Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

There is no wisdom {H2451} nor understanding {H8394} nor counsel {H6098} against the LORD {H3068}.

No wisdom, discernment or counsel succeeds against ADONAI.

There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

There is no wisdom nor understanding Nor counsel against Jehovah.

Context

Proverbs 21:30 is a powerful declaration embedded within the broader wisdom literature of the Book of Proverbs. This book, primarily attributed to King Solomon, offers practical guidance for living a righteous and successful life under God's sovereignty. Throughout Proverbs, there's a recurring theme contrasting human plans and endeavors with God's ultimate design and will. This verse specifically follows a series of proverbs that highlight the futility of human efforts or military might when they are not aligned with or are in opposition to divine purpose. For instance, while a horse may be prepared for battle, victory ultimately belongs to the LORD (Proverbs 21:31). The verse also echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 19:21, which states that "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand."

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse unequivocally asserts God's supreme authority and control over all things. No human intellect, strategy, or power can successfully challenge or thwart His ultimate will.
  • Futility of Rebellion: Any attempt by humanity, whether through cunning, knowledge, or strategic planning, to go "against the LORD" is inherently doomed to fail. Human wisdom, no matter how profound, is limited and inferior to divine wisdom.
  • True Wisdom and Humility: The implication is that genuine wisdom does not lie in opposing God but in aligning with His purposes. It calls for humility, acknowledging God's unchallengeable power and wisdom.
  • God's Unstoppable Plan: This proverb provides assurance that God's plans will always prevail, regardless of human opposition or the complexity of worldly affairs.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text uses three distinct terms to describe human faculties that are rendered powerless against the LORD:

  • Wisdom (חָכְמָה - chokmah): Refers to practical skill, insight, and the ability to apply knowledge effectively. It's often associated with shrewdness and discernment.
  • Understanding (תְּבוּנָה - tevunah): Denotes discernment, intelligence, and the capacity for deep insight and comprehension.
  • Counsel (עֵצָה - 'etsah): Implies advice, a plan, or a deliberate purpose or strategy.

The cumulative effect of these terms emphasizes that the very best of human intellectual and strategic capabilities—the sum of all human brilliance and plotting—is utterly insufficient when set "against the LORD" (יְהוָה - Yahweh), the eternal, self-existent God of the covenant. The pre-eminence of God's counsel is absolute.

Practical Application

Proverbs 21:30 offers profound guidance for daily living and decision-making:

  • Embrace Humility: It's a call to acknowledge God's supremacy in all aspects of life. Our best plans and deepest insights are flawed if they contradict God's revealed will.
  • Seek God's Will: Rather than relying solely on our own intelligence or the advice of others, this verse encourages us to seek divine counsel and align our plans with God's purposes. True success and lasting peace come from walking in His ways.
  • Find Comfort in God's Control: In times of uncertainty, chaos, or when facing powerful opposition, this proverb reminds believers that God remains on His throne. His ultimate plan cannot be thwarted, offering a source of great comfort and hope. The confidence that God's purposes will ultimately prevail is a cornerstone of faith, as seen in Romans 8:28, where "all things work together for good to them that love God."
  • Avoid Arrogance: It serves as a strong warning against human arrogance and the temptation to believe we can outsmart or defy God without consequence.

Reflection

Proverbs 21:30 stands as a timeless reminder of God's absolute sovereignty. It teaches us that while human beings are gifted with intellect and the ability to plan, these faculties are ultimately limited and utterly powerless when set against the divine will. True wisdom lies not in devising schemes independent of or in opposition to God, but in humbly submitting to His perfect wisdom and counsel. This verse encourages us to trust in a God whose purposes cannot be undone and whose wisdom far transcends our own.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 5:39

    But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

  • Proverbs 19:21

    ¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

  • Jeremiah 9:23

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:

  • Isaiah 14:27

    For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

  • 1 Corinthians 3:19

    For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:20

    And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

  • Isaiah 8:9

    ¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.

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