About Proverbs

Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom for daily living, teaching that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of all true knowledge and wise conduct.

Author: Solomon and othersWritten: c. 970-700 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 33
WisdomFear of the LordRighteousnessFamilySpeechWork

King James Version

Proverbs 30

33 verses with commentary

The Words of Agur: I Am Weary, O God

The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

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KJV Study Commentary

The words of Agur son of Jakeh—'the prophecy' (Hebrew 'massa'—oracle/burden). Agur's identity is debated, but his words carry divine authority as Scripture. His oracle to Ithiel and Ucal begins with profound humility (verses 2-3). This demonstrates that God's Word comes through various human authors under divine inspiration. Reformed theology affirms both divine authorship and human instrumentalit...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**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 him...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

18-20. There is no fear of discovery.

Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.

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KJV Study Commentary

Agur confesses: 'I am more brutish than any man' and lack human understanding. The Hebrew 'baar' (brutish/stupid) and 'binah' (understanding) express extreme humility. This isn't false modesty but honest recognition of human limitation in knowing God. Reformed theology values epistemological humility—acknowledging we know only what God reveals. This Socratic wisdom (knowing we don't know) prepares...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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. Psalm 73:22.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. caused ... yield--**or, "inclines." **flattering--**(Compare Pr 5:3). **forced him--**by persuasion overcoming his scruples.

I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. have: Heb. know

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KJV Study Commentary

Agur continues: 'I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.' The Hebrew 'lamad chokmah' (learned wisdom) and 'daat qodesh' (knowledge of the holy/Holy One) are beyond human attainment apart from revelation. This emphasizes God's transcendence and human dependence on His self-disclosure. Reformed theology distinguishes knowledge of God from knowledge about God—the former requires...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **The knowledge of the holy—***i.e.*, the Holy One, God. (Comp. Proverbs 9:10.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22. straightway--**quickly, either as ignorant of danger, or incapable of resistance.

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

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KJV Study Commentary

Agur asks: Who has ascended to heaven or descended? Who gathered wind or bound waters? Who established earth's ends? 'What is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?' These rhetorical questions point to God's transcendent power and anticipate Christ ('his son'). Only God has cosmic authority. Reformed theology sees this as proto-Trinitarian—Father and Son governing creation. Thes...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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; 1Corinthians 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,...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23. Till--**He is now caught (Pr 6:26).

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. pure: Heb. purified

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KJV Study Commentary

Every word of God is 'pure' (Hebrew 'tsaraph'—refined, tested); He is a shield to those who trust Him. This verse transitions from questions (verse 4) to affirmation of Scripture's perfection and God's protection. The word 'tsaraph' refers to refined metal—God's Word has been tested and proven completely pure. Reformed theology's doctrine of Scripture's inerrancy and sufficiency flows from this. G...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Every word of God is pure.—**Comp. Psalms 19, 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 H...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

24. The inferential admonition is followed (Pr 7:26, 27), by a more general allegation of the evils of this vice.

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Add thou not unto his words</strong>—Agur's warning parallels Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32, and anticipates Revelation 22:18-19. The Hebrew <em>yāsap̱</em> (יָסַף, add) means to augment or supplement. <strong>Lest he reprove thee</strong> (<em>yākîaḥ</em>, יוֹכִיחַ, reprove)—God Himself will correct those who distort His revelation. <strong>Thou be found a liar</strong> (<em>kāzab</em>, כָּזַ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Lest he reprove thee.—**Or, *convict thee of thy falsehood.*

Four Requests

Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: deny: Heb. withhold not from me

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die</strong>—Agur's prayer introduces one of Scripture's most profound petitions about truth and contentment (vv. 7-9). The Hebrew <em>shāʾal</em> (שָׁאַל, required) means earnestly asked or requested. <strong>Deny me them not</strong> shows urgency—these requests matter supremely.<br><br>The 'two things' structure creates liter...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Two things have I required of thee.**—The commencement of a series of numerical proverbs. (See above on Proverbs 6:16.) **Before I die—**i.e., while life lasts.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

26-27. Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements.

