Proverbs 30:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 30:1-6

Some make Agur to be not the name of this author, but his character; he was a collector (so it signifies), a gatherer, one that did not compose things himself, but collected the wise sayings and observations of others, made abstracts of the writings of others, which some think is the reason why he says (Prov. 30:3), ?I have not learned wisdom myself, but have been a scribe, or amanuensis, to other wise and learned men.? Note, We must not bury our talent, though it be but one, but, as we have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 30:4

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended ?.... That has been thither to fetch knowledge of God and divine things, and has returned to communicate it. Enoch was taken up to heaven before this time: and Elijah, as is very probable, after; but neither of them returned again, to inform mortals what was to be seen, known, and enjoyed there: since, the Apostle Paul was caught up into the third heaven, and came back again; but then the things he heard were such as it was not lawful for a man... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 30:4

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? - Calmet paraphrases this passage thus: "Who hath descended, etc. In order to show the truth of what he was about to say, he observes: I have not the science of the saints; for how could I have acquired it? Who is he who could attain to that? Who has ascended to heaven to learn that science, and who has descended in order to publish it? Is the science of salvation one of those things that can be apprehended only by study? Is it not a pure gift... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 30:1-4

The weary search for God If we read Proverbs 30:1 thus: "Words of Agur the son of the Princess of Masse. The man's saying, I have wearied myself about God, wearied myself about God—then did I withdraw!" we are led to the contemplation of one who has grown tired and despairing in a hopeless search for God. I. IT IS NATURAL FOR MAN TO SEEK GOD . Agur appears to have lived far away from the borders of the favoured land of Israel. If he was a Jew, he was one in exile,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 30:1-6

Agur's sayings: God's Word the fountain of all wisdom These are the words, probably, of a believer in Jehovah who was a stranger in a foreign land. Among the sworn foes of Israel and her faith, we have in him an example of Puritan rectitude, of unflinching fidelity to conscience, that is highly instructive. The purity of God's eternal truth, and the safety of all believers in him ( Proverbs 30:5 ),—this is his simple and sublime leading theme. I. THE BEING OF GOD AN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 30:1-6

Reverence and docility Whoever Agur may have been, it is certain that he was a sage who could express his thoughts in strong and trenchant language. If, as seems probable, these opening words had reference to the compliments or the questions of his disciples, we may glean, before we proceed further, three lessons by the way. 1 . That rightful acknowledgment too easily passes into adulation. 2 . That it is a very easy thing for the uninstructed to ask questions which the most... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 30:1-33

Part VII. FIRST APPENDIX TO THE SECOND COLLECTION , containing "the words of Agur." A short introduction, teaching that the Word of God is the source of wisdom ( Proverbs 30:1-6 ), is followed by apothegms on different subjects ( Proverbs 30:7-33 ). Cornelius a Lapide offers the following opinion concerning this appendix, which no one can hesitate to say is well founded, if he attempts to give it a spiritual interpretation, and to discern mysteries under the literal... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 30:4

The questions contained in this verse are such as compelled Agur to acknowledge his ignorance and nothingness before the thought of the glory and power of the great Creator. We may compare Job 38:1-41 , etc. Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who is he that hath his seat in heaven, and doeth works on earth? Who is he whose universal providence is felt and experienced? Where is this mysterious Being who hides himself from human ken? Christ has said something like this, "No man... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 30:4

Proverbs 30:4 . Who hath ascended, &c. What mere man hath ascended into heaven to learn the mind of God, who dwells there? None have. And descended To teach men below what he had learned above. No man can fully know and teach us these things unless he hath been in heaven, and sent down from thence to the earth for that end. Who hath gathered the wind in his fists To hold them in, or let them out at his pleasure? And none but he who made and governs all creatures, can know and teach... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 30:1-9

30:1-31:31 OTHER COLLECTIONS OF WISE SAYINGSThe personal testimony of Agur (30:1-9)Agur, some of whose sayings are collected here, was apparently a well known wisdom teacher in the Palestine region. He begins his instruction with a confession that though he longs to know God he cannot, because he is merely a man. No human being can do the great works God has done. Agur challenges his hearers to tell him the name of any person (or the name of that person’s son, if they prefer) who has been to... read more

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