Proverbs 30:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Three things are stately in their tread; four are stately in their stride:

NIV: "There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing:

NASB: There are three things which are stately in their march, Even four which are stately when they walk:

CSB: Three things are stately in their stride; four are stately in their walk:

NLT: There are three things that walk with stately stride — no, four that strut about:

KJV: There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

NKJV: There are three things which are majestic in pace, Yes, four which are stately in walk:

This passage repeats the poetic "number, plus one" technique seen elsewhere in Scripture (Proverbs 6:16; 30:15, 18, 21, 24; Job 5:19; Amos 1:3). Agur (Proverbs 30:1) uses the term "stately," from the Hebrew root word yatab. This is used for many ideas, all related to something beautiful or pleasing. This word was used for the way queen Jezebel arranged her hair prior to meeting her doom (2 Kings 9:30). Here, it implies something similar, as "stately" is a term often used of confident, collected leaders. The ideal image of a leader is one who is calm, controlled, and reassured. Agur will note four instances which exhibit this dignified, imposing way of movement: lions, roosters, rams, and a king at the head of a loyal army. These form an interesting contrast to the humble animals noted in the prior verses (Proverbs 30:24–28).

Agur's own humility (Proverbs 30:2), as well, is on display in his keen observations of nature. David also paid attention to animals and came away with a humbling sense of his own dependence on God (Psalm 23). He also marveled at God's creative power as displayed in nature (Psalm 8:3–4).

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.