Remove far from me vanity and lies : give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: convenient: Heb. of my allowance

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Remove far from me vanity and lies</strong>—The first request: <em>shāwĕʾ</em> (שָׁוְא, vanity) means emptiness, falsehood; <em>kāzāb</em> (כָּזָב, lies) is deception. Agur prays for integrity and truthfulness. <strong>Give me neither poverty nor riches</strong>—The second request: <em>rēsh</em> (רֵישׁ, poverty) nor <em>ʿōsher</em> (עשֶׁר, riches). <strong>Feed me with food convenient for ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Vanity.**—Falsehood either towards God or man. **Food convenient for me.—**Literally, *bread of my portion, *such as is apportioned to me as suitable by the care of the heavenly Father. Comp. “daily bread” (Matthew 6:11) in the sense of “proper for our sustenance.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

26-27. Even the mightiest fail to resist her deathly allurements.

Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. deny: Heb. belie thee

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Lest I be full, and deny thee</strong>—The danger of riches: <em>sābaʿ</em> (שָׂבַע, be full/satisfied) leads to <em>kāḥash</em> (כָּחַשׁ, deny/disown). <strong>And say, Who is the LORD?</strong>—Practical atheism, not intellectual denial but functional independence. Israel's history proved this pattern (Deuteronomy 8:12-14, Hosea 13:6). <strong>Or lest I be poor, and steal</strong>—The da...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Lest I be full, and deny thee.—**For “pride and fulness of bread” were among the sins which brought destruction on Sodom (Ezekiel 16:49). (Comp. Job 21:14-15.) **And take the name of my God in vain.—**Literally, *handle it roughly, irreverently; *particularly in finding fault with His providence.

Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty. Accuse: Heb. Hurt not with thy tongue

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Accuse not a servant unto his master</strong>—The Hebrew <em>lāshan</em> (לָשַׁן, accuse) means slander or inform maliciously. This warns against meddling in relationships where you lack authority or knowledge. <strong>Lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty</strong> (<em>ʾāsham</em>, אָשַׁם)—you become the offender, bearing guilt for unjust accusations.<br><br>This proverb protects t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Accuse not a servant—***i.e.*, a slave, thus making his already hard life still more intolerable. **And thou be found guilty **before God of having wronged him, and so have to bear the punishment.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 8 Pr 8:1-36. Contrasted with sensual allurements are the advantages of divine wisdom, which publicly invites men, offers the best principles of life, and the most valuable benefits resulting from receiving her counsels. Her relation to the divine plans and acts is introduced, as in Pr 3:19, 20, though more fully, to commend her desirableness for men, and the whole is closed by an assurance...
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Four Generations of Wicked People

There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother</strong>—Agur shifts to 'four generations' (vv. 11-14) describing moral degradation. <em>Dôr</em> (דּוֹר, generation) can mean age-group or type of people. <em>Qālal</em> (קָלַל, curseth) means despise, treat with contempt—direct violation of the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12). Refusing to <strong>bless</str...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **There is a generation **. . .—The words *“*there is” are not in the Hebrew, so it is left in doubt what is the predicate of these four evil “generations,” whether Agur means by them to describe the men of his own time, or to say that such are unbearable. (Comp. Proverbs 30:21.) The same characters are to be found in the description of men of the “last days” (2Timothy 3:1 *sqq*)*.*

