A Conversation Between the Skeptic and the Believer

October 25, 2019

Proverbs 30:1-9 chronicles a conversation between the skeptic and the believer. In the skeptic, we see arrogance: “There is no God!” he states emphatically. And that arrogance leads to presumption: “I can do anything I want!” (verse 1). Arrogance closes our minds to anything outside of our own self-interest and the fulfillment of our most selfish instincts.

In the believer, on the other hand, we see humility. And that humility leads not to presumption but to prayer. Even the prayer itself is humble. He asks only two things: to speak truthfully and live dependently.

“God, I’m asking for two things . . .” Proverbs 30:7 (MSG)

An absence of God in a person’s life leads to skepticism, arrogance, and presumption. An awareness of God leads to faith, humility, and dependence.

This insight is one of many found in The Message Devotional Bible published in 2018, copyright NavPress.