Proverbs 30:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any;

NIV: a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing;

NASB: The lion, which is mighty among animals And does not retreat from anything,

CSB: a lion, which is mightiest among beasts and doesn’t retreat before anything;

NLT: the lion, king of animals, who won’t turn aside for anything,

KJV: A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

NKJV: A lion, which is mighty among beasts And does not turn away from any;

Agur cites the lion as the most intimidating of animals. In the modern world, the term "apex predator" refers to an animal which is not hunted by any others. In general, lions don't concede territory or food to other beasts. During the Old Testament era, lions were native to Canaan. Wise people take care to avoid these creatures (1 Peter 5:8). This is the first of four examples of things that have a "stately" way about their movement (Proverbs 30:29). Later examples similarly refer to confidence, but with less justification (Proverbs 30:31).

Lions are impressive predators, so dealing with them immediately implies impressive ability. Samson's encounter with a lion was among his most impressive feats (Judges 14:5–6). David's rescue of a lamb from a lion foreshadowed his military skill (1 Samuel 17:34–36). The roar of a lion was symbolic of great terror (Proverbs 19:12; Amos 3:8; Ezekiel 22:25).

In Revelation 5:5 Jesus is called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah." He alone is mighty and deserving enough to open the seven-sealed scroll which brings judgments to the world. Just as the lion does not retreat from any adversary, so Jesus faced even death, the last enemy, and conquered it (Romans 4:24–25; 1 Corinthians 15:3–5, 25–27, 55–57). Hebrews 7:25 declares: "He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

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.