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 8 Pr 8:1-36. Contrasted with sensual allurements are the advantages of divine wisdom, which publicly invites men, offers the best principles of life, and the most valuable benefits resulting from receiving her counsels. Her relation to the divine plans and acts is introduced, as in Pr 3:19, 20, though more fully, to commend her desirableness for men, and the whole is closed by an assurance...
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There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes</strong>—The second corrupt generation: <em>ṭāhôr</em> (טָהוֹר, pure) in <em>ʿênāyw</em> (עֵינָיו, own eyes) is self-righteousness, the most dangerous delusion. <strong>And yet is not washed from their filthiness</strong>—<em>ṣôʾâ</em> (צֹאָה, filthiness) is excrement, emphasizing the grotesque gap between self-perception and reality.<b...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 8 Pr 8:1-36. Contrasted with sensual allurements are the advantages of divine wisdom, which publicly invites men, offers the best principles of life, and the most valuable benefits resulting from receiving her counsels. Her relation to the divine plans and acts is introduced, as in Pr 3:19, 20, though more fully, to commend her desirableness for men, and the whole is closed by an assurance...
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There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.</strong> This verse begins Agur's prophetic condemnation of four corrupt <em>dor</em> (דּוֹר, generation)—not merely age groups but character types perpetually recurring in human history. The Hebrew <em>ramim</em> (רָמִים, lofty) and <em>nasa'u</em> (נָשְׂאוּ, lifted up) describe haughty eyes, the quintesse...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 8 Pr 8:1-36. Contrasted with sensual allurements are the advantages of divine wisdom, which publicly invites men, offers the best principles of life, and the most valuable benefits resulting from receiving her counsels. Her relation to the divine plans and acts is introduced, as in Pr 3:19, 20, though more fully, to commend her desirableness for men, and the whole is closed by an assurance...
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There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.</strong> The second corrupt generation weaponizes their mouths—<em>shinayim</em> (שִׁנַּיִם, teeth) as <em>charavot</em> (חֲרָבוֹת, swords) and <em>malt'khot</em> (מַלְתְּכוֹת, jaw teeth) as <em>ma'akhalot</em> (מַאֲכָלוֹת, knives). This vivi...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. wisdom--**literally, "subtilty" in a good sense, or, "prudence." **fools--**as Pr 1:22.

Four Insatiable Things

The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: It is: Heb. Wealth

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough.</strong> Agur shifts from corrupt generations to insatiable appetites using the numerical proverb formula. The <em>alukah</em> (עֲלוּקָה, horseleach/leech) may be literal bloodsucker or metaphorical vampire. Its "two daughters"—likely the two sucke...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give.—**The word “crying” is not in the Hebrew. The leech is here chosen as the emblem of insatiable greed; if it could speak, its “daughters,” *i.e., *the words it would utter, would be “Give, give.” So it forms an introduction to the quartette of “insatiable things” which follow.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. excellent things--**or, "plain," "manifest." **opening ... things--**upright words.

The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.</strong> The four insatiable things: <em>sheol</em> (שְׁאוֹל, the grave/realm of the dead), <em>otzer rechem</em> (עֹצֶר רֶחֶם, closed womb), <em>eretz</em> (אֶרֶץ, earth/land) never satisfied with water, and <em>esh</em> (אֵשׁ, fire) that never says "Enough!" (<em>hon</em>, ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **The grave.—**See above, on Proverbs 15:11, where it is translated “hell.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. For ... truth--**literally, "My palate shall meditate," or (as Orientals did) "mutter," my thoughts expressed only to myself are truth. **wickedness--**specially falsehood, as opposed to truth.

The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. the valley: or, the brook

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.</strong> This standalone proverb interrupts the numerical sayings with graphic warning against parental dishonor. The <em>ayin</em> (עַיִן, eye) that <em>tilag</em> (תִּלְעַג, mocks) at father and <em>tivuz</em> (תָּבוּז, despises) obeying mot...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **The ravens of the valley shall pick it out**—*i.e.*, the rebellious son shall die of a “grievous death” (Jeremiah 16:4). The propensity of ravens to attack the eyes is well known.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. in righteousness--**or, "righteous" (Psa 9:8,11:7). **froward--**literally, "twisted," or contradictory, that is, to truth.

