TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 3:13–20. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Solomon had pressed us earnestly to seek diligently for wisdom (Pro 2:1, etc.), and had assured us that we should succeed in our sincere and constant pursuits. But the question is, What shall we get by it when we have found it? Prospect of advantage is the spring and spur of industry; he therefore shows us how much it will be to our profit, laying this down for an unquestionable truth, Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, that true wisdom which consists in the knowledge and love of God, and an entire conformity to all the intentions of his truths, providences, and laws. Now observe,
I.What it is to find wisdom so as to be made happy by it.
1.We must get it. He is the happy man who, having found it, makes it his own, gets both an interest in it and the possession of it, who draws out understanding (so the word it), that is,
(1.)Who derives it from God. Having it not in himself, he draws it with the bucket of prayer from the fountain of all wisdom, who gives liberally.
(2.)Who takes pains for it, as he does who draws ore out of the mine. It if do not come easily, we must put the more strength to draw it.
(3.)Who improves in it, who, having some understanding, draws it out by growing in knowledge and making five talents ten.
(4.)Who does good with it, who draws out from the stock he has, as wine from the vessel, and communicates to others, for their instruction, things new and old. That is well got, and to good purpose, that is thus used to good purpose.
2.We must trade for it. We read here of the merchandise of wisdom, which intimates,
(1.)That we must make it our business, and not a by-business, as the merchant bestows the main of his thoughts and time upon his merchandise.
(2.)That we must venture all in it, as a stock in trade, and be willing to part with all for it. This is that pearl of great price which, when we have found it, we must willingly sell all for the purchase of, Mat 13:45, Mat 13:46. Buy the truth, (Pro 23:23); he does not say at what rate, because we must buy it at any rate rather than miss it.
3.We must lay hold on it as we lay hold on a good bargain when it is offered to us, which we do the more carefully if there be danger of having it taken out of our hands. We must apprehend with all our might, and put forth our utmost vigour in the pursuit of it, lay hold on all occasions to improve in it, and catch at the least of its dictates.
4.We must retain it. It is not enough to lay hold on wisdom, but we must keep our hold, hold it fast, with a resolution never to let it go, but to persevere in the ways of wisdom to the end. We must sustain it (so some read it), must embrace it with all our might, as we do that which we would sustain. We must do all we can to support the declining interests of religion in the places where we live.
II.What the happiness of those is who do find it.
1.It is a transcendent happiness, more than can be found in the wealth of this world, if we had ever so much of it, Pro 3:14, Pro 3:15. It is not only a surer, but a more gainful merchandise to trade for wisdom, for Christ, and grace, and spiritual blessings, than for silver, and gold, and rubies. Suppose a man to have got these in abundance, nay, to have all the things he can desire of this world (and who is it that ever had?), yet,
(1.)All this would not purchase heavenly wisdom; no, it would utterly be contemned; it cannot be gotten for gold, Job 28:15, etc.
(2.)All this would not countervail the want of heavenly wisdom nor be the ransom of a soul lost by its own folly.
(3.)All this would not make a man half so happy, no, not in this world, as those are who have true wisdom, though they have none of all these things.
(4.)Heavenly wisdom will procure that for us, and secure that to us, which silver, and gold, and rubies, will not be the purchase of.
2.It is a true happiness; for it is inclusive of, and equivalent to, all those things which are supposed to make men happy, Pro 3:16, Pro 3:17. Wisdom is here represented as a bright and bountiful queen, reaching forth gifts to her faithful and loving subjects, and offering them to all that will submit to her government.
(1.)Is length of days a blessing? Yes, the most valuable; life includes all good, and therefore she offers that in her right hand. Religion puts us into the best methods of prolonging life, entitles us to the promises of it, and, though our days on earth should be no more than our neighbour's, yet it will secure to us everlasting life in a better world.
