Proverbs Chapter 30

Commentary

The Words of Agur

1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

2Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.

3I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

4Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

7Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:

8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

10Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.

11There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

12There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

13There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

14There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

15The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

16The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

17The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

18There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

19The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

20Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

21For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

22For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

23For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

24There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

25The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

26The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

27The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

28The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

29There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

30A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

31A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

32If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

33Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Words of Agur

1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle: the man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:

2 “Surely I am the most ignorant man, and don’t have a man’s understanding.

3 I have not learned wisdom, neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.

4 Who 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?

5 “Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

6 Don’t you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.

7 “Two things I have asked of you; don’t deny me before I die:

8 Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me;

9 lest I be full, deny you, and say, ‘Who is Yahweh?’ or lest I be poor, and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

10 “Don’t slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.

11 There is a generation that curses their father, and doesn’t bless their mother.

12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness.

13 There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! Their eyelids are lifted up.

14 There 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.

15 “The leach has two daughters: ‘Give, give.’ “There are three things that are never satisfied; four that don’t say, ‘Enough:’

16 Sheol, the barren womb; the earth that is not satisfied with water; and the fire that doesn’t say, ‘Enough.’

17 “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.

18 “There are three things which are too amazing for me, four which I don’t 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 maiden.

20 “So is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth, and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’

21 “For three things the earth tremble, and under four, it can’t bear up:

22 For a servant when he is king; a fool when he is filled with food;

23 for an unloved woman when she is married; and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress.

24 “There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:

25 the ants are not a strong people, yet they provide their food in the summer.

26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.

27 The locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks.

28 You can catch a lizard with your hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.

29 “There are three things which are stately in their march, four which are stately in going:

30 The lion, which is mightiest among animals, and doesn’t turn away for any;

31 the greyhound, the male goat also; and the king against whom there is no rising up.

32 “If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand over your mouth.

33 For as the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood; so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife.”

The Words of Agur

1 These are the words of Agur son of Jakeh—the burden that this man declared to Ithiel:

“I am weary, O God,

and worn out. a

2 Surely I am the most ignorant of men,

and I lack the understanding of a man.

3 I have not learned wisdom,

and I have no knowledge of the Holy One.

4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down?

Who has gathered the wind in His hands?

Who has bound up the waters in His cloak?

Who has established all the ends of the earth?

What is His name, and what is the name of His Son—

surely you know!

5 Every word of God is flawless;

He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

6 Do not add to His words,

lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.

7 Two things I ask of You—

do not refuse me before I die:

8 Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me.

Give me neither poverty nor riches;

feed me with the bread that is my portion.

9 Otherwise, I may have too much

and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’

Or I may become poor and steal,

profaning the name of my God.

10 Do not slander a servant to his master,

or he will curse you, and you will bear the guilt.

11 There is a generation of those who curse their fathers

and do not bless their mothers.

12 There is a generation of those who are pure in their own eyes

and yet unwashed of their filth.

13 There is a generation—how haughty are their eyes

and pretentious are their glances—

14 there is a generation whose teeth are swords

and whose jaws are knives,

devouring the oppressed from the earth

and the needy from among men.

15 The leech has two daughters:

Give and Give.

There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’:

16 Sheol,

the barren womb,

land never satisfied with water,

and fire that never says, ‘Enough!’

17 As for the eye that mocks a father

and scorns obedience to a mother,

may the ravens of the valley pluck it out

and young vultures devour it.

18 There are three things too wonderful for me, four that I cannot understand:

19 the way of an eagle in the sky,

the way of a snake on a rock,

the way of a ship at sea,

and the way of a man with a maiden.

20 This is the way of an adulteress:

She eats and wipes her mouth

and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’

21 Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:

22 a servant who becomes king,

a fool who is filled with food,

23 an unloved woman who marries,

and a maidservant who supplants her mistress.

24 Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise:

25 The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

26 the rock badgers b are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the rocks;

27 the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in formation;

28 and the lizard can be caught in one’s hands, yet it is found in the palaces of kings.

29 There are three things that are stately in their stride, and four that are impressive in their walk:

30 a lion, mighty among beasts, refusing to retreat before anything;

31 a strutting rooster;

a he-goat;

and a king with his army around him. c

32 If you have foolishly exalted yourself

or if you have plotted evil,

put your hand over your mouth.

33 For as the churning of milk yields butter,

and the twisting of the nose draws blood,

so the stirring of anger brings forth strife.”

