Understanding here implies not just intelligence but discernment — knowing how to act rightly in every situation. Such a person naturally gains favour from others and from God. The transgressors' way, by contrast, is described as 'hard' — literally unyielding, enduring, harsh. The path of sin is not easy — it is grinding and relentless. This is the opposite of the world's promise that wrongdoing is the easy road.
Memory phrase: Understanding wins favour.
Talk about it: Can you think of someone with good understanding?
Prayer: God, give me good understanding today.