Proverbs 30:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

NIV: Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

NASB: Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

CSB: Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

NLT: Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

KJV: Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

NKJV: Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

Agur (Proverbs 30:1) implied that his natural mind could never hope to understand God (Proverbs 30:1–4). Scripture indicates that all people can know certain things about their Creator (Romans 1:18–20; Psalm 19:1). However, we cannot know everything about God simply by observing nature. In this verse, Agur notes that God's Word—His teaching as recorded in Scripture—is the perfect source of those deeper truths. We should respond to God's general revelation by seeking Him more directly (Matthew 7:7–8).

The most important expression of this knowledge is knowing God personally through faith in His Son Jesus (John 14:6). Jesus asked the Father to sanctify believers in truth, and added, "Your word is truth" (John 17:17). Many of the psalms acknowledge the truth of God's Word. For example, Psalm 119:142 notes, "Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true."

Those who rely on God, as He is explained in His own Word, find Him a source of strength and salvation. This verse affirms that God protects those who rely on Him. The Lord is portrayed as a "shield," as mentioned in Psalm 3:3. Genesis 15:1 records God's promise to Abram after Abram refused a reward offered by the king of Sodom. God promised Abram, "Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." This is not a pledge of perfect earthly safety, but a guarantee that God's will cannot be undone (Romans 8:31–39).

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.

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.