Proverbs 30
Proverbs 30 begins with the expression "the sayings of Agur son of Jakeh." This shows that the chapter is made up of teachings from a different wise person rather than Solomon. The chapter can be divided into three main parts: (1) Agur’s humble prayer (verses 1-9), (2) various observations and lessons (verses 10-33), and (3) content that gives wisdom in the form of repeated proverbs with the phrase "there are". It includes standalone proverbs, observations, and insights into the created world and human life.
1verseThe words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the revelation: the man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
2verse“Surely I am the most ignorant man, and don’t have a man’s understanding.
3verseI have not learned wisdom, neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
4verseWho has ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in his garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if you know?
5verse“Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6verseDon’t you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.
7verse“Two things I have asked of you. Don’t deny me before I die.
8verseRemove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me,
9verselest I be full, deny you, and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ or lest I be poor, and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
10verse“Don’t slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.
11verseThere is a generation that curses their father, and doesn’t bless their mother.
12verseThere is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness.
13verseThere is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! Their eyelids are lifted up.
14verseThere is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men.
15verse“The leech has two daughters: ‘Give, give.’ “There are three things that are never satisfied; four that don’t say, ‘Enough!’:
16verseSheol, the barren womb, the earth that is not satisfied with water, and the fire that doesn’t say, ‘Enough!’
17verse“The eye that mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the young eagles shall eat it.
18verse“There are three things which are too amazing for me, four which I don’t understand:
19verseThe way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the middle of the sea, and the way of a man with a maiden.
20verse“So is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’
21verse“For three things the earth trembles, and under four, it can’t bear up:
22verseFor a servant when he is king, a fool when he is filled with food,
23versefor an unloved woman when she is married, and a servant who is heir to her mistress.
24verse“There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:
25verseThe ants are not a strong people, yet they provide their food in the summer.
26verseThe hyraxes are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.
27verseThe locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks.
28verseYou can catch a lizard with your hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.
29verse“There are three things which are stately in their march, four which are stately in going:
30verseThe lion, which is mightiest among animals, and doesn’t turn away for any;
31versethe greyhound; the male goat; and the king against whom there is no rising up.
32verse“If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand over your mouth.
33verseFor as the churning of milk produces butter, and the wringing of the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife.”
Agur’s Humility and God’s Wisdom
Agur confesses his own ignorance and acknowledges human limitations (verses 1-4). He admits that he cannot grasp the depth of God, and emphasizes that God is the source of all knowledge and wisdom. He then cautions against the purity of God’s words and against adding to or subtracting from them (verses 5-6). Agur prays that in life he would seek only two things, and that he would be protected from the spiritual dangers that come from excessive wealth or poverty (verses 7-9). This prayer shows a humble attitude to live according to God’s will in daily life.
Lessons About Various Human Appearances
Beginning with verse 10, Agur observes the various kinds of people found in everyday life. He introduces and warns about several types, such as those who slander their masters, those who curse their own parents, those who think of themselves as pure, and arrogant people (verses 10-14). Through the warning message that each case carries, it teaches the importance of humility, truthfulness, and careful words and conduct.
Awe in the Created World and Wisdom for Life
Agur repeatedly lists his observations by dividing them into four categories: things that are beyond knowing (verses 15-16), things that are hard to understand (verses 18-19), and things that cannot be endured (verses 21-23), and so on. This describes the mystery and order found in nature and life, leading you to reflect on the wisdom hidden within it. In particular, he emphasizes that there is much to learn even from small beings, through the wisdom and ability possessed by small and weak creatures such as ants, coneys, locusts, and lizards (verses 24-28).
Meditation Points
- Humble self-awareness: You can reflect on an attitude of humility that recognizes my weakness and God’s greatness.
- Love for God’s Word: Take in God’s Word purely, and remember once again in your heart how important it is not to add your own thoughts or standards.
- Becoming an observer of life: You learn that a wise foundation is an attitude that seeks to find the lessons contained within by deeply observing the events of daily life and nature and the lives of people.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Stand humbly before God’s Word each day: Instead of relying on yourself too confidently, start today’s life by asking for God’s help.
- Learn from small things: Make an effort to keep your eyes open so that you can discover the wisdom God gives even in beings or events that seem small and ordinary.
- Practice honesty and self-control: Resolve to live a life that practices honesty and self-control by watching out for lies, excess, and arrogance in everyday life.