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Proverbs Chapter 30

The words of Agur the son of Jakeh Agur's confession of his faith

30 T1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

2 Psa 73:22 2Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.

3I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

4 Joh 3:13; Job 38:4 4Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?

5 Psa 12:6; Psa 18:30; Psa 84:11 5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6 Deu 4:2; Rev 22:18 6Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. The two points of his prayer

7¶Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:

8 Mat 6:11 8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

9 Deu 8:12; Neh 9:25; Hos 13:6 9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. The meanest are not to be wronged

10¶Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty. Four wicked generations

11There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

12 Isa 65:5; Luk 18:11; Tit 1:15-16 12There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

13There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

14 Amo 8:4; Psa 14:4; Job 29:17 14There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. Four things insatiable

15¶The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:

16 Pro 27:20; Hab 2:5 16The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

17 Gen 9:22; Lev 20:9 17The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

18¶There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

19The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.

20Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

21For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

22 Ecc 10:7; Pro 19:10 22For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

23For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress. four things exceeding wise

24¶There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

25 Pro 6:6 25The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

26 Lev 11:5; Psa 104:18 26The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

27The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

28The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces. Four things stately

29¶There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

30A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

31A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. Wrath is to be prevented

32 Ecc 8:3; Mic 7:16; Mic 7:16 32If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

33Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

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Introduction to Proverbs
by John MacArthur

Title

The title in the Hebrew Bible is “The Proverbs of Solomon“ (Pro 1:1), as also in the Greek Septuagint (LXX). Proverbs pulls together the most important 513 of the over 3,000 proverbs pondered by Solomon (1 Kin 4:32; Eccl 12:9), along with some proverbs of others whom Solomon likely influenced. The word “proverb” means “to be like,” thus Proverbs is a book of comparisons between common, concrete images and life’s most profound truths. Proverbs are simple, moral statements (or illustrations) that highlight and teach fundamental realities about life. Solomon sought God’s wisdom (2 Chr 1:8-12) and offered “pithy sayings” designed to make men contemplate 1) the fear of God and 2) living by His wisdom (Pro 1:7; 9:10). The sum of this wisdom is personified in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:30).

Author and Date

The phrase “Proverbs of Solomon” is more a title than an absolute statement of authorship (Pro 1:1). While King Solomon, who ruled Israel from 971-931 B.C. and was granted great wisdom by God (see 1 Kin 4:29-34), is the author of the didactic section (chaps. 1-9) and the proverbs of 10:1-22:16, he is likely only the compiler of the “sayings of the wise” in 22:17-24:34, which are of an uncertain date before Solomon’s reign. The collection in chaps. 25-29 was originally composed by Solomon (Pro 25:1) but copied and included later by Judah’s king Hezekiah (ca 715-686 B.C.). Chapter 30 reflects the words of Agur and chap. 31 the words of Lemuel, who perhaps was Solomon. Proverbs was not assembled in its final form until Hezekiah’s day or after. Solomon authored his proverbs before his heart was turned away from God (1 Kin 11:1-11), since the book reveals a godly perspective and is addressed to the “naive” and “young” who need to learn the fear of God. Solomon also wrote Psalms 72 and 127, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. See Introduction: Author and Date for Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon.

Background and Setting

The book reflects a 3-fold setting as: 1) general wisdom literature; 2) insights from the royal court; and 3) instruction offered in the tender relationship of a father and mother with their children, all designed to produce meditation on God. Since Proverbs is Wisdom literature, by nature it is sometimes difficult to understand (Pro 1:6). Wisdom literature is part of the whole of OT truth; the Priest gave the Law, the Prophet gave a Word from the Lord, and the Sage (or wise man) gave his wise Counsel (Jer 18:18; Ezek 7:26). In Proverbs, Solomon the Sage gives insight into the “knotty” issues of life (Pro 1:6) which are not directly addressed in the Law or the Prophets. Though it is practical, Proverbs is not superficial or external because it contains moral and ethical elements stressing upright living which flow out of a right relationship with God. In 4:1-4, Solomon connected 3 generations as he entrusted to his son Rehoboam what he learned at the feet of David and Bathsheba. Proverbs is both a pattern for the tender impartation of truth from generation to generation, as well as a vast resource for the content of the truth to be imparted. Proverbs contains the principles and applications of Scripture which the godly characters of the Bible illustrate in their lives.

Historical and Theological Themes

Solomon came to the throne with great promise, privilege, and opportunity. God had granted his request for understanding (1 Kin 3:9-12; 1 Chr. 1:10, 11), and his wisdom exceeded all others (1 Kin 4:29-31). However, the shocking reality is that he failed to live out the truth that he knew and even taught his son Rehoboam (1 Kin 11:1, 4, 6, 7-11), who subsequently rejected his father’s teaching (1 Kin 12:6-11).

Proverbs contains a gold mine of biblical theology, reflecting themes of Scripture brought to the level of practical righteousness (Pro 1:3), by addressing man’s ethical choices, calling into question how he thinks, lives, and manages his daily life in light of divine truth. More specifically, Proverbs calls man to live as the Creator intended him to live when He made man (Ps 90:1, 2, 12).

The recurring promise of Proverbs is that generally the wise (the righteous who obey God) live longer (Pro 9:11), prosper (Pro 2:20-22), experience joy (Pro 3:13-18) and the goodness of God temporally (Pro 12:21), while fools suffer shame (Pro 3:35) and death (Pro 10:21). On the other hand, it must be remembered that this general principle is balanced by the reality that the wicked sometimes prosper (Ps 73:3, 12), though only temporarily (Ps 73:17-19). Job illustrates that there are occasions when the godly wise are struck with disaster and suffering.

