1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, [even] the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
2 Surely I [am] more brutish than [any] man, and have not the understanding of a man.
3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
4 Who 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?
5 Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
7 Two [things] have I required of thee; deny me [them] not before I die:
8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9 Lest 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].
10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
11 [There is] a generation [that] curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
12 [There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.
13 [There is] a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
14 [There 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.
15 The horseleach hath two daughters, [crying], Give, give. There are three [things that] are never satisfied, [yea], four [things] say not, [It is] enough:
16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth [that] is not filled with water; and the fire [that] saith not, [It is] enough.
17 The 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.
18 There be three [things which] are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
19 The 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.
20 Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
21 For three [things] the earth is disquieted, and for four [which] it cannot bear:
22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
23 For an odious [woman] when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
24 There be four [things which are] little upon the earth, but they [are] exceeding wise:
25 The ants [are] a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat 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 go they forth all of them by bands;
28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.
29 There be three [things] which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
30 A lion [which is] strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom [there is] no rising up.
32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, [lay] thine hand upon thy mouth.
33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
Overview of Proverbs 30
Proverbs 30 is a chapter attributed to Agur, son of Jakeh. This chapter is distinct from others in the Book of Proverbs as it presents a series of observations and reflections on life, wisdom, and the nature of God. Agur’s words reflect humility, a quest for knowledge, and an acknowledgment of human limitations.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Verses 1-3: Introduction and declaration of ignorance
- Verses 4-6: The nature of God and His revelation
- Verses 7-9: A prayer for moderation and wisdom
- Verses 10-14: Observations about human behavior
- Verses 15-31: Reflections on the wonders of creation
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-3: Introduction and Declaration of Ignorance
Agur begins with a humble admission of his own limitations. He expresses a lack of wisdom and understanding, which sets the tone for the rest of the chapter. This self-awareness is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and recognizing one’s own shortcomings.
Verses 4-6: The Nature of God and His Revelation
In these verses, Agur poses rhetorical questions about the nature of God, emphasizing His transcendence and mystery. He acknowledges that no one has ascended to heaven or descended from it except for God. This reflects a deep understanding of divine sovereignty and the limitations of human knowledge.
- Who has ascended to heaven?
- Who has gathered the wind in His fists?
- Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
- Who has established all the ends of the earth?
Agur concludes this section by affirming the reliability of God’s words, highlighting the importance of adhering to divine truth.
Verses 7-9: A Prayer for Moderation and Wisdom
Agur’s prayer reveals his desire for balance in life. He asks for two things: to be kept from falsehood and to be granted neither poverty nor riches. This request reflects a profound understanding of human nature and the dangers of extremes. He recognizes that both wealth and poverty can lead to spiritual pitfalls.
Verses 10-14: Observations About Human Behavior
In this section, Agur makes keen observations about human behavior and societal issues. He warns against slandering servants and highlights the arrogance of certain groups. These verses serve as a reminder of the moral decay that can occur in society and the need for integrity and humility.
Verses 15-31: Reflections on the Wonders of Creation
Agur presents a series of observations about the natural world, showcasing the complexity and beauty of creation. He uses metaphors and analogies to illustrate his points, which serve to highlight the greatness of God’s design.
- The leech has two daughters, giving a vivid picture of insatiable desire.
- The way of an eagle in the sky, symbolizing mystery and majesty.
- The way of a serpent on a rock, illustrating cunning and wisdom.
- The way of a ship on the high seas, representing human ingenuity.
- The way of a man with a maiden, reflecting the complexities of relationships.
Agur concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the wonders of creation as a reflection of God’s glory.
Thematic Insights
Proverbs 30 encapsulates several key themes:
- Humility: Agur’s acknowledgment of his limitations serves as a reminder of the importance of humility in the pursuit of wisdom.
- The Nature of God: The chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty and the mystery of His ways.
- Moderation: Agur’s prayer for balance highlights the dangers of extremes in life.
- Observation and Reflection: The chapter encourages readers to observe the world around them and recognize the intricacies of God’s creation.
Conclusion
Proverbs 30 offers profound insights into human nature, the divine, and the pursuit of wisdom. Agur’s reflections serve as a guide for navigating life’s complexities with humility and reverence for God.
