do/) [Warren W. Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) [Explore all 191 Warren W. Wiersbe quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) ## More Faith quotes > [“What I have a problem with is not so much religion or god, but faith. When you say you believe something in your heart…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/penn-jillette/what-i-have-a-problem-with-is-not-so-much-religion-or-god-but-faith/) [Penn Jillette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/penn-jillette/) > [Eternal Trinity... mystery deep as the sea, You could give me no greater gift than the gift of Yourself. For You are a fire…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/st-catherine-of-siena/eternal-trinity-mystery-deep-as-the-sea-you-could-give-me-no-greater/) [St. Catherine of Siena](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/st-catherine-of-siena/) > [Keep the faith, and keep going strong!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doreen-virtue/keep-the-faith-and-keep-going-strong/) [Doreen Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doreen-virtue/) > [It’s so important to create in your own voice, to hold onto what makes you unique, and have faith in your vision.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-lasseter/it-s-so-important-to-create-in-your-own-voice-to-hold-onto-what-makes/) [John Lasseter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lasseter/) > [Faith gives you a certain structure and meaning to your life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/riffat-hassan/faith-gives-you-a-certain-structure-and-meaning-to-your-life/) Riffat Hassan > [Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-s-truman/democracy-is-based-on-the-conviction-that-man-has-the-moral-and/) [Harry S. Truman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-s-truman/) > [There is something about the South that accepts the supernatural. If you don't accept it and you're having a conversation with someone who does,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-englert/there-is-something-about-the-south-that-accepts-the-supernatural-if/) [Alice Englert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-englert/) > [“No man is prejudiced in favour of a thing, knowing it to be wrong. He is attached to it on the belief of its…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-paine/no-man-is-prejudiced-in-favour-of-a-thing-knowing-it-to-be-wrong-he/) [Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-paine/) > [Let me tell you that atheism has never painted a masterpiece. Atheism has never dispelled fear. Atheism has never healed a disease; faith in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-hagee/let-me-tell-you-that-atheism-has-never-painted-a-masterpiece-atheism/) [John Hagee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-hagee/) > [Holiness sincerity, and faith.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/swami-vivekananda/holiness-sincerity-and-faith/) [Swami Vivekananda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/swami-vivekananda/) > [“The only limitations for your life are the limiting beliefs in your mind. —Matt Morris”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matt-morris-1/the-only-limitations-for-your-life-are-the-limiting-beliefs-in-your/) Matt Morris (1 > [“Just because your faith is shaken doesn’t mean the faith is shaken. The eternal truths of the Kingdom aren’t altered or affected by the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-arthur/just-because-your-faith-is-shaken-doesn-t-mean-the-faith-is-shaken/) [Sarah Arthur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-arthur/) > [Grit, determination, the right amount of crazy, self belief - everything it takes to be a champion. I have that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dustin-poirier/grit-determination-the-right-amount-of-crazy-self-belief-everything/) [Dustin Poirier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dustin-poirier/) > [We only enter into the full life if our faith gives thanks. Because how else do we accept His free gift of salvation if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-voskamp/we-only-enter-into-the-full-life-if-our-faith-gives-thanks-because/) [Ann Voskamp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-voskamp/) > [Once you pull the trigger, you've got to throw balls aggressively and with conviction.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-smith/once-you-pull-the-trigger-you-ve-got-to-throw-balls-aggressively-and/) [Alex Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-smith/) [Browse all 37,796 Faith quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faith/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We do not understand and then obey: that is instruction. We obey by faith, and then we understand: that is illumination.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Warren W. Wiersbe" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/we-do-not-understand-and-then-obey-that-is-instruction-we-obey-by/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Faith" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/we-do-not-understand-and-then-obey-that-is-instruction-we-obey-by/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e55/warren-w-wiersbe-2017_faith_we-do-not-understand-and-then-obey-that_1977489.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e55/warren-w-wiersbe-2017_faith_we-do-not-understand-and-then-obey-that_1977489.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e55/warren-w-wiersbe-2017_faith_we-do-not-understand-and-then-obey-that_1977489.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“We do not understand and then obey: that is instruction. We obey by faith, and then we understand: that is…” — Warren W. Wiersbe", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Warren W. Wiersbe", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "We do not understand and then...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/we-do-not-understand-and-then-obey-that-is-instruction-we-obey-by/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-w-wiersbe/we-do-not-understand-and-then-obey-that-is-instruction-we-obey-by/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```