Proverbs 30 Commentary: Wisdom from Agur
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
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?
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
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.
Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
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.
The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
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.
There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
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.
Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.
There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
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.
Proverbs 30 offers a unique glimpse into the wisdom of Agur, son of Jakeh, whose words are presented as an "oracle" – a weighty and divinely inspired message. Nestled between the sayings of Solomon (Proverbs 25-29) and King Lemuel (Proverbs 31), this chapter emphasizes humility, the sufficiency of God's Word, and practical insights into human nature. While Agur remains somewhat of a mystery, his contribution to Proverbs is a testament to the Holy Spirit’s oversight in inspiring Scripture, using various voices to convey timeless truths.
Agur's Humility and the Source of Wisdom (Proverbs 30:1-4)
Agur begins with a profound declaration of his own limitations. He expresses a deep sense of inadequacy, even calling himself "more stupid than any other man" (Proverbs 30:2). Some scholars debate whether this is pure sincerity, a satirical response to critics, or a combination of both. Regardless, Agur's humility highlights the vast difference between human understanding and divine wisdom.
This humility mirrors Paul’s self-assessment as the “chief of all sinners” (1_Timothy 1:15). Spending time with a holy God reveals the depth of our sinfulness and our desperate need for His wisdom. Agur's rhetorical questions, "Who has gathered the wind in his hands? … Who has established all the ends of the earth?" (Proverbs 30:4), echo God's own questioning of Job (Job 38:4-5) and point to the obvious answer: God. They challenge the arrogance of navigating life without acknowledging and learning from Him. If we recognize God's power and wisdom in creation, why would we presume to live independently of His guidance?
The Purity and Sufficiency of God's Word (Proverbs 30:5-6)
Agur provides a powerful affirmation of the Bible's inspiration: "Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him" (Proverbs 30:5). This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the integrity of Scripture. God has meticulously chosen and refined every word. Agur then warns against tampering with God's revealed truth: "Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar" (Proverbs 30:6). Our role is to humbly receive, believe, and obey His Word, not to elevate our own opinions to the same level.
A Prayer for Balanced Provision (Proverbs 30:7-9)
Agur's prayer reveals a kingdom-minded perspective: "Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need" (Proverbs 30:8). He understood the potential dangers of both extremes. Wealth can lead to arrogance and denial of God ("Who is the Lord?"), while poverty can tempt one to dishonesty and profaning God's name through stealing (Proverbs 30:9). This prayer is a call to keep material things in their proper perspective, seeking God's provision to maintain our focus on Him. It's a request for the sweet spot of contentment, where our needs are met, and our hearts remain devoted to God.
Confronting Sin and Seeking Transformation (Proverbs 30:10-14)
Agur addresses several sins, offering insights into human behavior. He warns against slandering servants (Proverbs 30:10), highlighting the importance of using our words to encourage and build up, rather than tear down. James reminds us that blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth (James 3:9-10).
Agur also paints a sobering picture of a rebellious generation, characterized by cursing parents, self-righteousness, arrogance, and a lack of compassion (Proverbs 30:11-14). This description, sadly, resonates with challenges faced by young people today. Turning this tide requires a focus on the family, where fathers, in particular, model godliness, prioritize time with their children, teach them the ways of the Lord, and discipline them with love.
The Insatiable Nature of Greed and the Consequences of Rebellion (Proverbs 30:15-17)
Agur uses vivid imagery to illustrate the insatiable nature of greed. He then highlights the dire consequences of disrespecting one's parents.
Mysteries and Hidden Sins (Proverbs 30:18-20)
Agur presents a series of intriguing comparisons: "There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman" (Proverbs 30:18-19). These examples may refer to things that happen despite seeming inexplicable, or perhaps to things that leave no immediate trace. The adulteress, similarly, assumes her sin leaves no lasting trace and thus feels no guilt (Proverbs 30:20). However, God sees all (Proverbs 5:1-23; 6:20–7:27).
The Disruptive Influence of the Out-of-Place (Proverbs 30:21-23)
These verses describe people whose sudden elevation or change in circumstances creates disruption and instability. The lesson isn't to discourage personal growth but to recognize that unpreparedness for new roles can lead to disaster. We should strive to be a blessing to others, not someone they seek to avoid.
Strength in Weakness and the Power of Providence (Proverbs 30:24-28)
Agur shifts to highlighting the strength and wisdom found in seemingly insignificant creatures: ants, rock badgers, locusts, and lizards. These examples illustrate that size is irrelevant, and influence is what matters. God can accomplish extraordinary things through the weak and unexpected (Proverbs 30:24-28). Maximize your faith in Him and you will be extremely wise.
Stateliness and the Importance of Self-Control (Proverbs 30:29-33)
Agur concludes with examples of "stately" creatures, implying confidence, assurance, and power. The lion, unchallenged in its domain, serves as a prime example. He then uses the image of a majestic king at the head of his army to evoke awe and reverence. If earthly kings inspire such respect, how much more should we revere the divine King who reigns from heaven (Isaiah 66:1)?
Agur ends with a practical warning about the consequences of stirring up anger and strife (Proverbs 30:32-33). "For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife" (Proverbs 30:33). He advises self-control: "If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have planned evil, put your hand on your mouth" (Proverbs 30:32). Sometimes, the wisest course of action is simply to stop talking. Nothing reveals a foolish heart like an open mouth.
Proverbs 30, through the wisdom of Agur, offers a powerful blend of humility, divine revelation, and practical insights for navigating life. It encourages us to seek God's wisdom, trust in His Word, and live with integrity and self-control.
