Proverbs 3:19-20 meaning

Wisdom is woven into the fabric of creation. It is an essential element of God’s created order. By embracing wisdom, we embrace the reality of what is.

Throughout Solomon’s introduction to Proverbs, he has alluded to wisdom as a path. The way to live life. A practical perspective that acknowledges reality and aligns us with the heart and character of God. When we adopt wisdom, we are equipped to make good choices, discern judgments, and engage with one another in the way God intended.

In these two verses, Solomon makes an incredible statement about wisdom. He says that the Lord (Yehovah, “The existing one”; see notes on Proverbs 3:5-10) by his wisdom founded the earth. This clearly harkens back to the creation of the world (Genesis 1). The very construction and purpose of our planet and human existence.

What Solomon is saying here is that wisdom is baked into the DNA of existence. It is the undercurrent of all reality. By understanding He established the heavens. The earth and the heavens were both made by God’s wisdom and understanding. God is the source of creation. An instrument of His creating is wisdom and understanding. This is a powerful statement. Solomon is calling his audience into alignment with the created order, to participate in the very wisdom that served to create reality itself.

This applies to both the physical and spiritual realms. God is the creator and created both the tangible and intangible. As we are told in the New Testament, which speaks of Jesus as an agent of creation:

“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
(Colossians 1:16)

This verse makes it clear that God, through Jesus, created all matter, all that exists in the spiritual dimension as well as all authorities and dominions. Proverbs adds that this creative event was also accomplished through wisdom and understanding. All are a part of the fabric of Creation, which is an extension of Existence, which is God.

Verse 20 says that by His knowledge the deeps were broken up and the skies drip with dew. In Genesis 1:2, God is hovering over the deep—the same word used here in Proverbs 3:20. This is the preamble to the creation story. There is darkness over the deep and when God says, “Let there be light,” the process of creation begins—breaking the darkness to make room for the light.

So, here Solomon is saying this process was initiated with the same knowledge of God that he is trying to impart to his audience. On Day Two of creation, there is another separation, or breaking up. This time it is “the waters” and on one side is the heavens and the other earth. Effectively, it is atmosphere that is being created, the setting wherein the skies drip with dew.

Solomon has been alluding to the integration of wisdom with all of created reality throughout the first three chapters. The preceding verse (18) talks about wisdom as “a tree of life,” another allusion to creation. In Chapter 1, Lady Wisdom implores the hearers to “return” to the wisdom they were created for.

We were all created by wisdom and for wisdom. Nature and natural law have the undercurrent of wisdom flowing within them. It is the fabric of existence, a fundamental element of reality.

Solomon is calling his audience to understand that wisdom is at the heart of reality and therefore it is in their best interest to align with it. Wisdom was an integral element of the creation of all that is on Day One of human existence. Understanding and a wise perspective are key to unlocking what it means to be human and how to best operate as a person in God’s world. When we accept wisdom and make it the center of our character, we join in harmony with the created order. We participate in reality as it is.

Biblical Text

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth,
By understanding He established the heavens.
20 By His knowledge the deeps were broken up
And the skies drip with dew.

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Additional Resources

Book Theme

These are the proverbs of Solomon, one of the most renowned kings in the history of Israel. The word translated “proverb” is the Hebrew word “mashal.” The root of the word contains the idea of “compare”—it is translated throughout Scripture as “parable” just as often as “proverb.”

This gives us some insight into the nature of these sayings. Proverbs are not prescriptions. It is not about a formula for how to manipulate circumstances and bend them to our will. That might be wishful thinking, but doesn’t work in reality. The proverbs are, in a sense, “comparing” our human perceptions to the reality of God’s world; trying to connect the two by providing principles that shape our perspective and inform our choices such that we live constructively—that is to say, wisely.

Like parables, the proverbs are meant to guide us “to wisdom”, that is, into a way of living. A way of thinking and perceiving. It is about molding and shaping our perceptions, values, and character into something that is consistently in tune with God, not just as a rule-follower but as someone who understands and practices the essence of the divine. One who sees the world through God’s eyes, and acts accordingly.

Ecclesiastes might be thought of as a philosophical foundation for wisdom. It shows the way to properly view the many aspects of life we cannot control, the “hebel” or vaporous nature of all that surrounds us. The main thing Ecclesiastes shows us is the importance of choosing to trust God, and make good choices based on that trust.

Proverbs will reiterate the philosophical foundations of Ecclesiastes, then zoom in and expand upon the practical application of trusting God and choosing a true perspective within certain areas of life. Proverbs leads us to choose a true perspective in all areas of life, and creates a foundation from which we can choose actions that are constructive, beneficial, and fulfilling.

There are only three things we control in life: who we trust, our perspective, and what we do—our actions. Ecclesiastes makes this reality abundantly clear. Trying to control what we cannot leads to complete futility. Trusting God, however, provides a foundation for constructive living. Proverbs teaches us how best to steward the choices we have—how to trust God, how to choose His perspective, and the key actions to take that lead us to the path of wisdom.

Chapter Context

The third chapter of The Book of Proverbs is a continuation of Solomon’s case that wisdom is the key to fruitful living.

The chapter begins and ends by touting the ways in which the Lord will reward those who pursue wisdom. It also warns about the dangerous consequences of wickedness. Throughout his warnings and supplications in this chapter, Solomon stresses the importance of choices.

The choices we make have significant consequences.

Solomon reminds us in Chapter 3 that wisdom was prevalent in the foundation of the world. It is an ingredient of creation, there from the beginning. Wickedness is a perversion of this ingredient, an act of taking reality and trying to remold it into our own image. This inevitably brings disastrous results.

The key to wisdom is where we place our trust. When we put our trust where it belongs—in God rather than in our own reasoning or external circumstances—we discover that the key to life is not control, but submission. That by trust, we gain access to the peace, joy, and riches we desire. Even these riches are not given in the way the world (and our sinful flesh) want them—as comfortable circumstance and ease. They come as gifts of perspective. The only path to truth is understanding. Perspective transforms the idol of “more” into the arena of peace. It does not change things as much as it changes the way we see things. The way we perceive.

Throughout The Book of Proverbs, wisdom is given as the key to vibrant living. Solomon is constantly trying to convince the audience of the importance of wisdom, the necessity of remembering it throughout all of life’s twists and turns, and the great benefit it brings when relied upon. He calls for our commitment to wisdom. To apply wisdom to any circumstance we may encounter, relying on a consistent faith in God.

Proverbs 3:19-20 meaning

Check out our other commentaries:

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Daniel 4:24-27 meaning

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Additional Resources

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Chapter Context

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The Bible Project - Proverbs Summary

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