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 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
The Words of Agur: I Am Weary, O God
1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh; the oracle. The man saith unto Ithiel, unto Ithiel and Ucal: 2Surely I am more brutish than any man, And have not the understanding of a man; 3And I have not learned wisdom, Neither have I the knowledge of the Holy One. 4Who hath ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound the waters in his garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou knowest? 5Every word of God is tried: He is a shield unto them that take refuge in him. 6Add thou not unto his words, Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Four Requests
7Two things have I asked of thee; Deny me [them] not 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, and deny [thee], and say, Who is Jehovah? Or lest I be poor, and steal, And use profanely the name of my God. 10Slander not a servant unto his master, Lest he curse thee, and thou be held guilty.
Four Generations of Wicked People
11There is a generation that curse their father, And bless not their mother. 12There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, And [yet] are not washed from their filthiness. 13There is a generation, oh 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.
Four Insatiable Things
15The horseleach hath two daughters, [crying], Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, [Yea], four that say not, Enough: 16Sheol; and the barren womb; The earth that is not satisfied with water; And the fire that saith not, 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.
Four Wonderful Things
18There are 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 maiden. 20So is the way of an adulterous woman; She eateth, and wipeth her mouth, And saith, I have done no wickedness.
Four Things That Are Unbearable
21For three things the earth doth tremble, And for four, [which] it cannot bear: 22For a servant when he is king; And a fool when he is filled with food; 23For an odious woman when she is married; And a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
Four Small but Wise Creatures
24There are four things which are little upon the earth, But they are exceeding wise: 25The ants are a people not strong, Yet they provide their food 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 lizard taketh hold with her hands, Yet is she in kings’ palaces.
Four Stately Things
29There are three things which are stately in their march, Yea, four which are stately in going: 30The lion, which is mightiest among beasts, And turneth not away for any; 31The greyhound; the he-goat also; And the king against whom there is no rising up. 32If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, Or if thou hast thought evil, [Lay] thy hand upon thy mouth. 33For the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, And the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood; So the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.