In contrast to the arrogant, here are four examples of humble creatures functioning as God created them to, each remarkably effective and successful. Animals (Proverbs 30:24-28) are sometimes wiser than humans (Proverbs 30:21-23). The small are often more effective than the large. The basic contrast, however, is between humility and arrogance. read more
To keep us from concluding that little is always better than big (in view of Proverbs 30:24-28), Agur produced four more illustrations of stately noble behavior. He showed the balance between groundless pride (cf. Proverbs 30:21-23) and false humility (cf. Proverbs 30:24-28). These stately things demonstrate that proper bearing in life comes neither from exalting nor from depreciating oneself. It comes from functioning as God created one to function (i.e., to be oneself, sincere). read more
These verses call for personal application of this counsel as necessary. Peaceable behavior manifests humility, the key virtue in this chapter.". . . the intent of this concluding advice is to strive for peace and harmony through humility and righteousness." [Note: Ross, p. 1126.] read more
The Words of AgurThe simplest way of treating the title is to read as follows: ’The words of Agur, son of Yakeh, of Massa.’ Then we may proceed, with RM, ’The man saith, I have wearied myself, O God; I have wearied myself, O God, and am consumed; for I am too stupid to be a man.’ Nothing is known of Agur or Yakeh, and we can only say of these proverbs that they are unlike any that have preceded, and are evidently of later date. The grouping of objects in twos, threes, and fours reminds us of... read more
XXX.8.THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON END HERE. THE REST OF THE BOOK IS COMPOSED OF THREE APPENDICES: (a) THE WORDS OF AGUR; (b) THE WORDS OF KING LEMUEL; AND (C) THE PRAISE OF A GOOD WIFE (Proverbs 30:31).APPENDIX (a).(1) The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy.—Jewish interpreters have seen in these titles (but apparently without a shadow of reason) a designation of Solomon himself, the “convener” and instructor of assemblies (Ecclesiastes 1:1; Ecclesiastes 12:11), son of the “obedient”... read more
(2) Surely I am more brutish than any man.—Rather, than that I can be called a man, one “formed in the image of God.” (Comp. Psalms 73:22.) read more
(3) The knowledge of the holy—i.e., the Holy One, God. (Comp. Proverbs 9:10.) read more
(4) Who hath ascended up into heaven . . .—The reason of Agur’s sadness is here declared. He feels himself far off from possessing anything that may be called knowledge of God or of His works. (Comp. Galatians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 13:12.) The questions in this verse are intended to bring out the nothingness of man as compared with the might of the Creator of the Universe; they resemble Job 38-41, and Isaiah 40:12 sqq.Who hath bound the waters in a garment?—Stretching out the clouds as a “curtain”... read more
(5) Every word of God is pure.—Comp. Psalms 19:0, where first (Proverbs 30:1-6) the glories of God as revealed in nature are described, and then (Proverbs 30:7 sqq.) the excellence of the revelation of Himself in His word is extolled. Every word of God is “pure,” i.e., tested and proved in the furnace of experience; e.g., His promise to be a “shield” (Genesis 15:1) to those that trust in Him. (Comp. Psalms 18:30.) read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 30:21-23
These are four more pictures of arrogant folly. They picture upside-down social situations. One writer saw Adolph Hitler as an example of the kind of servant who became a king that the writer envisioned (Proverbs 30:22 a). [Note: Greenstone, p. 324.] read more