Proverbs 30 - Printer Friendly

What does Proverbs 30 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

A small number of scholars suggest that the name "Agur" was another title for Solomon. However, most believe this is a different person. His words are described as an "oracle:" as a crucially important message from the Lord. Less clear is the meaning of the first words of his message. Depending on how the Hebrew letters are divided, it could be an address to two particular men. Or, it might be a reference to personal weariness.(Proverbs 30:1).

Agur's message begins with an extreme level of humility. The idea is so pronounced that some commentators believe it is sarcastic. This would suggest that Agur was responding to someone—such as a critic—by satirically calling himself "stupid" and his detractor "understanding." He makes note of his own limitations, compared to God, and uses the same rhetorical device the Lord used when questioning Job (Job 38:4–5). Whether this is purely sincere, or derisive, or some combination of both, Agur's other teachings will reinforce the need to know one's limitations (Proverbs 30:2–4).

Part of Agur's text is a prayer for God's guidance away from certain errors. He proclaims the sufficiency of God's revealed truth, warning not to tamper with that message. He prays for God to protect him from dishonesty. He also asks that God keep him from the extremes of poverty and luxury. Agur realizes that both conditions pose their own temptations. He then denounces various sins, such as rebellion, arrogance, and abuse of the weak (Proverbs 30:5–14).

The final section of Agur's lessons frequently use a technique seen often in Scripture (Proverbs 6:16; 30:15, 18, 21, 24, 29; Job 5:19; Amos 1:3). This involves naming a number, then that number plus one, to suggest completion in the message. He explains that greed never leads to satisfaction, only to more desire. A rebellious attitude leads to disaster, exemplified by the person who curses their parents (Proverbs 30:15–17).

One of Agur's paragraphs mentions four concepts which seem hard to connect. These are a bird's flight in air, a snake's path over rock, a ship's travel by sea, and "the way of a man with a virgin." It's possible these are references to things which happen despite seeming inexplicable. Most likely, his point is that these are all mysterious; none leaves an immediate trace. Adultery, perhaps the final example, is not a sin which leaves obvious evidence. Agur's next statement seems to reinforce that interpretation, as he notes how a person may sin without feeling guilt (Proverbs 30:18–20).

The next segment notes four examples of disruption caused by an out-of-place person. Agur's lesson is not that people should never seek to improve their lives. Rather, it's to note that suddenly thrusting a person into new circumstances can lead to disaster. Installing a slave as king means a ruler with no experience or context for that responsibility. Ungodly people whose needs are met are even more likely to ignore God. Scorned, mistreated people may bring vengeance or bitterness into a marriage. And putting a young girl in charge of her former mistress' home is unwise (Proverbs 30:21–23).

Four examples are given of lowly creatures who succeed at impressive feats. This seems to teach that God's creative power allows Him to achieve His will using weak, unimportant instruments. Also, it speaks to His providence. Ants are tiny, yet they find food and survive the seasons. Rock hyraxes—similar to groundhogs—cannot fight, yet they live in the cliffs men seek out as fortresses. Locusts lack leaders, but "march" and conquer like an army when they swarm. Lizards are not hard to catch, but they manage to sneak into the most secure places (Proverbs 30:24–28).

The last numbered lesson given by Agur involves the idea of things which are "stately" in their movement. This implies something confident, assured, powerful, and calm. The term is used as the proper impression to be given by kings and leaders. The ultimate example of this is the lion: unchallenged as the mightiest predator in his terrain. The final example is the king who knows his armies are loyal (Proverbs 30:29–31).

Agur ends his lessons with a warning about natural consequences. Whether one intends to, or not, thrashing milk will turn it into butter. Punching someone in the nose will make them bleed. And provoking others to anger results in anguish and controversy. For that reason, a person who realizes they've been acting like a fool should take steps towards self-control: even if it means clamping a hand over their own mouth (Proverbs 30:32–33).

Proverbs 30:1–4 introduces a new voice in the book of Proverbs. Most interpreters believe this is a reference to a person named Agur, who speaks to Ithiel and Ucal. Others interpret the Hebrew letters as references to personal weariness. The writer begins by proclaiming his own ignorance, seeming to exaggerate for the sake of effect. Agur desires to know God. The verses that follow explain how limited people can come to know the all-powerful Creator. Similar themes are seen in Psalm 8:3–4; Acts 14:15–17; and Acts 17:26–30.

Proverbs 30:5–14 continues the "oracle" attributed to Agur. He begins by praising God's Word as true. He warns against adding to what God says. Agur then prays asking for God's protection from certain spiritual errors. He then begins making wise observations about life and certain kinds of bad behavior. Several comments in this passage include the phrase "there are those," commenting on various common sins. Agur's humility and desire for honesty shine through in this passage of Scripture.

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.

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.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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.

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