Do Not Add to God's Words

Note from today’s Bible reading: Proverbs 30-31; 1 Kings 12

The thirtieth chapter of Proverbs contains the words of a man named Agur (Proverbs 30:1). Like Solomon, who wrote most of the book of Proverbs, this man recognized the value of godly wisdom and, therefore, respected the word of God where this wisdom could be found.

He said, “Every word of God is tested” (Proverbs 30:5). The teachings found in God’s word apply to every area of our lives, and every time they have been tried, they have proven to be the wisest course.

The wise man then said, “He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him” (Proverbs 30:5). Notice that, after describing the “word of God” as being “tested,” he did not say that the word was our refuge (even though it certainly helps protect us from harm). He said that God is a shield and refuge to us through the word He has given.

Because of this, Agur said, “Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar” (Proverbs 30:6). We cannot improve upon God’s word. If it has been given to help protect us from harm, adding to it will not only make us vulnerable to the threats it helps shield us from, but it also puts us in line to receive God’s judgment because we corrupted His word.

So do not add to God’s words. If we truly believe in Him, we should recognize that His word is perfect and needs no improvement. Rather than relying on our own wisdom, let us put our trust in God and His word.