Four Wonderful Things

There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not.</strong> Agur introduces another numerical proverb, this time celebrating mysteries rather than condemning vices. The Hebrew <em>nifla'ot</em> (נִפְלָאוֹת, wonderful) means extraordinary, marvelous, beyond comprehension—the same word describes God's miraculous works (Exodus 3:20, Psalm 78:4). <em>Lo yada'ti</...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Too wonderful for me.—**The wonder in Agur’s eyes seems to be that none of the four leave any trace behind them. (Comp. Wisdom Of Solomon 5:10 *sqq.*) For a spiritual interpretation of these and other passages in this chapter, comp. Bishop Wordsworth’s Commentary.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. plain ... understandeth--**easily seen by those who apply their minds. **that find--**implying search.

The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid. midst: Heb. heart

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.</strong> The four wondrous <em>derekh</em> (דֶּרֶךְ, way/path): <em>nesher</em> (נֶשֶׁר, eagle) in sky, <em>nachash</em> (נָחָשׁ, serpent) on rock, <em>oniyah</em> (אֳנִיָּה, ship) in sea, <em>gever</em> (גֶּבֶר, man) with <em>almah</em> (עַלְמָה, m...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. not silver--**preferable to it, so last clause implies comparison.

Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.</strong> This verse applies the previous metaphor negatively: the <em>ishah me'na'afet</em> (אִשָּׁה מְנָאָפֶת, adulterous woman) operates with the same traceless, mysterious manner but toward evil ends. Like the eagle, serpent, ship, and courtship that leave no trail, adultery c...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Such is the way of an adulterous woman.—**As there is no proof of her guilt, she flatly denies it.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

11. (Compare Pr 3:14, 15).

Four Things That Are Unbearable

For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear.</strong> Another numerical proverb introduces social disruptions that violate natural order. <em>Ragaz</em> (רָגַז, disquieted) means to quake, tremble, be agitated. <em>Lo tukhal se'et</em> (לֹא־תוּכַל שְׂאֵת, cannot bear) expresses intolerable burden. The earth itself (<em>eretz</em>, אֶרֶץ) personified cannot e...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. prudence--**as in Pr 8:5. The connection of "wisdom" and "prudence" is that of the dictates of sound wisdom and its application. **find ... inventions--**or, "devices," "discreet ways" (Pr 1:4).

For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat.</strong> The first two intolerable inversions: <em>eved</em> (עֶבֶד, servant/slave) when he <em>yimlokh</em> (יִמְלֹךְ, reigns), and <em>naval</em> (נָבָל, fool) when <em>yisba lachem</em> (יִשְׂבַּע־לָחֶם, filled with bread). The servant lacks governing experience, wisdom, or perspective; sudden authority without form...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **For a servant when he reigneth.—**The mischief done by Oriental favourites at court, who often began life as slaves, was proverbial. **A fool **(*nābhāl*)*.—See *above, on Proverbs 17:7. It is only when he has to work hard for his living that he will behave himself decently; if he gets a little money, it will soon be wasted in idleness and self-indulgence.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

13. For such is the effect of the fear of God, by which hatred to evil preserves from it. **froward mouth--**or, "speech" (Pr 2:12; 6:14).

For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.</strong> The final two intolerable scenarios: <em>snu'ah</em> (שְׂנוּאָה, odious/hateful woman) when <em>tiba'el</em> (תִּבָּעֵל, she is married—literally 'becomes wife'), and <em>shifchah</em> (שִׁפְחָה, maidservant) when <em>tirash gevirtah</em> (תִּירַשׁ גְּבִרְתָּהּ, inherits her mistress's place). B...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **For an** **odious woman when she is married.—**She pays off, with interest, the slights which she had formerly to endure from her married friends. **An handmaid that is heir to her mistress, **and who is nervously anxious to preserve her newly-acquired dignity.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

14. It also gives the elements of good character in counsel. **sound wisdom--**(Pr 2:7). **I ... strength--**or, "As for me, understanding is strength to me," the source of power (Ec 9:16); good judgment gives more efficiency to actions;

Four Small but Wise Creatures

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: exceeding: Heb. wise, made wise

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise.</strong> Agur's final numerical proverb celebrates small creatures exhibiting extraordinary wisdom. <em>Qetanim</em> (קְטַנִּים, little/small) yet <em>chakamim m'chukamim</em> (חֲכָמִים מְחֻכָּמִים, wise, exceedingly wise). This proverb counters cultural assumptions equating size/power with significance. God...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15-16. of which a wisely conducted government is an example.