(2.)Are riches and honour accounted blessings? They are so, and them she reaches out with her left hand. For, as she is ready to embrace those that submit to her with both arms, so she is ready to give out to them with both hands. They shall have the wealth of this world as far as Infinite Wisdom sees good for them; while the true riches, by which men are rich towards God, are secured to them. Nor is there any honour, by birth or preferment, comparable to that which attends religion; it makes the righteous more excellent than his neighbour, recommends men to God, commands respect and veneration with all the sober part of mankind, and will in the other world make those that are now buried in obscurity to shine forth as the sun.
(3.)Is pleasure courted as much as any thing? It is so, and it is certain that true piety has in it the greatest true pleasure. Her ways are ways of pleasantness; the ways in which she has directed us to walk are such as we shall find abundance of delight and satisfaction in. All the enjoyments and entertainments of sense are not comparable to the pleasure which gracious souls have in communion with God and doing good. That which is the only right way to bring us to our journey's end we must walk in, fair or foul, pleasant or unpleasant; but the way of religion, as it is the right way, so it is a pleasant way; it is smooth and clean, and strewed with roses: All her paths are peace. There is not only peace in the end, but peace in the way; not only in the way of religion in general, but in the particular paths of that way, in all her paths, all the several acts, instances, and duties of it. One does not embitter what the other sweetens, as it is with the allays of this world; but they are all peace, not only sweet, but safe. The saints enter into peace on this side heaven, and enjoy a present sabbatism.
3.It is the happiness of paradise (Pro 3:18): She is a tree of life. True grace is that to the soul which the tree of life would have been, from which our first parents were shut out for eating of the forbidden tree. It is a seed of immortality, a well of living waters, springing up to life eternal. It is an earnest of the New Jerusalem, in the midst of which is the tree of life, Rev 22:2; Rev 2:7. Those that feed and feast on this heavenly wisdom shall not only be cured by it of every fatal malady, but shall find an antidote against age and death; they shall eat and live for ever.
4.It is a participation of the happiness of God himself, for wisdom is his everlasting glory and blessedness, Pro 3:19, Pro 3:20. This should make us in love with the wisdom and understanding which God gives, that the Lord by wisdom founded the earth, so that it cannot be removed, nor can ever fail of answering all the ends of its creation, to which it is admirably and unexceptionably fitted. By understanding he has likewise established the heavens and directed all the motions of them in the best manner. The heavenly bodies are vast, yet there is no flaw in them - numerous, yet no disorder in them - the motion rapid, yet no wear or tear; the depths of the sea are broken up, and thence come the waters beneath the firmament, and the clouds drop down the dews, the waters from above the firmament, and all this by the divine wisdom and knowledge; therefore happy is the man that finds wisdom, for he will thereby be thoroughly furnished for every good word and work. Christ is that Wisdom, by whom the worlds were made and still consist; happy therefore are those to whom he is made of God wisdom, for he has wherewithal to make good all the foregoing promises of long life, riches, and honour; for all the wealth of heaven, earth, and seas, is his.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
And the clouds condense with dew. It is clear according to the letter, but allegorically the clouds are the teachers of the Church, elevated by contemplation and life, watering the hearts of listeners, like the land subjected to them by doctrine. Which condense with dew, because by the most subtle discernment they examine their virtues, which profit them, which lift them to high things, and which display examples to the lesser, and they examine them.
By His wisdom the depths burst forth. When in the days of Noah all the fountains of the great abyss were broken up, or when through the daily course the fountains and rivers emanate from the abyss through the veins of the earth. Otherwise, by His wisdom the depths burst forth, when, by the grace of Christ granted, the profound mysteries of the heavens become known to the faithful.