There are a number of important themes addressed in Proverbs, which are offered in random order and address different topics, so that it is helpful to study the proverbs thematically as illustrated.

I. Man’s Relationship to God

A. His Trust Prov 22:19

B. His Humility Prov 3:34

C. His Fear of God Prov 1:7

D. His Righteousness Prov 10:25

E. His Sin Prov 28:13

F. His Obedience Prov 6:23

G. Facing Reward Prov 12:28

H. Facing Tests Prov 17:3

I. Facing Blessing Prov 10:22

J. Facing Death Prov 15:11

II. Man’s Relationship to Himself

A. His Character Prov 20:11

B. His Wisdom Prov 1:5

C. His Foolishness Prov 26:10,11

D. His Speech Prov 18:21

E. His Self Control Prov 6:9-11

F. His Kindness Prov 3:3

G. His Wealth Prov 11:4

H. His Pride Prov 27:1

I. His Anger Prov 29:11

J. His Laziness Prov 13:4

III. Man’s Relationship to Others

A. His Love Prov 8:17

B. His Friends Prov 17:17

C. His Enemies Prov 19:27

D. His Truthfulness Prov 23:23

E. His Gossip Prov 20:19

F. As a Father Prov 20:7; 31:2-9

G. As a Mother Prov 31:10-31

H. As Children Prov 3:1-3

I. In Educating Children Prov 4:1-4

J. In Disciplining Children Prov 22:6

The two major themes which are interwoven and overlapping throughout Proverbs are wisdom and folly. Wisdom, which includes knowledge, understanding, instruction, discretion, and obedience, is built on the fear of the Lord and the Word of God. Folly is everything opposite to wisdom.

Interpretive Challenges

The first challenge is the generally elusive nature of Wisdom literature itself. Like the parables, the intended truths are often veiled from understanding if given only a cursory glance, and thus must be pondered in the heart (Pro 1:6; 2:1-4; 4:4-9).

Another challenge is the extensive use of parallelism, which is the placing of truths side by side so that the second line expands, completes, defines, emphasizes, or reaches the logical conclusion, the ultimate end, or, in some cases, the contrasting point of view. Often the actual parallel is only implied. For example, 12:13 contains an unstated, but clearly implied parallel, in that the righteous one comes through trouble because of his virtuous speech (cf. 28:7). In interpreting the Proverbs, one must: 1) determine the parallelism and often complete what is assumed and not stated by the author; 2) identify the figures of speech and rephrase the thought without those figures; 3) summarize the lesson or principle of the proverb in a few words; 4) describe the behavior that is taught; and 5) find examples inside Scripture.

Challenges are also found in the various contexts of Proverbs, all of which affect interpretation and understanding. First, there is the setting in which they were spoken; this is largely the context of the young men in the royal court of the king. Second, there is the setting of the book as a whole and how its teachings are to be understood in light of the rest of Scripture. For example, there is much to be gained by comparing the wisdom Solomon taught with the wisdom Christ personified. Third, there is the historical context in which the principles and truths draw on illustrations from their own day.

A final area of challenge comes in understanding that proverbs are divine guidelines and wise observations, i.e., teaching underlying principles (Pro 24:3, 4) which are not always inflexible laws or absolute promises. These expressions of general truth (cf. 10:27; 22:4) generally do have “exceptions,” due to the uncertainty of life and unpredictable behavior of fallen men. God does not guarantee uniform outcome or application for each proverb, but in studying them and applying them, one comes to contemplate the mind of God, His character, His attributes, His works, and His blessings. All of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge expressed in Proverbs are hidden in Christ (Col 2:3).

Outline

I. Prologue (Pro 1:1-7)

A. Title (Pro 1:1)

B. Purpose (Pro 1:2-6)

C. Theme (Pro 1:7)

II. Praise and Wisdom to the Young (Pro 1:8-9:18)

III. Proverbs for Everyone (Pro 10:1-29:27)

A. From Solomon (Pro 10:1-22:16)

B. From Wise Men (Pro 22:17-24:34)

C. From Solomon Collected by Hezekiah (Pro 25:1-29:27)

IV. Personal Notes (Pro 30:1-31:31)

A. From Agur (Pro 30:1-33)

B. From Lemuel (Pro 31:1-31)

Introduction to Proverbs
by John MacArthur

Title

Author and Date

Background and Setting

Historical and Theological Themes

I. Man’s Relationship to God

II. Man’s Relationship to Himself

III. Man’s Relationship to Others

Interpretive Challenges

Outline

I. Prologue (Pro 1:1-7)

II. Praise and Wisdom to the Young (Pro 1:8-9:18)

III. Proverbs for Everyone (Pro 10:1-29:27)

IV. Personal Notes (Pro 30:1-31:31)

Outline of Proverbs
by John MacArthur

The 1440 Agenda

Remembering Marcy

Study Bible

Introduction to Proverbsby John MacArthur

Title

Author and Date

Background and Setting

Historical and Theological Themes

I. Man’s Relationship to God

II. Man’s Relationship to Himself

III. Man’s Relationship to Others

Interpretive Challenges

Outline

I. Prologue (Pro 1:1-7)

II. Praise and Wisdom to the Young (Pro 1:8-9:18)

III. Proverbs for Everyone (Pro 10:1-29:27)

IV. Personal Notes (Pro 30:1-31:31)

Outline of Proverbsby John MacArthur

Books of the Bible

Chapters in Proverbs

The 1440 Agenda

Introduction to Proverbs
by John MacArthur

Outline of Proverbs
by John MacArthur