Proverbs 30.18-19
“Three things are too wonderful for me; four I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a virgin.
The writer of Proverbs is a careful and humble observer of the world around him. He sees the hand of God in creation, and it amazes him. In this passage he expresses his wonder and fascination at three things:
The way of an eagle in the sky. Floating and gliding on thermal updrafts, the eagle majestically soars and circles with hardly a movement of its impressive wing span. Diving toward earth to catch unsuspecting prey in the air, on the land, or in the water, it can exceed 100 mph. Eagle courtship includes spectacular aerial displays in which the birds grasp each other’s feet high in the air and plummet toward the earth, cartwheeling with their wings and legs outstretched. Who can grasp its wise design?
The way of a serpent upon a rock. The snake has no arms, no legs, no feet. Gliding through grass or sand is one thing, but how about on a smooth rock? How does the snake find any leverage? How can it move forward and upward on the slippery surface without hands or feet? Angry or frightened, it moves quickly and directly toward or away from an enemy. It uses no toeholds and leaves no tracks, yet it moves efficiently and quickly. Who can grasp its wise design?
The way of a ship on the sea. A sailing ship has no propeller, no oars, no visible means of propulsion, yet it moves smoothly on the water. Despite its size, it is directed by a small helm and rudder. It leaves no path to follow behind its wake; it can handle most storms without capsizing; and it crosses large bodies of water without signposts or landmarks to its desired port. Who can grasp its wise design?
The way of a man with a virgin. Love between a man and a woman is a wondrous and mysterious thing. What is the source of its spark? What does the man see in the woman, and what does the woman see in the man, that moves them both to forsake all others and pledge their lives to each other? And when children are born to the relationship, love is extended and deepened to create a family bond that is profoundly strong. Such is the way of love. Who can grasp its wise design?
The lesson for us? Take the time to slow down and observe the world around you. See the wonder in God’s creation, and respond with worship and praise. I encourage you to read Psalm 104, which praises God as Creator. Here are a few of the verses …
“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works, who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke! I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” (Psalm 104.31-34)
