Proverbs Chapter 30

Proverbs Chapter 30:

1. The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle. The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out.
2. Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man.
3. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
4. Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know!
5. Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.
7. Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die:
8. Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,
9. lest I be full and deny you and say, "Who is the Lord?" or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.
10. Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.
11. There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.
12. There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth.
13. There are those—how lofty are their eyes, how high their eyelids lift!
14. There are those whose teeth are swords, whose fangs are knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, the needy from among mankind.
15. The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, "Enough":
16. Sheol, the barren womb, the land that is not satisfied with water, and the fire that does not say, "Enough."
17. The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.
18. Three things are too wonderful for me; four I do not understand:
19. the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a virgin.
20. This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, "I have done no wrong."
21. Under three things the earth trembles; under four it cannot bear up:
22. a slave when he becomes king, and a fool when he is filled with food;
23. an unloved woman when she gets a husband, and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress.
24. Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise:
25. the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer;
26. the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs;
27. the locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks;
28. the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings' palaces.
29. Three things are stately in their tread; four are stately in their stride:
30. the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any;
31. the strutting rooster, the he-goat, and a king whose army is with him.
32. If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth.
33. For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.

Christian Theologians Thoughts About this/these Verse(s):

Matthew Henry: Matthew Henry was an English Presbyterian minister known for his comprehensive and practical expositions on the Bible. 

• In his commentary on Proverbs 30, written in 1706, he suggests that Agur's words reflect a deep humility and a profound recognition of human limitations in understanding divine wisdom. "He that would be wise must first confess his folly, for Agur here does not boast of his wisdom but of his ignorance."

• In his sermon on Proverbs 30:5-6 in 1877, he emphasized the sufficiency and infallibility of God's Word, saying, "Here we have the doctrine of the full inspiration of the Holy Scriptures; every word of God is pure, let us treat it with the reverence it deserves."

• In his commentary published in 1748, Gill interprets Proverbs 30:7-9 as a model prayer for personal integrity and contentment. 
• He states, "Agur's prayer is for a life free from the temptations of both poverty and wealth, understanding the spiritual dangers they pose."

Historical Setting and Author Background:

Proverbs 30 is traditionally attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, a figure otherwise unknown in biblical literature. This chapter likely dates to the post-exilic period, suggesting that wisdom literature was not exclusive to the time of Solomon but continued to evolve. Agur's words convey a sense of humility and a quest for understanding divine knowledge, which contrasts with the more royal wisdom associated with Solomon. The purpose here might have been to remind readers of the limitations of human wisdom and the necessity of divine guidance.

Agur's insights aim to teach humility, the sufficiency of God's word, and the dangers of pride and moral corruption. In daily life, these teachings encourage men to seek wisdom not from their achievements but from a humble recognition of their need for God. In homes, marriages, and friendships, this humility fosters patience, understanding, and respect for others, while at work, it promotes a leadership style that values wisdom over arrogance.

Hebrew Word Origins and Pronunciations, Meanings of Significant Terms:

• Oracle - "Massa" (מַשָּׂא) - Pronounced: mah-SAH. This term can denote a prophetic utterance or burden.
• Weary - "Laah" (לָאָה) - Pronounced: la-AH. Signifies being tired or exhausted.
• Holy One - "Qadosh" (קָדוֹשׁ) - Pronounced: kah-DOSH. Describes something or someone set apart, sacred, or divine.

These Hebrew words emphasize the depth of human experience in relation to divine revelation. "Massa" highlights the weight of divine messages, "Laah" captures the human condition of weariness before God, and "Qadosh" underscores the otherness and sanctity of God, which should influence one's approach to life, family, and work with reverence and awe.

Greek Word Origins and Pronunciations, Meanings of Significant Terms:

Since Proverbs 30 is from the Old Testament, Greek terms are not directly applicable. However, in the Septuagint, some translations might use:

• Oracle - "Logos" (λόγος) - Pronounced: LOG-os. Often used in Greek for word or reason but here as a prophetic message.
• Weary - "Kamno" (κάμνω) - Pronounced: KAM-no. To be weary or to tire.

These Greek terms, while not original to the text, reflect the continuity of wisdom literature's themes into New Testament thought, where "Logos" becomes central to understanding Christ's role as the divine Word, impacting one's approach to life's challenges with faith and endurance.

Major and Minor Themes:

Major Themes:

• Humility and the recognition of human limitations.
• The purity and authority of God's word.
• The danger of pride and the need for moral integrity.

Minor Themes:

• The critique of social injustices and moral degradation.
• Wisdom observed in nature.
• The consequences of actions and words.

These themes are crucial for modern men, particularly in leadership roles within the home, as they underscore the importance of humility, integrity, and wisdom in decision-making. They teach that true leadership is not about self-aggrandizement but about serving others with wisdom derived from a reverence for God, which can transform personal and professional relationships.

Modern-Day Application:

In today's fast-paced world, where success is often measured by wealth or status, Proverbs 30 reminds men to seek a balanced life, not swayed by extremes of poverty or riches. It encourages a lifestyle of contentment, where one's worth is not in what one has but in the wisdom and integrity one displays. For a man today, this might mean choosing a career path that aligns with personal values rather than just financial gain, or in marriage, it might mean prioritizing emotional and spiritual wealth over material.

Introspectively, a Godly man might reflect on how his actions and words either reflect or deny the wisdom of God. In friendships, this chapter advocates for honesty and humility, recognizing that one does not have all the answers, which can lead to more genuine connections. In parenting, it teaches the value of humility before children, showing them through example how to live a life aligned with divine wisdom.

Connections to Other Biblical Passages:

Old Testament Connections:

• Job 28:28 - Both Job and Agur emphasize that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, highlighting human inadequacy in understanding divine mysteries.
• Psalm 12:6 - Parallels with Proverbs 30:5 on the purity of God's words.

New Testament Connections:

• James 3:13-18 - Discusses earthly wisdom versus the wisdom from above, aligning with Agur's humility in acknowledging his lack of wisdom.
• Matthew 6:33 - Echoes the prayer for daily provision without the extremes of wealth or poverty.

These connections illustrate a consistent biblical theme of valuing divine wisdom over human knowledge, which is vital for men leading in various spheres of life. They encourage reliance on God's guidance in personal decisions, family life, and community leadership, fostering environments where wisdom and justice prevail.

Summary:

Proverbs 30, through Agur's reflections, presents a profound meditation on human wisdom versus divine omniscience. It calls for humility, recognizes the sanctity of God's word, and warns against the moral pitfalls like pride and injustice. For modern men, this chapter is a reminder to seek balance and integrity in all aspects of life, leading with wisdom that acknowledges human frailty and divine sovereignty.

Questions for Deeper Thought:
Question 1: How can acknowledging your limitations lead to greater wisdom and success in life?

• Reflecting on this can encourage men to seek divine wisdom, fostering humility that leads to better relationships and decision-making in both personal and professional life.

Question 2: In what ways can the pursuit of material wealth detract from spiritual growth?

• This question invites men to evaluate their life's priorities, ensuring that their pursuit of success does not blind them to the deeper, spiritual values that Proverbs 30 highlights.

A Short Prayer:

Lord,