Proverbs 30:21 - Exposition

For three things the earth is disquieted ; better, under three things the earth doth tremble , as if oppressed by an overwhelming borden. The form of expression does not allow us to think of an earthquake. "The earth" is equivalent to "the inhabitants thereof." And for four which it cannot bear; or, under four it cannot stand (comp. Amos 7:10 ). These four evils destroy the comfort of social life, uproot the bonds of society, and endanger the safety of a nation.