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Summary
Proverbs 3:20 beautifully articulates the profound and active role of God's divine knowledge in the ongoing sustenance and intricate operation of the natural world. Following the declaration that the Lord founded the earth and established the heavens by wisdom and understanding, this verse extends that truth by revealing how specific, vital natural phenomena—the gushing forth of subterranean waters and the gentle descent of dew from the clouds—are direct manifestations of His intelligent design and continuous oversight, underscoring His sovereign control over all creation.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 3:20 concludes a significant section (Proverbs 3:13-20) that extols the supreme value and life-giving benefits of wisdom. This passage personifies wisdom as a source of blessing, prosperity, and security, declaring it more precious than rubies or fine gold. The immediate preceding verse, which states, "The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens," sets the stage for our verse. Proverbs 3:20 seamlessly continues this thought, moving from the initial act of creation to the ongoing maintenance of the created order. It attributes specific, vital natural processes—the breaking open of the depths and the dropping of dew from clouds—directly to God's knowledge, reinforcing His role as the intelligent designer and faithful sustainer of all things. The entire section builds a compelling case for seeking and embracing wisdom, demonstrating its cosmic significance before applying it to individual life.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, and particularly in Israel, the understanding of the natural world was deeply intertwined with theological convictions. Water, whether from deep springs, rivers, or atmospheric precipitation, was absolutely essential for life, agriculture, and survival in a predominantly arid climate. The "depths" (Hebrew: tehomot) often referred to subterranean waters, springs, or even the primordial abyss, a concept familiar from the creation narrative in Genesis 1. Dew was also critically important, especially during dry seasons, as it provided essential moisture for crops and vegetation. For the Israelites, these natural phenomena were not random occurrences but direct expressions of divine power and provision. The concept of God's "knowledge" (Hebrew: da'ath) was not merely intellectual understanding but an active, creative, and governing intelligence that ordered the cosmos and ensured its continued flourishing, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness to His creation.
Key Themes
Proverbs 3:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Wisdom in Creation, asserting that God's knowledge is not merely theoretical but is the active, foundational force behind the physical world and its processes. This echoes the broader biblical witness to God as the intelligent architect of the universe, as seen in Psalm 104:24. Secondly, the verse highlights God's Sovereignty Over Nature. From the mighty subterranean waters ("depths") to the gentle, life-giving dew from the clouds, God is depicted as being in complete, meticulous control of all natural elements, showcasing His omnipotent role as Creator and Sustainer. Lastly, it implicitly speaks to Sustenance and Provision. The breaking of the depths (referring to springs or underground water sources) and the dew from the clouds are both crucial for life and agriculture, illustrating God's ongoing, consistent provision for His creation, ensuring its flourishing and the well-being of humanity.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from the verb "to know." In this context, it refers to God's profound, comprehensive, and active understanding. It is not merely intellectual awareness but a governing intelligence that directs and orders the cosmos, encompassing divine skill, insight, and purpose in the operation of the natural world.
Often translated as "abyss" or "deep." This word typically refers to vast, subterranean bodies of water or the primordial ocean. Its use here evokes powerful, foundational water sources, suggesting God's control over the most immense and hidden aspects of the earth's hydrological system, a surging mass of water.
A primitive root meaning "to cleave," "rend," "break forth," or "gush out." When applied to the depths, it describes the powerful action of water bursting forth, such as from springs or underground reservoirs, indicating a dynamic and forceful act of divine initiation and control that makes a breach or rends open.
Verse Breakdown
"By his knowledge"
This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine agent and the means by which the subsequent actions occur. It points back to the "LORD" mentioned in the preceding verse (Proverbs 3:19), emphasizing that the natural processes described are not random or self-sustaining but are direct results of God's active, intelligent oversight and understanding. His knowledge is the guiding principle behind creation's ongoing operations.
"the depths are broken up"
This clause describes a powerful hydrological phenomenon. "The depths" (Hebrew: tᵉhôwm) refers to vast, deep-seated water sources, possibly underground springs, subterranean rivers, or even the primordial waters. The verb "broken up" (Hebrew: bâqaʻ) signifies a forceful, cleaving action, suggesting that these deep waters gush forth or are made accessible by divine decree. This imagery can evoke both the initial separation of waters during creation and the ongoing provision of vital water sources.
