Proverbs 30:21-23

21-23. Three… four Hence follows another enigma, the four intolerable things.

The earth is disquieted The land is disturbed, thrown into commotion.

A servant when he reigneth When he becomes a ruler. Under Eastern governments slaves are sometimes promoted to office and become rulers. They are frequently the most imperious of tyrants. The same thing was, in the days of slavery, observed in this country when slaves were made overseers of their fellows, and in the West Indies, as Dr. Clarke remarks, where they were made drill masters of black regiments. This grows out of their previous condition and education, or, rather, their lack of education. (Comp. Proverbs 29:19.)

A fool נבל , ( nabhal,) an ungodly dolt; the word implies wickedness and stupidity. (Compare Proverbs 19:10.)

An odious woman A hateful and hated woman.

When she is married Literally, when she is lorded, or husbanded; that is, when she gets married. (Comp. Proverbs 29:17-18; Proverbs 31:1.)

Heir to her mistress Literally, inherits her mistress; that is, inherits her place disinherits her in the affections and honour of her husband. Comp. Proverbs 16:21.