Proverbs 30:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth.

NIV: "If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth!

NASB: If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth.

CSB: If you have been foolish by exalting yourself or if you’ve been scheming, put your hand over your mouth.

NLT: If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, cover your mouth in shame.

KJV: If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

NKJV: If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth.

Prior verses in the book of Proverbs noted the dangers of unwise, ungodly, or uncontrolled speech (Proverbs 4:24; 14:3; 16:27). The text connects true wisdom with an appreciation for God's truth (Proverbs 1:7, 22). Ignoring that comes with negative consequences (Proverbs 3:5–6; 8:33–36). Speaking in sinful or unwise ways leads to quarrels, resentment, retaliation, and other kinds of trouble. The following verse speaks of those exact results (Proverbs 30:33).

Agur (Proverbs 30:1) includes the idea of arrogance and bragging in his warning. In this case, the Hebrew word used is a verb: the reference is to someone who has been "acting like a fool" or "being foolish." It is spiritually immature to strut around boasting about oneself. It is also foolish—ungodly and unwise—to think up evil schemes.

Agur's suggestion for someone who realizes they've been acting in this way is both abrupt and simple: do what it takes and do it quickly. In literal terms, to clamp your own mouth shut with your hand. In the ancient world, to "put your hand over your mouth" was something like the modern English expression "shut up." This appears in certain conversations in the book of Job (Job 21:5; 40:4).

That physical act is not, itself, the ultimate cure for foolish talk. The point is that unwise speech is dangerous enough that a person should make great effort to avoid it. Joseph's choice to run from a temptress, leaving a piece of clothing behind (Genesis 39:12), typifies taking strong measures to avoid sin (Matthew 18:7–9).

Proverbs 30:32–33 completes Agur's contribution. He warns the person who realizes they are speaking foolishly to stop—even if that means clamping a hand over their own mouth. Such things naturally lead to disruption and disaster. This is as natural and as certain as churning milk makes butter and striking a person's nose draws blood.

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.