 

Footnotes:

1 a Or declared to Ithiel: “I am weary, O God, but I can prevail.  (revocalizations); Hebrew declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal:
26 b Or the coneys  or the hyraxes
31 c Or a king against whom there is no rising up

The Words of Agur

1Words of a Gatherer, son of an obedient one, the declaration, an affirmation of the man: -- I have wearied myself for God, I have wearied myself for God, and am consumed.

2For I am more brutish than any one, And have not the understanding of a man.

3Nor have I learned wisdom, Yet the knowledge of Holy Ones I know.

4Who went up to heaven, and cometh down? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound waters in a garment? Who established all ends of the earth? What is His name? and what His son's name? Surely thou knowest!

5Every saying of God is tried, A shield He is to those trusting in Him.

6Add not to His words, lest He reason with thee, And thou hast been found false.

7Two things I have asked from Thee, Withhold not from me before I die.

8Vanity and a lying word put far from me, Poverty or wealth give not to me, Cause me to eat the bread of my portion,

9Lest I become satiated, and have denied, And have said, 'Who is Jehovah?' And lest I be poor, and have stolen, And have laid hold of the name of my God.

10Accuse not a servant unto his lord, Lest he disesteem thee, and thou be found guilty.

11A generation is, that lightly esteemeth their father, And their mother doth not bless.

12A generation -- pure in their own eyes, But from their own filth not washed.

13A generation -- how high are their eyes, Yea, their eyelids are lifted up.

14A generation -- swords are their teeth, And knives -- their jaw-teeth, To consume the poor from earth, And the needy from among men.

15To the leech are two daughters, 'Give, give, Lo, three things are not satisfied, Four have not said 'Sufficiency;'

16Sheol, and a restrained womb, Earth -- it is not satisfied with water, And fire -- it hath not said, 'Sufficiency,'

17An eye that mocketh at a father, And despiseth to obey a mother, Dig it out do ravens of the valley, And eat it do young eagles.

18Three things have been too wonderful for me, Yea, four that I have not known:

19The way of the eagle in the heavens, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the heart of the sea, And the way of a man in youth.

20So -- the way of an adulterous woman, She hath eaten and hath wiped her mouth, And hath said, 'I have not done iniquity.'

21For three things hath earth been troubled, And for four -- it is not able to bear:

22For a servant when he reigneth, And a fool when he is satisfied with bread,

23For a hated one when she ruleth, And a maid-servant when she succeedeth her mistress.

24Four are little ones of earth, And they are made wiser than the wise:

25The ants are a people not strong, And they prepare in summer their food,

26Conies are a people not strong, And they place in a rock their house,

27A king there is not to the locust, And it goeth out -- each one shouting,

28A spider with two hands taketh hold, And is in the palaces of a king.

29Three there are going well, Yea, four are good in going:

30An old lion -- mighty among beasts, That turneth not back from the face of any,

31A girt one of the loins, or a he-goat, And a king -- no rising up with him.

32If thou hast been foolish in lifting up thyself, And if thou hast devised evil -- hand to mouth!

33For the churning of milk bringeth out butter, And the wringing of the nose bringeth out blood, And the forcing of anger bringeth out strife!

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Proverbs 30?
2Introduction to Proverbs 30
3Context of Proverbs 30
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Proverbs 30 Unique Insights
7Proverbs 30 Connections to Yeshua
8Proverbs 30 Scriptural Echoes
9Proverbs 30 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Proverbs 30?

Introduction to Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30 stands as one of the most enigmatic and profound chapters in the book of Proverbs, presenting the words of Agur son of Jakeh. This chapter breaks from the traditional Solomonic pattern and offers a unique blend of personal confession, numerical proverbs, and keen observations of both the natural and human worlds. It begins with a striking admission of human limitation in understanding divine wisdom, transitions through carefully structured numerical sayings, and concludes with acute observations about the natural order that point to divine wisdom.

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The chapter’s significance lies in its remarkable humility before divine wisdom and its ability to find profound truth in simple observations. Unlike other sections of Proverbs that begin with authoritative declarations, Agur opens with a confession of ignorance that paradoxically demonstrates deep wisdom. This approach makes the chapter particularly relevant for modern readers wrestling with questions of knowledge, truth, and human limitations in understanding the divine.

Context of Proverbs 30

Within the book of Proverbs, chapter 30 appears in the final section (chapters 30-31), which contains the words of two non-Israelite sages: Agur and King Lemuel. This placement is significant as it demonstrates that wisdom is not exclusively Israelite but can come from those outside the covenant community who fear יהוה (Yahweh). The chapter’s position near the end of the book suggests it serves as a kind of capstone to the wisdom collection, offering a final perspective on the nature of wisdom itself.