The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer.</strong> This verse comes from Agur son of Jakeh's wisdom collection, specifically from a teaching on four small creatures that embody profound wisdom (vv. 24-28). The Hebrew <em>nemalim</em> (נְמָלִים, "ants") are described as <em>am</em> (עָם, "a people")—a term typically applied to human nations or communities,...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15-16. of which a wisely conducted government is an example.

The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The conies are but a feeble folk</strong> (שְׁפַנִּים עַם לֹא־עָצוּם, <em>shefannim am lo-atzum</em>)—שָׁפָן (<em>shafan</em>, 'rock badger, hyrax') are described as עַם (<em>am</em>, 'people, folk') who are לֹא עָצוּם (<em>lo atzum</em>, 'not mighty, not strong'). These small creatures, similar to large rodents, weigh only 4-5 kg yet thrive in harsh terrain.<br><br><strong>Yet make they t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **The conies are but a feeble folk, **being only about as big as a rabbit, with nails instead of claws, and weak teeth. Its Hebrew name (*shāphān*) signifies a “hider,” from its habit of living in clefts of the rocks; its scientific name is *Hyrax Syriacus. *The translation “coney,” *i.e., *rabbit, is a mistake. In general appearance it resembles a guinea-pig or marmot.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. early--**or, "diligently," which may include the usual sense of early in life.

The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; by: Heb. gathered together

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The locusts have no king</strong> (מֶלֶךְ אֵין לָאַרְבֶּה, <em>melekh ein la'arbeh</em>)—אַרְבֶּה (<em>arbeh</em>, 'locust') has no מֶלֶךְ (<em>melekh</em>, 'king'). Unlike bees with queens or ants with organized hierarchy, locusts lack centralized leadership.<br><br><strong>Yet go they forth all of them by bands</strong> (וַיֵּצֵא חֹצֵץ כֻּלּוֹ, <em>vayyetze chotzetz kullo</em>)—yet they ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18. durable riches ... righteousness--**Such are the "riches," enduring sources of happiness in moral possessions (compare Pr 3:16).

The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The spider taketh hold with her hands</strong> (שְׂמָמִית בְּיָדַיִם תְּתַפֵּשׂ, <em>semamit beyadayim tetappes</em>)—שְׂמָמִית (<em>semamit</em>, 'spider' or possibly 'lizard') תָּפַשׂ (<em>tafas</em>, 'grasps, seizes, takes hold') with יָדַיִם (<em>yadayim</em>, 'hands'). The creature uses its 'hands' (legs) skillfully to weave or climb.<br><br><strong>And is in kings' palaces</strong> (...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **The spider taketh hold with her hands.—**The lizard, rather than the spider, seems to be here intended. As each first line of these four verses is an expression of weakness, it has been proposed to translate thus: “The lizard thou canst catch with the hands, and yet,” etc. (Comp. for this praise of wisdom, Ecclesiastes 9:14 s*qq.*)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

19. (Compare Pr 8:11; 3:16).

Four Stately Things

There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>There be three things which go well</strong> (שְׁלֹשָׁה הֵמָּה מֵיטִיבֵי צָעַד, <em>sheloshah hemmah metivei tza'ad</em>)—שָׁלוֹשׁ (<em>shalosh</em>, 'three') מֵיטִיב (<em>metiv</em>, 'do well, make good') in צַעַד (<em>tza'ad</em>, 'step, march, gait'). This introduces a numerical proverb (three... four) examining dignified, impressive movement.<br><br><strong>Yea, four are comely in goin...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

20-21. The courses in which wisdom leads conduct to a true present prosperity (Pr 23:5).

