Old Testament

Proverbs 3:20

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

What Proverbs 3:20 means

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse highlights the power of God's knowledge and wisdom in creation. It suggests that through His understanding, the natural world operates in harmony. The phrase 'the depths are broken up' can refer to the waters beneath the earth being released, while 'the clouds drop down the dew' illustrates how God provides moisture for the earth. This imagery emphasizes that God is in control of nature and sustains life through His wisdom. It reassures believers that the world is not random but is governed by a divine intelligence that knows how to maintain balance and provide for all living things. The verse encourages us to trust in God's knowledge, recognizing that He orchestrates the complexities of the universe with precision and care. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding in our own lives, as it is through knowledge that we can navigate our challenges effectively.

How to apply Proverbs 3:20 to your life

We can apply this verse by recognizing the importance of seeking God's wisdom in our daily lives. Just as He governs nature, we should trust Him to guide us through our challenges. Embracing His knowledge can lead to better decision-making and a deeper understanding of our purpose.

Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Proverbs 3:20

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Proverbs 3:20

At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs

Author
Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
Written
Around 950-700 BC
Genre
Wisdom literature
Original Audience
Young people and all seeking wisdom

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Proverbs 3:20 mean?

Proverbs 3:20 emphasizes the power of God's knowledge in creation, showing how His understanding governs the natural world. It illustrates that through His wisdom, the depths of the earth and the clouds work together to sustain life.

What is the meaning of 'the depths are broken up' in Proverbs 3:20?

The phrase 'the depths are broken up' refers to the waters beneath the earth being released, symbolizing God's control over nature and the provision of resources necessary for life.

What is the significance of dew in Proverbs 3:20?

In Proverbs 3:20, the dew represents God's provision of moisture for the earth, highlighting His role in sustaining life and maintaining the balance of nature.

How does Proverbs 3:20 relate to trusting God?

This verse encourages believers to trust in God's knowledge and wisdom, reassuring them that He orchestrates the complexities of the universe and provides for their needs.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.