Focal Passage: Proverbs 16:20-25; 30:1-6
I like to make lists. Every morning, I create a “top five” list of the five things I need or want to accomplish that day. I feel a bit lost without it. In a similar way, the book of Proverbs is a kind of list — but not a “to-do” list. Instead, it is a truthful “to-be” list given straight from God.
Solomon writes in Proverbs 16:20–25, offering guidance for wise living. Wisdom is the central theme of these verses. Wisdom is not simply knowing facts; it is knowledge put into action — living out what we know to be true. We act wisely when we trust fully in the Lord. That trust grows out of a relationship with the Father — knowing Him, His divine nature, and His proven character through His Word. When we truly know God, it changes how we live. That is wisdom.
Wisdom reveals itself in practical ways. First, it is seen in a mature mind. Wise people are not rash or foolish in their decisions. One benefit of age is that, over time, we often become less impulsive. While wisdom is not guaranteed with age, time and experience are tools God frequently uses to develop it.
Brandon Johns
Second, wisdom is displayed in our words. What we say matters. Pleasant words are not always easy to hear, but they are always helpful. Solomon describes them as sweet like a honeycomb and beneficial to the soul (v. 24). Wise words bring healing, even when they are difficult. They build others up rather than offering empty flattery.
Our words are closely connected to our hearts. Jesus reminds us that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). What fills our hearts and minds will eventually be revealed through our speech. As we walk with God and grow in wisdom, it should become evident in the way we speak.
Solomon concludes this section by reminding us to evaluate our lives through the lens of God’s Word. Left to ourselves, we are prone to rationalize our choices and justify our actions. Rationalization, however, rarely leads to godliness. True wisdom requires grounding ourselves in Scripture and intentionally applying God’s truth to our daily lives.
The final section of our study comes from Agur, another author in Proverbs. Although we know little about him, his words provide deep insight. Agur begins with a humble acknowledgment: We do not know everything. We cannot rely on our own wisdom to lead us toward godliness; instead, we must depend on God’s power. Thankfully, God is more than capable of guiding us.
Agur points to aspects of God’s power and sovereignty — things only God can do. His words echo the reminder found in the book of Job, emphasizing God’s greatness and authority. Reflecting on these truths draws us to trust God rather than ourselves.
Agur also reminds us of the purity of God’s Word. God’s words are pure, holy, and trustworthy because He is pure, holy, and trustworthy. They are reliable and sufficient, needing no improvement or addition. God’s Word provides protection, guidance, and life — just as Jesus, the living Word, offers eternal life. Therefore, we are called to trust fully in the pure, wise, and unfailing Word of God. B&R
