Scripture Reading:

Proverbs 3:19–20

Proverbs 3:19–20

The LORD by wisdom has founded the earth; by understanding has He established the heavens. 

By His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

Something may be learned of Wisdom by considering her work—the things which she accomplishes. When studying great artistry,some complex machinery, or beautiful architecture, what might we learn about the skill of the creators?

Wisdom is not mere knowledge. Wisdom conveys its own personality and purpose by what it produces. Wisdom is “full of good fruits,” and that fruit may be examined by all. The stark contrast, for example, between an orderly, peaceful home headed by a godly father and the dysfunctional house of a drunkard is hard to miss for any casual observer. The difference between wisdom and foolishness is usually made obvious by the works produced.

If we were to only open our eyes and look around us, we would immediately recognize the works of God and the wisdom of God. All of creation shouts His wisdom, power, and goodness. How are all these living creatures fed? How do they reproduce? Where does the rain and the snow come from? How does this fruit appear in trees which grow up out of the dirt? “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth.”

“By understanding He established the heavens.” Look at the gloriousness of the stars! Our sun produces enough energy in one hour to suffice for all the electrical power needs on earth for 11 quadrillion years. In a single second, the sun releases the energy of a trillion nuclear bombs. Although, our sun is
relatively small in comparison with the star Canus Majoris, which is estimated to be 2,000 times the size of our sun. If this enormous star was to replace our sun, it would extend as far out as the orbit of Saturn. But now, quasars shine at the
luminosity of 400 galaxies. The recently discovered J059-4351 quasar shines 500 trillion times brighter than our sun. What is the capacity of our Creator’s wisdom, power, and glory, given such evidences of this gloriousness throughout the created universe?

“By His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.” Water is the basis for life, but where does the water come from? There are approximately 14,000 times more wild animals, birds, and insects on earth (by weight) than domesticated animals. Who feeds these animals and how does He do it? Without snow, rain, and dew, there would be no vegetation and no food chain. There would be no animal life on earth. This is God’s Wisdom at work.

The dew drop glistens upon the blade of grass, and the thoughtful person will carefully study the phenomenon. “How does this happen?” we should ask. God’s Wisdom has worked out the complex processes of evaporation and condensation. Scientists have invented these intelligent-sounding words to describe the process as if that would settle it, but the mystery is not entirely solved. Hurricane clouds carry thirty-three trillion gallons of water and distribute it somewhat
evenly over hundreds of miles. That’s about three billion semi-tanker trucks full of water. That would amount to 1,000 times the number of semi-trucks carrying goods over this nation’s roads. But God’s water distribution system comes by clouds, all designed by infinite wisdom. He is worthy of our praise and worship for this and a thousand other works of wisdom, power, and goodness. Let us continually praise Him for these marvelous works!

Briefly, let us compare God’s works with man’s creations. What do humans create? Well, first, they use God’s energy sources. They burn God’s wood and coal. They make things out of wood and iron ore. They copy God’s designs. They study the atom, and then borrow from God’s wisdom to develop their technologies. Man’s creations are not original. God’s work is original, for He creates all of it ex nihilo, out of nothing. This creation is far more complex, compact, diverse, self-sustaining, reproducible, and expansive than anything man has ever done or ever could do. God makes life. He brings life out of the womb of a mother. Nowhere is the incarnation of Wisdom so clearly seen as in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Creator Himself became man. As we view the Creator upon the cross through eyes of faith, the ultimate Wisdom of God takes form before us.

Family Discussion Questions:

1. What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?

2. What are the most awe-inspiring examples of God’s creation that you have encountered? How might we increase our capacity for wonder when it comes to God’s works of creation?

3. What do we learn about God when we view the heavens?