Division V: Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30  •  6 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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(Chapter 30)
The Words of Agur
All that we know about “Agur” is found in this chapter. He apparently had two students, “Ithiel and Ucal.” What follows in this chapter is what he taught them, and we are privileged to have it recorded in the Scriptures for our profit too.
He Was a Learner
(Vss. 2-3)
Agur took the place of knowing little, and confessed that he was only a learner himself (vss. 2-3). He abased himself and exalted God and His Word, thus illustrating the true humility enjoined in the Proverbs. However, we find in this chapter that he knew much more than most in Old Testament times! He communicates some important moral and practical principles that will preserve us in this world.
He Knew God
(Vss. 4-6)
First of all, Agur had a knowledge of God and His Son (vss. 4-6). This is remarkable because there had not yet been given to man the revelation of the Father and Son—which is formally disclosed in the ministry of our Lord Jesus (John 1:1818No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18)). In a series of five questions he sets forth the greatness of God.
He Knew Himself
(Vss. 7-10)
Secondly, verses 7-10 indicate that Agur also had some knowledge of himself. He knew his own heart, and therefore, didn’t trust himself (Prov. 28:2626He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26)). Having no confidence in the flesh leads to turning away from it, and casting ourselves on the Lord in dependence.
He Knew the True Character of the World
(Vss. 11-23
Furthermore, verses 11-23 show that Agur had an understanding of the true character of the world and summarized it in four series of four things. Each series depicts a different aspect of the world and its ways.
In the first series he speaks of the underlying moral principles that mark the men of the world—rebellion against the authority of parents (vs. 11), self-righteousness (vs. 12), pride (vs. 13), and greedy violence (vs. 14).
In the second series he speaks of the unsatisfied character of the world—four insatiable things. The people in its system are likened to “the grave,” “the barren womb,” “the earth” and “the fire.” None of these can get enough and are never satisfied (vss. 15-17).
In the third series Agur refers to four inscrutable things (vss. 18-19). They speak of the ulterior motives behind the actions of the people of the world. It has often been said that this world wants you for what it can get from you, and it is certainly true. They may have a seemingly gracious way about them, but behind their actions are often ulterior motives. The “eagle” that soars high in the air looks very beautiful, but it has a reason for doing it—to dive on its prey! The “serpent” slithering over a rock is an intriguing sight, but it’s searching for a victim! The “ship in the midst of the sea” is interesting, but it’s on a mission to some destiny for self. And, behind the gracious way of “a man with a maid” is often an effort to seduce and corrupt her! All four things are likened “an adulterous woman” who does her evil, and then tries to hide it (vs. 20).
In the fourth series of things, Agur speaks of four unbearable things, each describing the impropriety of those of the world who don’t know how to conduct themselves in the sphere in which they are found (vss. 21-23).
He Knew How to be Preserved From the Influences of the World
(Vss. 24-28)
The next series of four things indicate that Agur had an understanding of how the child of God can be preserved from the influences of the world (vss. 24-28). These are things that we need in order to go through this world and not be affected by it. He learned this wisdom from the animal kingdom (Job 12:7-107But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: 8Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. 9Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? 10In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:7‑10)).
The first is the “ants” that gather their food in a time when they can get it—“summer.” This speaks of the importance of getting spiritual food for our souls (John 6:54-5854Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. (John 6:54‑58)). The greatest safeguard against being drawn into the world is to be found enjoying Christ, who is the spiritual food for our souls. Being filled with that which truly satisfies the heart will keep us from hankering after the things of the world.
The second is the “conies [rock-badgers].” They are creatures that recognize their weakness, and therefore, live in safe places—“in the rocks.” This speaks of dependence on the Lord. This, too, is something that we need—a felt weakness that leads us to cast ourselves on the Lord in whom there is safety (Deut. 33:1212And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders. (Deuteronomy 33:12)). He is the Rock of salvation (Psa. 95:11O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. (Psalm 95:1)). The one who knows his own weakness and casts himself on the Lord will be preserved.
The fourth is the “spider [lizard].” What marks this wise creature is that he lives in the presence of the king—“in kings’ palaces.” This speaks of access into the presence of the Lord, the King of Kings, through prayer (Heb. 10:1919Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (Hebrews 10:19); Eph. 3:1212In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (Ephesians 3:12)). A secret life of communion with the Lord and a constant living in His presence is essential to our being kept.
He Knew What was Necessary for an Effective Testimony to the World
(Vss. 29-31)
The final series of four things shows that Agur knew what was needed for the believer’s testimony to be effective in this world (vss. 29-31). The “lion” speaks of unflinching boldness to confess Christ (Prov. 28:11The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. (Proverbs 28:1)). The “horse” speaks of the defence of the faith that was once delivered to the saints (Jude 33Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3); Prov. 21:3131The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord. (Proverbs 21:31); Job 39:19-2519Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? 20Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible. 21He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. 22He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. 23The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield. 24He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. 25He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting. (Job 39:19‑25); 2 Kings 9:33; 11:1633And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot. (2 Kings 9:33)
16And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain. (2 Kings 11:16)). The “he-goat” who climbs high in the mountains, speaks of not getting discouraged. We need to stay above the adverse circumstances of life by climbing high above them (1 Sam. 30:66And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. (1 Samuel 30:6); Hab. 3:17-1917Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. (Habakkuk 3:17‑19)). Lastly, the “king” against whom no one can rise up, speaks of maintaining the uncompromising standards of righteousness as found in the principles in the Word of God.
He Knew Not to Force Issues
(Vss. 32-33)
The last two verses of the chapter remind us that if our testimony to the world is not received, it won’t do any good forcing issues. It will only be counter-productive, generating strife. We must leave persons who reject our testimony with the Lord Who alone can change their hearts (Prov. 30:32-3332If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. 33Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife. (Proverbs 30:32‑33); Psa. 33:1515He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works. (Psalm 33:15)).