Proverbs 3:20
By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Proverbs 3:20
Verse 20 continues the wisdom motif by highlighting how knowledge causes the depths to be broken up and clouds to drop dew. The imagery conveys revelation: through wisdom, hidden things become known, and the heavens answer with rain—the life-giving moisture that sustains crops. In an agrarian setting, weather and subterranean knowledge directly affect survival. The verse links divine insight with practical outcomes, showing that a lived wisdom opens up and clarifies mysteries, making life intelligible and manageable under God’s order.
This verse emphasizes that God’s wisdom governs both observable phenomena and hidden depths. It affirms creation’s intelligibility and God’s governance over natural processes. In a broader biblical arc, it points to God’s providence and guidance that bring understanding to people. It also reinforces the idea that wisdom is a gift that helps believers respond to life’s uncertainties with trust and discernment.
Practically, this verse encourages humility in the face of uncertainty, urging you to seek guidance—scientific, experiential, and spiritual—to understand life’s deeper workings. Examples: consulting mentors when making major life decisions, studying and applying best practices in work or health, and praying for discernment during ambiguous situations. Recognize that not every mystery is immediately solvable; however, wise planning and seeking knowledge can bring practical clarity, much like rain refreshing parched land.
Cross-References: Psalm 104:14–15; James 1:5; Daniel 2:22; Proverbs 2:6