Canon Series

Please turn to Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30’s emphasis on every “word” underscores the truthfulness, trustworthiness, and reliability of Scripture, not just in its overall message, but in every detail. It also affirm the “Verbal, Plenary (full or complete) Inspiration of Scripture. God’s words are a proven foundation for one’s life. If someone said that God will do something, and it did not come to pass, they were to be regarded as a heretic or false teacher. A prophet who spoke without God’s authorization deserved death (Deut. 18:20–22) (Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2497). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.).

Proverbs 30:2-6 [2] Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. [3]I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.[4]Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know! [5]Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. [6]Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. (ESV)

• Proverbs 30:2-6, teach that human wisdom is limited, the wisest people recognize their ignorance, and that ultimate truth comes from God and resides in His word alone. Thus, no one should think he or she is able to enhance the wisdom that God has given through His word. Adding to God’s word would not only be the greatest presumption, but the greatest foolishness. It is in essence claiming divinity, and infallibility. It denies human depravity and is an exercise that proclaims that one does not need God. In such a statement, one rejects the only source of rescue from judgment, and therefore will eventually incur judgment.

Illustration: It was testimony that could be connected to eyewitnesses of the risen Lord was uniquely authoritative among early Christians. Even while the New Testament books were being written in the first century A.D., the words of people who had actually seen Jesus—especially the words and writings of the apostles—carried special authority in the churches (see Acts 1:21-26; 15:6—16:5; 1 Corinthians 4—5; 9:1-12; Galatians 1:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26-27). After the apostles’ deaths, Christians continued to value the testimony of eyewitnesses and their associates.

Quote: In the first decade of the second century, Papias of Hierapolis put it this way: “I did not … take pleasure in those who spoke much, but in those who … recited the commandments given by the Lord. … So, if anyone who had served the elders came, I asked about their sayings in detail—what Andrew or Peter said, or what was said by Philip or Thomas or James or John or Matthew or any other of the Lord’s followers”.

About the same time, a church leader named Polycarp cited the words of the apostle Paul as “Scripture.”