In the broader context of Scripture, Proverbs 30 connects with several key biblical themes. Its opening confession of human limitation in understanding God echoes Job 38-41 and anticipates 1 Corinthians 1:20-21. The numerical sayings pattern appears elsewhere in Scripture, notably in Amos 1-2 and Job 5:19, suggesting it was a recognized form of wisdom literature in the ancient Near East.

The chapter also serves as a bridge between the practical wisdom of earlier chapters and the more theological wisdom literature found in books like Job and Ecclesiastes. Its combination of practical observations with profound theological insights helps readers understand how daily life and divine truth interconnect.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • Massa (משא) – The opening word of the chapter, traditionally translated as “oracle” or “burden,” carries the dual meaning of both a weighty prophetic utterance and a geographical location. This ambiguity may suggest that Agur’s words carry both prophetic weight and come from a specific Arabian context, enriching our understanding of wisdom’s universal nature.
  • Ithiel (איתיאל) – This name appears twice in verse 1 and means “God is with me” or “God has arrived.” Some scholars see this as a declaration of faith rather than a proper name, expressing Agur’s confidence in divine presence despite his confessed limitations.
  • Yahab (יהב) – The Hebrew word used in verse 4 for “gathered” (wind) appears only here in the Hebrew Bible and is related to a root meaning “to give” or “to provide.” Its unique usage emphasizes the mysterious nature of divine control over creation.
  • Alukah (עלוקה) – Translated as “leech” in verse 15, this word appears only once in Scripture and may be related to a female demon in ancient Near Eastern mythology. Agur repurposes this imagery to illustrate insatiable greed.
  • Nimrah (נמר) – The word for “leopard” in verse 30 comes from a root meaning “to be spotted” or “marked,” symbolizing both beauty and danger in creation. Its placement among the “stately” creatures emphasizes divine wisdom in creation’s design.
  • Zarzir (זרזיר) – Appearing in verse 31, this hapax legomenon (word appearing only once in Scripture) is traditionally translated as “rooster” or “warrior,” exemplifying how precise meaning can be lost while the wisdom principle remains clear.
  • Chakmoth (חכמות) – The plural form of wisdom used in discussing the wise creatures suggests a comprehensive or complete wisdom, different from the singular form used elsewhere in Proverbs.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 2-3’s confession “I am more stupid than any man” stands in stark contrast to typical ancient Near Eastern sage formulas that boasted of wisdom. This intentional reversal emphasizes true wisdom begins with humility and recognition of human limitations.
  • The four “small but wise” creatures (verses 24-28) are presented not as insignificant but as exemplars of divine wisdom. The Hebrew construction deliberately contrasts their size with their accomplishments, emphasizing wisdom over physical might.
  • Verse 4’s series of questions echoes Job 38 but serves a different purpose. While Job’s questions demonstrate God’s power over man, Agur’s questions lead to the revelation of God’s Son, using the Hebrew “בנו” (His Son) in a way that later Jewish and Christian traditions would see as messianic.
  • The numerical patterns (verses 15-31) follow a specific Hebrew literary device called “graded numerical parallelism” but uniquely combine it with natural observations, creating a more complex and memorable form of wisdom teaching.
  • The description of the “way of an eagle” and its companions (verses 18-19) uses the Hebrew word “derek” (way) to connect seemingly disparate phenomena, demonstrating how divine wisdom unifies diverse aspects of creation.
  • The generation that curses their parents (verse 11) uses specific Hebrew terms for cursing that echo the language of Exodus 21:17, deliberately connecting wisdom teaching with Torah law.
  • The description of the king “against whom none can rise up” (verse 31) uses military terminology that echoes royal psalms, suggesting both temporal and messianic implications.
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Proverbs 30 Unique Insights

The chapter’s structure reveals a fascinating pattern of ascent and descent that mirrors the spiritual journey. It begins with a confession of ignorance, rises to contemplate divine wisdom, descends to observe creation, and finally rises again to consider leadership and governance. This pattern reflects the rabbinic concept of “yerida l’tzorech aliya” (descent for the purpose of ascent), suggesting spiritual growth often requires honest self-assessment before elevation.

The numerical sayings in this chapter employ a unique form of gematria (Hebrew numerology) that the early rabbis noted corresponds to significant biblical events. For example, the pattern of “three and four” things appears seven times in the chapter, which some early Jewish commentators connected to the seven days of creation and the seven branches of the menorah, suggesting a complete cycle of divine wisdom.

