Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30 is attributed to Agur, the son of Jakeh. Agur presents himself as a humble and weary man, acknowledging his limitations in understanding the depths of God's wisdom. The chapter is a collection of observations about life, human nature, and God's creation. It includes prayers for integrity and contentment, as well as lists of natural phenomena and human behaviors that reflect deeper spiritual truths.

Proverbs 30:1 (NKJV)
1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal:

Agur begins with a personal introduction, mentioning his father Jakeh and addressing his words to two individuals, Ithiel and Ucal. This suggests a sense of humility as he prepares to share his insights. He positions himself not as a prophet or scholar but as someone simply passing along wisdom to others.

Proverbs 30:2-3 (NKJV)
2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man.
3 I neither learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One.

Agur openly acknowledges his lack of understanding, describing himself as foolish and lacking knowledge of God. His statement reflects a deep humility, which is the foundation of true wisdom. He recognizes that without divine insight, human understanding is severely limited, and he seeks to learn from God's wisdom rather than rely on his own.

Proverbs 30:4 (NKJV)
4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound 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, if you know?

Here, Agur poses rhetorical questions that highlight the majesty and mystery of God. No human has the power to control the wind, the waters, or the earth. These questions point to God’s sovereignty over creation and invite reflection on His greatness. The mention of "His Son" is a remarkable statement that hints at a deeper understanding of the relationship between God and His Son, pointing to the revelation that Christ was the begotten Son of God before the creation of the world.

Proverbs 30:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
6 Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

Agur emphasizes the purity and reliability of God's Word. It serves as a shield for those who trust in Him, offering protection and guidance. He also warns against altering or adding to God’s words, as such actions lead to falsehood and divine rebuke. This underscores the importance of reverence for Scripture and the need to adhere strictly to God's revealed truth.

Proverbs 30:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die):
8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches—Feed me with the food allotted to me;
9 Lest I be full and deny You, and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.

Agur offers a prayer for balance and integrity in life. He asks for two things: to be kept from falsehood and for moderation in material blessings. He desires neither poverty nor wealth, recognizing that both extremes can lead to spiritual downfall. Riches can breed arrogance and forgetfulness of God, while poverty may tempt one to sin by stealing. This reflects a deep understanding of human nature and the importance of contentment.

Proverbs 30:10 (NKJV)
10 Do not malign a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty.

This verse serves as a warning against slandering or falsely accusing a servant to his master. Such actions can lead to repercussions, including a curse or condemnation. It highlights the importance of fairness and honesty in dealing with others, regardless of their social status.

Proverbs 30:11-14 (NKJV)
11 There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother.
12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filthiness.
13 There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.
14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and whose fangs are like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

Agur observes four types of wicked generations. The first disrespects parents, violating the fifth commandment. The second is self-righteous, believing they are pure while remaining morally corrupt. The third is marked by arrogance and pride, with eyes lifted in haughtiness. The fourth is predatory, exploiting the poor and the weak for personal gain. These descriptions serve as warnings about the moral decline in society and the dangers of unchecked pride, self-righteousness, and greed.

Proverbs 30:15-16 (NKJV)
15 The leech has two daughters—Give and Give! There are three things that are never satisfied, four never say, "Enough!":
16 The grave, the barren womb, the earth that is not satisfied with water—and the fire never says, "Enough!"

Agur uses vivid imagery to describe insatiable desires. The leech, with its two daughters, represents constant greed. He then lists four things that are never satisfied: death, which continues to claim lives; the barren womb, longing for children; the earth, always thirsty for water; and fire, which consumes endlessly. These images reflect the unrelenting nature of certain aspects of life, symbolizing the human condition of never being fully content.

Proverbs 30:17 (NKJV)
17 The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.

This verse warns of severe consequences for disrespecting parents. The imagery of birds picking out the eye symbolizes destruction and judgment for those who mock or scorn parental authority. It underscores the importance of honoring one's father and mother, in keeping with the commandment, and highlights the serious nature of such disrespect.

Proverbs 30:18-19 (NKJV)
18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yes, four which I do not understand:
19 The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a virgin.

Agur reflects on four mysteries of nature and life that elude his understanding. The flight of an eagle, the movement of a snake on a rock, the navigation of a ship, and the intimate relationship between a man and a woman all possess a sense of wonder and mystery. These examples highlight the beauty and complexity of the world, reminding us of the limits of human understanding.

Proverbs 30:20 (NKJV)
20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, and says, "I have done no wickedness."

Here, Agur compares the casual attitude of an adulterous woman to someone who eats and wipes their mouth, as if nothing happened. She refuses to acknowledge her wrongdoing, displaying a lack of conscience. This verse reveals the danger of a hardened heart that fails to recognize sin and its consequences.

Proverbs 30:21-23 (NKJV)
21 For three things the earth is perturbed, yes, for four it cannot bear up:
22 For a servant when he reigns, a fool when he is filled with food,
23 A hateful woman when she is married, and a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.

Agur lists four situations that upset the natural order and cause societal disruption. A servant who becomes a ruler often lacks the wisdom to govern; a fool who has plenty becomes arrogant; a hateful woman who marries brings conflict into the home, and a maid who replaces her mistress disrupts the household hierarchy. These examples illustrate how imbalances in social roles and personal conduct can create disorder.

Proverbs 30:24-28 (NKJV)
24 There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:
25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer;
26 The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags;
27 The locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks;
28 The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, and it is in kings’ palaces.

Agur highlights four small creatures known for their wisdom. Ants work diligently, preparing for the future. Rock badgers seek refuge in the crags, protecting themselves. Locusts, though leaderless, move in organized unity, and spiders demonstrate skill and resilience, even living in royal palaces. These examples teach us that even the smallest of God’s creatures exhibit wisdom, showing the importance of preparation, protection, cooperation, and resourcefulness.

Proverbs 30:29-31 (NKJV)
29 There are three things which are majestic in pace, yes, four which are stately in walk:
30 A lion, which is mighty among beasts and does not turn away from any;
31 A greyhound, a male goat also, and a king whose troops are with him.

Agur describes four majestic figures: a lion, representing strength and courage; a greyhound, known for its grace and speed; a goat, which is persistent and bold; and a king, whose authority is supported by loyal troops. Each of these examples embodies dignity, confidence, and leadership, reminding us of the qualities we should admire and strive for.

Proverbs 30:32-33 (NKJV)
32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.
33 For as the churning of milk produces butter, and wringing the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife.

Agur concludes with practical advice about self-control. If you have acted foolishly by exalting yourself or planning evil, it is wise to remain silent. Just as certain actions (like churning milk or wringing a nose) produce inevitable results, so too does uncontrolled anger lead to strife. Agur reminds us to guard our actions and words to prevent unnecessary conflict.