A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>A lion which is strongest among beasts</strong> (לַיִשׁ גִּבּוֹר בַּבְּהֵמָה, <em>layish gibbor babbehemah</em>)—לַיִשׁ (<em>layish</em>, 'lion') characterized as גִּבּוֹר (<em>gibbor</em>, 'mighty, strong, warrior') among בְּהֵמָה (<em>behemah</em>, 'beast, animal, cattle'). The lion symbolizes regal power throughout Scripture (Genesis 49:9, Revelation 5:5).<br><br><strong>And turneth not...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

20-21. The courses in which wisdom leads conduct to a true present prosperity (Pr 23:5).

A greyhound ; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. greyhound: or, horse: Heb. girt in the loins

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>A greyhound</strong> (זַרְזִיר מׇתְנַיִם, <em>zarzir motnayim</em>)—this phrase is difficult; זַרְזִיר (<em>zarzir</em>) appears only here. Translations vary: 'greyhound' (KJV), 'rooster' (ESV), 'strutting rooster' (NIV). מָתְנַיִם (<em>motnayim</em>, 'loins, hips') suggests girded loins, denoting readiness. Whatever the animal, the emphasis is dignified, purposeful movement.<br><br><stron...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **A greyhound.—**It is very doubtful what animal is meant here as being *“*girt [i.e., slender] in the loins.” Several have been suggested, *e.g., *the horse, zebra, cock; but the rendering of the Authorised Version is as probable as any. **A king, against whom there is no rising up.—**Who marches with resistless force, trampling on his conquered foes. (Comp. the description of the march of t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

22-31. Strictly, God's attributes are part of Himself. Yet, to the poetical structure of the whole passage, this commendation of wisdom is entirely consonant. In order of time all His attributes are coincident and eternal as Himself. But to set forth the importance of wisdom as devising the products of benevolence and power, it is here assigned a precedence. As it has such in divine, so should it ...
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If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself</strong> (אִם־נָבַלְתָּ בְהִתְנַשֵּׂא, <em>im-navalta vehitnasse</em>)—אִם (<em>im</em>, 'if') introduces a conditional. נָבַל (<em>naval</em>, 'to be foolish, to act as a fool') combined with הִתְנַשֵּׂא (<em>hitnasse</em>, 'to lift oneself up, exalt oneself') describes self-exaltation—the root of so much folly. Pride precedes destruction ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **Lay thine hand upon thy mouth—***i.e.*, be silent. Agur deprecates two things which may easily lead to a quarrel, arrogance and malice. He explains this in the next verse.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

22-31. Strictly, God's attributes are part of Himself. Yet, to the poetical structure of the whole passage, this commendation of wisdom is entirely consonant. In order of time all His attributes are coincident and eternal as Himself. But to set forth the importance of wisdom as devising the products of benevolence and power, it is here assigned a precedence. As it has such in divine, so should it ...
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Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter</strong> (כִּי מִיץ חָלָב יוֹצִיא חֶמְאָה, <em>ki mitz chalav yotzi chem'ah</em>)—מִיץ (<em>mitz</em>, 'pressing, churning, squeezing') of חָלָב (<em>chalav</em>, 'milk') produces (יָצָא, <em>yatza</em>) חֶמְאָה (<em>chem'ah</em>, 'butter, curds'). Natural process: consistent pressure produces desired result.<br><br><strong>And the wringing...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter. . . .**—The same word is used in the Hebrew for the three which appear in the Authorised Version, “churning,” “wringing,” and “forcing.” The sense will be, “For (as) pressure on milk produces butter, and pressure on the nose produces blood, (so) pressure on wrath (violence towards a hot-tempered person) produces anger.” (Comp. Proverbs 15:1...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

22-31. Strictly, God's attributes are part of Himself. Yet, to the poetical structure of the whole passage, this commendation of wisdom is entirely consonant. In order of time all His attributes are coincident and eternal as Himself. But to set forth the importance of wisdom as devising the products of benevolence and power, it is here assigned a precedence. As it has such in divine, so should it ...
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