#oldtestament #proverbs #proverbs30 #bible #Biblestudy # Proverbs 30 > [!info] Table of Contents > [[#📜 Scripture Text (NET)]] [[#📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary]] [[#🧠 Chapter Summary]] [[#🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application]] [[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]] > [[#🤔 Interesting Facts]] [[#🔗 Related Passages]] [[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]] > [[Proverbs Overview]] --- ## 📜 Scripture Text (NET) ### The Sayings of Agur 30 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message. I am weary, O God;     I am weary and worn out, O God. 2 I am too stupid to be human,     and I lack common sense. 3 I have not mastered human wisdom,     nor do I know the Holy One. 4 Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down?     Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak?     Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name?     Tell me if you know! 5 Every word of God proves true.     He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. 6 Do not add to his words,     or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar. 7 O God, I beg two favors from you;     let me have them before I die. 8 First, help me never to tell a lie.     Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!     Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?”     And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name. 10 Never slander a worker to the employer,     or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it. 11 Some people curse their father     and do not thank their mother. 12 They are pure in their own eyes,     but they are filthy and unwashed. 13 They look proudly around,     casting disdainful glances. 14 They have teeth like swords     and fangs like knives. They devour the poor from the earth     and the needy from among humanity. 15 The leech has two suckers     that cry out, “More, more!” There are three things that are never satisfied—     no, four that never say, “Enough!”: 16 the grave,     the barren womb,     the thirsty desert,     the blazing fire. 17 The eye that mocks a father     and despises a mother’s instructions will be plucked out by ravens of the valley     and eaten by vultures. 18 There are three things that amaze me—     no, four things that I don’t understand: 19 how an eagle glides through the sky,     how a snake slithers on a rock,     how a ship navigates the ocean,     how a man loves a woman. 20 An adulterous woman consumes a man,     then wipes her mouth and says, “What’s wrong with that?” 21 There are three things that make the earth tremble—     no, four it cannot endure: 22 a slave who becomes a king,     an overbearing fool who prospers, 23     a bitter woman who finally gets a husband,     a servant girl who supplants her mistress. 24 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: 25 Ants—they aren’t strong,     but they store up food all summer. 26 Hyraxes—they aren’t powerful,     but they make their homes among the rocks. 27 Locusts—they have no king,     but they march in formation. 28 Lizards—they are easy to catch,     but they are found even in kings’ palaces. 29 There are three things that walk with stately stride—     no, four that strut about: 30 the lion, king of animals, who won’t turn aside for anything, 31     the strutting rooster,     the male goat,     a king as he leads his army. 32 If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil,     cover your mouth in shame. 33 As the beating of cream yields butter     and striking the nose causes bleeding,     so stirring up anger causes quarrels. --- ## 📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary Each verse is important. --- ## 🤔 Interesting Facts - Proverbs 30 is attributed to Agur, a lesser-known sage, making it unique in the book. - Many scholars think it is a form of “pen name” for Solomon. - The numerical sayings (e.g., “three things… four that”) reflect a literary structure common in ancient wisdom literature. - Agur expresses humility and reverence, stating he lacks knowledge and understanding compared to God (vv. 2–4). - Verse 5 affirms the perfection of God’s Word, making it a favorite among apologists. - The chapter critiques pride, greed, and overindulgence through vivid analogies from nature and human behavior. --- ## 🧠 Chapter Summary **Main Teaching**: Proverbs 30, written by Agur, humbly acknowledges human limitations and elevates the perfection of God’s Word. It uses poetic observations from nature and life to reveal truths about pride, greed, and the mystery of God’s ways. **How It Fits in Proverbs**: This chapter shifts from practical sayings to reflective wisdom, grounding the pursuit of knowledge in awe of God. It reinforces the theme that wisdom begins with humility and reverence. **Apologetic Insight**: Proverbs 30 defends the sufficiency and purity of God’s Word, stating it needs no addition—a direct challenge to modern skepticism and relativism. It models intellectual humility, showing that true wisdom begins by recognizing God’s authority and human frailty. --- ## 🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application - 📌 God’s Word is flawless and sufficient—do not add to it. - 📌 Humility begins with recognizing the limits of human understanding. - 📌 Nature offers many small yet profound lessons of wisdom. #### Today, I can apply this chapter by: - ✅ Acknowledge your dependence on God and ask for His wisdom daily. - ✅ Avoid pride by remembering your limitations and God’s greatness. - ✅ Be content with what you have—don’t crave excess or luxury. - ✅ Watch your speech; don’t slander or belittle others. - ✅ Learn from creation and nature—God’s wisdom is everywhere. --- ## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember **📖 Proverbs 30:5** “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” - **Why it matters**: A strong apologetic verse affirming the perfection and protective power of God’s Word. --- ## 🔗 Related Passages - 🔗 Psalm 19:7 – “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” - 🔗 Philippians 4:11–12 – “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” - 🔗 Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” --- ## 🙏 Devotional Reflection Write 3–6 sentences reflecting on: - How this chapter encourages your faith, - Convicts your heart, - Reveals God's character. Optional format: "In light of this chapter, I am challenged to..." or "I am comforted by..." --- ## 🛤 Life Application **Today, I can apply this chapter by:** - ✅ Application 1 - ✅ Application 2 Make these very practical: - "Trust God's timing in an uncertain situation." - "Speak truth even when it’s unpopular." --- ## 📂 Tags