"and the clouds drop down the dew"
This second clause describes another crucial natural process, contrasting the mighty "depths" with the gentle yet vital "clouds" and "dew." "Clouds" (Hebrew: shachaq) are the atmospheric source, often described as a thin vapor or the firmament, and "drop down" (Hebrew: râʻaph) describes the gentle descent of moisture, like dripping or distilling. "Dew" (Hebrew: ṭal) is a critical source of moisture in arid regions, especially during dry seasons when rain is scarce. This part of the verse highlights God's meticulous and consistent provision, not just through grand, powerful acts but also through subtle, daily sustenance essential for life and vegetation.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:20 is rich in Imagery, painting vivid pictures of both powerful and gentle natural phenomena. The phrase "the depths are broken up" evokes a sense of immense power and control over vast, hidden water sources, perhaps recalling the primordial waters or the gushing of springs. This is contrasted with the delicate yet equally vital image of "the clouds drop down the dew," which signifies gentle, consistent, and life-sustaining provision. The verse also employs Juxtaposition, placing the mighty "depths" alongside the subtle "dew," demonstrating God's comprehensive sovereignty over all scales of natural operation, from the grand to the minute. Furthermore, while not personifying wisdom directly in this verse, it continues the Personification of wisdom from the broader passage (Proverbs 3:13-18), implicitly connecting the active "knowledge" that governs these natural processes back to the divine Wisdom that is the very source of life and blessing.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 3:20 stands as a profound theological statement on God's immanence and transcendence. It asserts that the same divine wisdom and knowledge that conceived and initiated creation (Proverbs 3:19) is actively engaged in its moment-by-moment sustenance. This verse teaches us that the natural world is not a self-operating machine but a living testament to God's continuous, intelligent, and benevolent oversight. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all aspects of creation, from the powerful forces of subterranean waters to the delicate provision of dew, affirming His role as both the magnificent Creator and the meticulous Sustainer. This understanding should inspire awe and trust, recognizing that the God who orders the cosmos also orchestrates the details of our lives.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 3:20 invites us to look at the natural world with eyes of faith, recognizing that every aspect of creation, from the grandest geological formations to the subtlest atmospheric phenomena, is a direct manifestation of God's infinite knowledge and purposeful design. This verse calls us to move beyond a superficial appreciation of nature to a profound reverence for the Creator who sustains it. Practically, it encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's provision. If His knowledge is so meticulously engaged in ensuring the earth's hydrological cycles and the delicate balance of its ecosystems, how much more can we trust Him to provide for our daily needs and guide our lives? It challenges us to seek and value divine wisdom above all else, knowing that the same wisdom that orders the cosmos is available to us for navigating life's complexities. This verse reminds us that true security and peace are found in acknowledging God's sovereignty and aligning our lives with His wise and benevolent will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the depths are broken up" refer to in a literal sense?
Literally, "the depths are broken up" (Hebrew: tᵉhôwmôt nivqāʿû) refers to subterranean waters or vast underground springs bursting forth. In ancient Israel, access to water was crucial, and natural springs or wells that tapped into deep water sources were vital. This phrase signifies God's direct control over these powerful and essential water supplies, causing them to emerge and provide life-sustaining water. It can also carry echoes of the primordial waters or the "fountains of the great deep" mentioned in Genesis 7:11 during the Great Flood.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 3:20, by highlighting God's knowledge as the active force sustaining creation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that Jesus is not merely an agent of God's wisdom, but He is the very Wisdom of God personified. It is through Him that all things were created, and by Him, all things hold together. The divine knowledge that breaks up the depths and causes the dew to fall is the same wisdom embodied in Christ, who demonstrates absolute authority over nature, calming storms and multiplying food. He is the ultimate source of living water and the spiritual "dew" of God's grace and provision for His people. Thus, the cosmic wisdom celebrated in Proverbs is fully revealed and enacted in the person and work of Jesus, who not only sustains the physical creation but also brings spiritual life and sustenance to all who believe.