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
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?
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
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.
Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
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.
The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
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.
There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
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.
Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.
There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
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.
Proverbs 30 offers a unique glimpse into the wisdom of Agur, son of Jakeh, whose words are presented as an "oracle" – a weighty and divinely inspired message. Nestled between the sayings of Solomon (Proverbs 25-29) and King Lemuel (Proverbs 31), this chapter emphasizes humility, the sufficiency of God's Word, and practical insights into human nature. While Agur remains somewhat of a mystery, his contribution to Proverbs is a testament to the Holy Spirit’s oversight in inspiring Scripture, using various voices to convey timeless truths.
Agur's Humility and the Source of Wisdom (Proverbs 30:1-4)
Agur begins with a profound declaration of his own limitations. He expresses a deep sense of inadequacy, even calling himself "more stupid than any other man" (Proverbs 30:2). Some scholars debate whether this is pure sincerity, a satirical response to critics, or a combination of both. Regardless, Agur's humility highlights the vast difference between human understanding and divine wisdom.
This humility mirrors Paul’s self-assessment as the “chief of all sinners” (1_Timothy 1:15). Spending time with a holy God reveals the depth of our sinfulness and our desperate need for His wisdom. Agur's rhetorical questions, "Who has gathered the wind in his hands? … Who has established all the ends of the earth?" (Proverbs 30:4), echo God's own questioning of Job (Job 38:4-5) and point to the obvious answer: God. They challenge the arrogance of navigating life without acknowledging and learning from Him. If we recognize God's power and wisdom in creation, why would we presume to live independently of His guidance?
The Purity and Sufficiency of God's Word (Proverbs 30:5-6)
Agur provides a powerful affirmation of the Bible's inspiration: "Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him" (Proverbs 30:5). This verse is a cornerstone for understanding the integrity of Scripture. God has meticulously chosen and refined every word. Agur then warns against tampering with God's revealed truth: "Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar" (Proverbs 30:6). Our role is to humbly receive, believe, and obey His Word, not to elevate our own opinions to the same level.
A Prayer for Balanced Provision (Proverbs 30:7-9)
Agur's prayer reveals a kingdom-minded perspective: "Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need" (Proverbs 30:8). He understood the potential dangers of both extremes. Wealth can lead to arrogance and denial of God ("Who is the Lord?"), while poverty can tempt one to dishonesty and profaning God's name through stealing (Proverbs 30:9). This prayer is a call to keep material things in their proper perspective, seeking God's provision to maintain our focus on Him. It's a request for the sweet spot of contentment, where our needs are met, and our hearts remain devoted to God.
Confronting Sin and Seeking Transformation (Proverbs 30:10-14)
Agur addresses several sins, offering insights into human behavior. He warns against slandering servants (Proverbs 30:10), highlighting the importance of using our words to encourage and build up, rather than tear down. James reminds us that blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth (James 3:9-10).
Agur also paints a sobering picture of a rebellious generation, characterized by cursing parents, self-righteousness, arrogance, and a lack of compassion (Proverbs 30:11-14). This description, sadly, resonates with challenges faced by young people today. Turning this tide requires a focus on the family, where fathers, in particular, model godliness, prioritize time with their children, teach them the ways of the Lord, and discipline them with love.
The Insatiable Nature of Greed and the Consequences of Rebellion (Proverbs 30:15-17)
Agur uses vivid imagery to illustrate the insatiable nature of greed. He then highlights the dire consequences of disrespecting one's parents.
Mysteries and Hidden Sins (Proverbs 30:18-20)
Agur presents a series of intriguing comparisons: "There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a young woman" (Proverbs 30:18-19). These examples may refer to things that happen despite seeming inexplicable, or perhaps to things that leave no immediate trace. The adulteress, similarly, assumes her sin leaves no lasting trace and thus feels no guilt (Proverbs 30:20). However, God sees all (Proverbs 5:1-23; 6:20–7:27).
The Disruptive Influence of the Out-of-Place (Proverbs 30:21-23)
These verses describe people whose sudden elevation or change in circumstances creates disruption and instability. The lesson isn't to discourage personal growth but to recognize that unpreparedness for new roles can lead to disaster. We should strive to be a blessing to others, not someone they seek to avoid.
Strength in Weakness and the Power of Providence (Proverbs 30:24-28)
Agur shifts to highlighting the strength and wisdom found in seemingly insignificant creatures: ants, rock badgers, locusts, and lizards. These examples illustrate that size is irrelevant, and influence is what matters. God can accomplish extraordinary things through the weak and unexpected (Proverbs 30:24-28). Maximize your faith in Him and you will be extremely wise.
Stateliness and the Importance of Self-Control (Proverbs 30:29-33)
Agur concludes with examples of "stately" creatures, implying confidence, assurance, and power. The lion, unchallenged in its domain, serves as a prime example. He then uses the image of a majestic king at the head of his army to evoke awe and reverence. If earthly kings inspire such respect, how much more should we revere the divine King who reigns from heaven (Isaiah 66:1)?
Agur ends with a practical warning about the consequences of stirring up anger and strife (Proverbs 30:32-33). "For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife" (Proverbs 30:33). He advises self-control: "If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have planned evil, put your hand on your mouth" (Proverbs 30:32). Sometimes, the wisest course of action is simply to stop talking. Nothing reveals a foolish heart like an open mouth.
Proverbs 30, through the wisdom of Agur, offers a powerful blend of humility, divine revelation, and practical insights for navigating life. It encourages us to seek God's wisdom, trust in His Word, and live with integrity and self-control.