Proverbs 30:6 (ESV) – Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

It is not uncommon for someone to add to the rules. Some people are rule-breakers by nature. Of course, everyone is a sinner, but some people have a temperament and disposition of bucking against the rules given to them. Others have temperaments that lead them to not only follow the rules but add to them. We often call these people legalistic. They add rules that go beyond what is required. So instead of telling people to be on time for the 8:00 a.m. meeting, they say you have to be there by 7:45 a.m.

We see a glimpse of this warned about in our passage today. It is one thing to add to man’s rules, but when we add to God’s rules, we are prone to look foolish. We read in Proverbs 30:6, “Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”

The exhortation is “do not add to God’s words.” We know it is God’s word being described here because the previous verse tells us “Every word of God proves true.” God always does what He says. His Word always comes to pass just as He says it will. He stands behind His Word. This is why we are not to add to it by our own cunning. Why? Because He doesn’t promise to stand behind our words. 

We read that we should refrain from this practice “lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”

God rebukes the person who adds to His words. It is an act of pride to think our words are equal to God’s words. It is arrogance to believe we can attach our words to His words, as if they are equal. He rebukes the person who does this. In addition to this, we will be proven liars for adding to His words.

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Why? Because He doesn’t promise to fulfill our words. He always accomplishes and performs His words, but He does not say He will fulfill ours. So when we try to speak for Him out of turn, we are shown to be a liar. We are proven to be fools.

Always refrain from going beyond God’s Word. Don’t add to it. This doesn’t mean that we can't draw conclusions about God’s will if it isn’t explicitly stated in Scripture. We can take what God says and apply it to circumstances not specifically outlined. But we must work hard to do so faithfully and not foolishly add our own words to His. Always examine what you hear through the lenses of God’s Word. Let Him speak and avoid adding to it.

Reflection & Journal: 
- Why should we avoid adding to God’s words?
- What are some examples where people have added to God’s words?
- How can we discern what is of God and what is of man?

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