Proverbs 30:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.

NIV: "The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.

NASB: The eye that mocks a father And scorns a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it.

CSB: As for the eye that ridicules a father and despises obedience to a mother, may ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures eat it.

NLT: The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother’s instructions will be plucked out by ravens of the valley and eaten by vultures.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: The eye that mocks his father, And scorns obedience to his mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it.

Proper burial was an important part of ancient culture. Especially degrading was leaving a body to be slowly eaten by scavengers. This is the fate predicted by Agur (Proverbs 30:1) for those who show no respect for their parents. In this context, his reference is not narrowly reserved for that sin. Nor is the gruesome image meant to be taken as a literal prophecy. Rather, the mocking, scoffing attitude is associated with those who are rebellious and stubborn. Those who constantly reject authority set themselves up for dire consequences (Proverbs 1:8; 13:1; 19:26). A similar sin was mentioned earlier in Agur's wise words (Proverbs 30:11).

Natural consequences for sin—basic cause and effect—can be severe. Beyond that, God punishes sin. Romans 6:23 assures us that "the wages of sin is death." Consider the death of Absalom, David's rebellious son. Second Samuel 18:9–15 reveals that Absalom's mule went under the branches of an oak tree. Absalom's hair got tangled in the branches and he was suspended above the ground. When Joab, leader of King David's forces, heard this, he went to Absalom and threw three javelins into Absalom's heart. Then Joab's armorbearers surrounded Absalom, struck him, and ensured he was dead.

In Proverbs 30:15–31 Agur (Proverbs 30:1) gives several numerical observations. He lists four things which never lead to satisfaction, only increased desire. Another four ideas are said to be "wonderful," here meant in the sense of being hard to grasp. Next are four examples of the dangers of putting people in sudden positions of power. Then, four seemingly humble animals who achieve great tasks. The last is a series of examples showing the "stately" nature of confidence.

This chapter contains the teachings of Agur, who is only known through this passage. Humility and a sense of one's own limitations are key themes in this section. Agur prays for God's providence and warns about the sins of arrogance, greed, and rebelliousness. He marvels at how the ungodly can sin without care, not realizing their fate. He then notes the way some insignificant animals accomplish great things and comments on the effects of confidence. The chapter ends with a reminder that stirring up anger leads to trouble.

This chapter falls between a collection of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25—29) and King Lemuel's proverbs (Proverbs 31). Chapter 30 contains the wise sayings of Agur, who is otherwise unknown. He may have been the son of Jakeh. His teachings are called an oracle: a weighty message from God. Humility and warnings about arrogance are recurring themes in this chapter.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.