Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30 stands near the end of the book. It follows the proverbs of Solomon, which run through Proverbs 29, and opens with a new heading, "the words of Agur." The following chapter, Proverbs 31, contains the words of King Lemuel.

Outline

• Verses 1–4: Agur's words to Ithiel and Ucal. He confesses that he lacks wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One, and he asks who has established the heavens, the wind, the waters, and the ends of the earth, and what is the name of his son.
• Verses 5–6: Because every word of God is pure, the reader is warned not to add to his words.
• Verses 7–9: Agur asks for two things: that vanity and lies be removed far from him, and that he be given neither poverty nor riches but be fed only with the food he needs.
• Verses 10–14: A warning against slandering a servant to his master, followed by a list of generations: those who curse their parents, those who are pure in their own eyes, those who are proud, and those who devour the poor.
• Verses 15–17: Four things that are never satisfied: the grave, the barren womb, the earth that is not filled with water, and fire. A statement follows on the punishment awaiting the one who mocks his father and mother.
• Verses 18–20: Four ways too wonderful to understand, to which the way of an adulterous woman is added.
• Verses 21–23: Four things that disquiet the earth.
• Verses 24–28: Four things that are small yet wise: the ant, the rock badger (KJV "conies"), the locust, and the lizard (KJV "spider").
• Verses 29–31: Four things that are stately in their going: the lion, the greyhound, the he goat, and the king.
• Verses 32–33: Whoever has exalted himself should lay his hand upon his mouth, for the forcing of wrath brings forth strife.

Key Verses

• Proverbs 30:5: "Every word of God is pure." This verse is frequently cited in discussions of the authority and sufficiency of Scripture (Proverbs 30:5–6).
• Proverbs 30:8: "Give me neither poverty nor riches." This is known as a prayer expressing moderation and contentment with regard to wealth.

People and Places

• Agur: The son of Jakeh. Apart from the words in this chapter, nothing is known of him from Scripture.
• Ithiel and Ucal: Those to whom Agur spoke. Some translations, however, divide the Hebrew differently and render the words as a sentence rather than as personal names.

Points for Reflection

• Some interpreters take the word translated "prophecy" or "oracle" in verse 1 (Hebrew massa) as a place name. On this reading, Agur is regarded as a man of Massa, an Ishmaelite people (Genesis 25:14). Some in Jewish tradition are said to have regarded Agur as another name for Solomon, but the text does not say so.
• Interpretations differ concerning "his son's name" in verse 4. Some Christian interpreters read it as anticipating Christ and connect it with John 3:13, which speaks of the one who came down from heaven. Others regard it as a rhetorical question emphasizing that God cannot be fully known.
• Verse 6 is read together with Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18–19 as teaching against adding to God's word.
• Verses 7–9 are often read alongside 1 Timothy 6:6–9, which speaks of contentment.
• Listing items in a numerical progression, as in "three things, yea, four," is a literary device found in wisdom literature.

In the Korean Church

Verses 7–9, known as "the prayer of Agur," are frequently cited in sermons and devotional writings on attitudes toward material possessions and contentment.