Rabbi Saadia Gaon (882-942 CE) noted that Agur’s confession of ignorance about “the Holy One” uses language that parallels Moses’ encounter at the burning bush, suggesting this chapter contains deep insights about the limits of human comprehension of the divine nature. This connects powerfully to the Messianic Jewish understanding of Yeshua as the full revelation of God’s wisdom made accessible to humanity.

The description of the wise animals (verses 24-28) contains what early Jewish commentators called “wisdom of the creation” (חכמת הבריאה). This concept suggests that God embedded teaching examples throughout nature, anticipating Yeshua’s use of natural phenomena in His parables. The specific animals chosen also carry symbolic significance in ancient Jewish thought: the ant representing diligence in Torah study, the rock badger showing wisdom in finding refuge (paralleling finding refuge in God), the locust demonstrating unity in divine purpose, and the lizard representing humble persistence in reaching high places.

Proverbs 30 Connections to Yeshua

The chapter’s opening confession of human inability to ascend to heaven or understand divine wisdom finds its answer in the Messiah. When Agur asks, “Who has ascended into heaven and descended?” (Proverbs 30:4), he anticipates Yeshua’s words in John 3:13: “No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.”

The mysterious reference to “His Son” in verse 4 takes on profound significance in light of Yeshua’s revelation as the Son of God. This connection is strengthened by the Hebrew word “בנו” (His Son) appearing in a context that asks about control over creation, paralleling New Testament teachings about Yeshua’s role in creation (Colossians 1:16).

Proverbs 30 Scriptural Echoes

The chapter’s emphasis on the purity of God’s word (Proverbs 30:5) echoes Psalm 12:6 and anticipates 2 Timothy 3:16-17. This creates a powerful connection between Torah, Wisdom Literature, and New Testament teachings about Scripture’s divine origin and authority.

The prayer for neither poverty nor riches (verses 8-9) finds parallel expressions in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:11) and various Psalms, suggesting a consistent biblical theme about proper attitude toward material provision.

The description of the generation that is pure in its own eyes (verse 12) connects with Yeshua’s teachings about the Pharisees (Luke 18:9-14) and Paul’s warnings about self-righteousness (Romans 10:3).

Proverbs 30 Devotional

In a world that increasingly celebrates human achievement and knowledge, Agur’s humble confession of ignorance offers a refreshing and biblical perspective on wisdom. True wisdom begins not with accumulating knowledge but with recognizing our limitations and dependency on God. This chapter challenges us to approach both Scripture and creation with humility and wonder.

The prayer in verses 7-9 provides a practical model for balanced spiritual living. By asking for neither poverty nor riches, it teaches contentment while acknowledging human weakness. This prayer can guide our own requests, helping us focus on what truly sustains our spiritual life rather than extremes of either deprivation or excess.

The natural observations throughout the chapter remind us that God has filled creation with lessons about wisdom, diligence, and proper living. Like the small creatures that demonstrate wisdom beyond their size, we’re encouraged to live according to divine wisdom rather than worldly power or status.

Did You Know

  • The name “Agur” (אגור) means “gatherer” in Hebrew, possibly suggesting this chapter represents collected wisdom from various sources, similar to how Yeshua often drew from everyday life to teach eternal truths.
  • The numerical sayings pattern (X and X+1) was a common literary device in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, found not only in the Bible but also in Ugaritic and Mesopotamian texts.
  • The reference to the “generation” in verses 11-14 uses a specific Hebrew word pattern that appears only here and in Psalm 12, suggesting a connection between these texts’ descriptions of moral decay.
  • The word translated as “wringing” in verse 33 (מיץ) is related to the word for “counselor” or “advisor” (יועץ), creating a wordplay that suggests harsh words lead to conflict just as surely as physical actions.
  • Ancient Jewish tradition suggests Agur may have been a proselyte to Judaism, making this chapter one of the earliest examples of Gentile wisdom incorporated into Scripture.
  • The description of the leech’s daughters (verse 15) parallels ancient Near Eastern legal documents where repeated names indicated emphasis or legal binding.
  • Several early church fathers, including Origen and Augustine, saw the four “stately” things of verses 29-31 as prefiguring aspects of Messiah’s character and ministry.
  • The question about “His name” and “His Son’s name” in verse 4 was seen by some early Jewish commentators as a reference to the ineffable nature of God’s name (יהוה) and its connection to divine wisdom.
  • The structure of the entire chapter follows the pattern of ancient wisdom schools where students progressed from confession of ignorance to increasingly complex observations about divine truth.
  • The word for “shield” in verse 5 (מגן) is the same word used in God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:1, creating a connection between wisdom literature and covenant promises.

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Jean Paul Joseph

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