The chapter of proverbs 30 is one of the most curious in the Bible. Unlike other chapters attributed to Solomon, it is credited to Agur, son of Jakeh, a mysterious figure. The text brings deep reflections on human limitation, the greatness of God, and the need to live with balance.
More than practical advice, proverbs 30 is a confession of humility, filled with poetic comparisons and observations inspired by nature and everyday life.
Quick Summary
- Author: Agur, son of Jakeh.
- Central theme: Humility, truth, and balance.
- Main lessons:
- Recognize our limits before divine wisdom.
- Value truth and reject lies.
- Seek contentment between poverty and wealth.
- Learn from nature and from everyday life.
- Style: Poetry, numeric lists, and simple yet profound metaphors.
Proverbs 30 Complete
¹ The words of Agur, son of Jakeh, the Masaite, that this man declared to Ithiel— to Ithiel and to Ucal:
² Truly I am the most brutish of men; I do not even have the understanding of a man.
³ I have not learned wisdom, nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One.
⁴ Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound 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 is pure; 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; do not refuse me before I die:
⁸ Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my allotment;
⁹ Lest, being full, I deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or, being poor, I 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 is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother.
¹² There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet is not washed from its filth.
¹³ There is a generation—how lofty are their eyes!—and their eyelids are lifted up.
¹⁴ There is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaw teeth are knives, to devour the afflicted from the earth and the needy from among men.
¹⁵ The leech has two daughters: “Give!” and “Give!” Three things are never satisfied; and with a fourth, they never say, “Enough!”
¹⁶ The grave; the barren womb; the land never satisfied with water; and the fire—never say, “Enough!”
¹⁷ The eye that mocks a father or scorns obedience to a mother—the ravens of the valley will pluck it out, and the young eagles will eat it.
¹⁸ Three things are too wonderful for me; and four I do not know:
¹⁹ The way of an eagle in the sky; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the heart of the sea; and the way of a man with a young woman.
²⁰ So is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats, then wipes her mouth and says, “I have done no wrong!”
²¹ Under three things the earth trembles; and under four it cannot bear up:
²² A servant when he becomes king; and a fool when he is filled with food;
²³ A hateful woman when she is married; and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress.
²⁴ Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise:
²⁵ The ants are not a strong people; yet in the summer they prepare their food;
²⁶ The rabbits are a feeble folk; yet they make their home in the rock;
²⁷ The locusts have no king; yet they all go out and divide in bands;
²⁸ The spider takes hold with her hands and is in kings’ palaces.
²⁹ Three things have a stately stride; and four are stately in their going:
³⁰ The lion, the mightiest among beasts, who does not turn back before any;
³¹ The greyhound; the he-goat also; and a king against whom none can stand.
³² If you have acted foolishly in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth;
³³ For the churning of milk produces butter, and pressing the nose brings forth blood; so the forcing of anger produces strife.
The Context of Proverbs 30
The book of Proverbs, in general, gathers teachings of practical wisdom. But proverbs 30 stands out for its poetic language and Agur’s sincerity. He begins by acknowledging his inability before God and shows that true wisdom is not born of arrogance, but of humility.
This detail turns the chapter into an invitation to reflection: admitting limitations is not weakness, but the first step toward spiritual growth and genuine learning.
The Authorship of Proverbs 30
Who Was Agur?
Agur’s identity is a mystery. The text only presents him as “son of Jakeh.” There are no other biblical references about his life. Some scholars believe he was a wise foreigner; others argue he was part of the circle of inspired men who preserved and transmitted the wisdom tradition in Israel.
The important point is that, even without detailed information, the message of proverbs 30 remains relevant. This shows that the text’s authority lies not in the author’s fame, but in divine inspiration.
The Main Themes in Proverbs 30
Humility Before Divine Wisdom
Right in the opening verses, Agur admits: he does not possess full knowledge of God. This confession conveys a precious lesson—true wisdom begins when we recognize our limits.
This attitude contrasts with human pride. While many seek absolute answers, proverbs 30 reminds us it is better to walk in humility than to live under the illusion of mastering everything.
The Sufficiency of God’s Word
Another central point of the chapter is the affirmation that God’s Word is pure and serves as a shield. This reinforces the idea that, amid so many voices and opinions, there is a safe source of guidance: divine revelation.
For Agur, trusting that word was more valuable than relying solely on human logic.
Agur’s Requests
The author makes two striking requests:
- That lies be removed from his life.
- That he live in neither extreme poverty nor excessive wealth, but receive what is necessary.
This simple prayer conveys balance. He asks for an honest and moderate life, without the extremes that can corrupt the heart.
The Enigmatic Lists of Proverbs 30
One of the most fascinating features of proverbs 30 is its numeric lists. Agur presents series of three and four elements, blending poetry with observations from nature.
These lists made memorization easier and, at the same time, carried depth. They are simple images that reveal great truths.
Examples of Lists
- Four small yet wise things: the ant, the rabbit, the locust, and the lizard.
- Four that are never satisfied: Sheol, the barren womb, the parched land, and fire.
- Four that impress: the eagle’s flight, the snake on the rock, the ship on the sea, and the man with a woman.
Each image invites reflection. Small creatures, like the ant, teach organization and foresight. Insatiable elements, like fire, remind us of the voracity of certain human desires.
The Symbolism in Proverbs 30
The metaphors in proverbs 30 are drawn from everyday life. This brings the text close to the common reader. By observing nature, Agur finds examples of wisdom, resilience, and limits.
This device shows that great lessons do not need to be complex. Often, it is enough to look around attentively to learn from creation.
Proverbs 30 and Practical Life
Balance in Daily Life
Agur’s prayer for financial balance is extremely current. We live in an age marked by consumerism, but also by scarcity. Between the extremes, moderation remains the healthiest path.
This counsel is timeless: living with the essentials brings freedom and contentment.
The Value of Truth
By rejecting lies, Agur values integrity. In times of misinformation, this message becomes even more necessary. Truth is not only a personal virtue, but a foundation for just and trustworthy relationships.
Learning from Nature
The comparisons with animals and natural phenomena encourage observation. Every detail of creation can serve as a practical example of discipline, cooperation, or perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 30
What sets Proverbs 30 apart from the other chapters?
Its authorship is not by Solomon, but by Agur. In addition, the literary style is marked by lists and poetic metaphors.
Why does Agur ask to be neither rich nor poor?
Because he recognizes the dangers of extremes: wealth can lead to pride, and extreme poverty can generate despair. Balance safeguards faithfulness to God.
What do the numeric lists mean?
They are poetic devices that reinforce the teaching. They make the lessons easier to memorize and convey wisdom through simple images.
How can we apply Proverbs 30 today?
By practicing humility, rejecting lies, seeking material balance, and learning lessons from the natural world.
Conclusion
Proverbs 30 is a unique chapter that combines poetry, humility, and observations from everyday life. As we study it, we learn that true wisdom does not come from pride, but from awareness of our limits.
Agur shows us that simplicity, truth, and balance are more valuable than excess. His words remain current, inspiring readers to live with purpose and reverence before God.
READ ALSO:
- Thanksgiving to God in Our Life
- Psalm 2 Explained: A Deep Reflection
- Prayer to Our Lady of the Banishment — The 3 Strongest
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
