Proverbs 21:30 - Meaning and Application

People who are active and full of plans need to keep God in view in everything they do. They must believe, first, that nothing can succeed against God. So they should never act in opposition to him, in contempt of his commands, or in conflict with his purposes. Even if they think they have wisdom, skill, and the best support on their side, nothing will last if it is against the Lord. In the end it will not stand. God, who sits in heaven, laughs at human schemes against him and against his Anointed, his chosen King, and he will carry out his purpose in spite of them (Psalm 2:1-6). Those who fight against God are only preparing shame and ruin for themselves. Whoever makes war with the Lamb, Christ, will certainly be overcome by him (Revelation 17:14).

Second, they must believe that nothing can succeed without God. So they should never act except in dependence on him. Even when a cause is good, and the people behind it are strong, wise, and faithful, and the means of pursuing it seem likely to work, they must still acknowledge God and take him with them. They should use the means available to them. The horse must be prepared for the day of battle, and so must the foot soldiers. They must be armed and trained.

In Solomon’s time, even Israel’s kings used horses in war, though they were forbidden to multiply them. But after all that preparation, safety and victory come from the Lord. He can save without armies, but armies cannot save without him. So he must be sought and trusted for success, and when success comes, he must get all the glory. When we are getting ready for battle, our greatest concern should be to make God our friend and secure his favor.