The Two Things Needed for Success in a Matter (Proverbs 16:20)
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Proverbs 16:20
Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,
and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
This verse paints a picture of a good life: pay attention to God’s Word, and trust in Him. Two things you need to walk in God’s blessing – wisdom and faith.
Or like theologian Charles Bridges put it: ‘To make man the exercise of diligence; God the object of trust.’ That’s wisdom and faith working hand in hand.
We see the theme of diligence as it relates to wisdom in the first half of the verse:
‘Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good...’
And indeed they will. I really enjoy this because it makes me immediately think of the Word of God, and how when we give careful consideration and thought to it – when we slow down, take a breath, and abide – we discover what’s good. It also reminds me of Jesus’ words in John 8, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’
Giving thought to God’s Word is never wasted time. It’s planting wisdom that always bears fruit. This is the first thing needed to bring about success in a matter – wisdom.
But wisdom needs a companion or else it’s really just knowledge. It’s just one hand on the steering wheel. And you need two.
And the second half of this verse gives us the companion, the second thing needed – faith:
‘and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.’
On this, I read a story Charles Spurgeon quotes in one of his sermons. He said:
‘I have read a story of an old Doctor of the Church, who, going out one morning, met a beggar, and said to him, ‘I wish you a good day.’
‘Sir,’ said he, ‘I never had an ill day in my life.’
‘But,’ said the Doctor, ‘your clothes are torn to rags, and your wallet seems to be exceedingly empty.’ Said he, ‘My clothes are as good as God wills them to be, and my wallet is as full as the Lord has been pleased to make it, and what pleases him pleases me.’
‘But,’ said the Doctor, ‘suppose God should cast you into hell?’
‘Indeed, sir,’ said he, ‘but that would never be; but if it were, I would be contented, for I have two long and strong arms — faith and love — and I would throw these about the neck of my Savior, and I would never let him go, so that if I went there, he would be with me, and it would be a heaven to me.’
That story to me is a beautiful picture of faith. Not blind optimism, but deep trust.
‘What pleases you, God, pleases me — because I love and I trust you.’ That’s faith.
And the verse says the one who trusts in the Lord is blessed.
It’s like walking with both hands on the wheel: one hand is wisdom, paying attention to what God says; the other is faith, trusting Him with the outcome. It’s a similar picture to what we’ve seen this week in previous verses – showing us our role is to work hard, and our trust must ultimately rest in God.
Think deeply. Trust fully.
That’s the road to blessing, and it looks like Jesus – the Word who gave His life so we could live.
So ask yourself:
What am I giving thought to? Where do I seek wisdom?
Where or whom am I placing my trust?
What would it look like today to live with both wisdom and faith?
One more time for good measure: Two things are needed for the success of a matter – wisdom and faith.
Let’s pray for both today.
