Proverbs 30
Proverbs 30 is part of “The Sayings of Agur” (30) in the outline of Proverbs.
Proverbs 30 summary
This and the following chapter are an appendix to Solomon's proverbs; but they are both expressly called prophecies in the first verses of both, by which it appears that the penmen of them, whoever they were, were divinely inspired. This chapter was penned by one that bears the name of "Agur Ben Jakeh." What tribe he was of, or when he lived, we are not told; what he wrote, being indited by the Holy Ghost, is here kept upon record. We have here, I.
Read the full introduction
This and the following chapter are an appendix to Solomon's proverbs; but they are both expressly called prophecies in the first verses of both, by which it appears that the penmen of them, whoever they were, were divinely inspired. This chapter was penned by one that bears the name of "Agur Ben Jakeh." What tribe he was of, or when he lived, we are not told; what he wrote, being indited by the Holy Ghost, is here kept upon record. We have here, I. His confession of faith (Pro 30:1-6). II. His prayer (Pro 30:7-9). III. A caution against wronging servants (Pro 30:10). IV. Four wicked generations (Pro 30:11-14). V. Four things insatiable (Pro 30:15, Pro 30:16), to which is added fair warning to undutiful children (Pro 30:17). VI. Four things unsearchable (Pro 30:18-20). VII. Four things intolerable (Pro 30:21-23). VIII. Four things little and wise (Pro 30:24-28). IX. Four things stately (Pro 30:29 to the end).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Proverbs 30
Proverbs 30 (WEB)
World English Bible (public domain)
The Words of Agur: I Am Weary, O God
1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the revelation: 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. 3I have not learned wisdom, neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. 4Who 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. 6Don’t you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.
Four Requests
7“Two things I have asked of you. Don’t deny me before I die. 8Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9lest 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. 10“Don’t slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.
Four Generations of Wicked People
11There is a generation that curses their father, and doesn’t bless their mother. 12There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness. 13There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! Their eyelids are lifted up. 14There 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.
Four Insatiable Things
15“The leech has two daughters: ‘Give, give.’ “There are three things that are never satisfied; four that don’t say, ‘Enough!’: 16Sheol, 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.
Four Wonderful Things
18“There are three things which are too amazing for me, four which I don’t understand: 19The 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. 20“So is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’
Four Things That Are Unbearable
21“For three things the earth trembles, and under four, it can’t bear up: 22For a servant when he is king, a fool when he is filled with food, 23for an unloved woman when she is married, and a servant who is heir to her mistress.
Four Small but Wise Creatures
24“There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: 25The ants are not a strong people, yet they provide their food in the summer. 26The hyraxes are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks. 27The locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks. 28You can catch a lizard with your hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.
Four Stately Things
29“There are three things which are stately in their march, four which are stately in going: 30The lion, which is mightiest among animals, and doesn’t turn away for any; 31the greyhound; the male goat; 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. 33For as the churning of milk produces butter, and the wringing of the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife.”