Proverbs 30 - God's Wisdom Series

Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Thirty

Proverbs 30:1 (NASB) The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle. The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:

G. Campbell Morgan has said, "This and the following chapter constitute an appendix to the Book of Proverbs. It is impossible to say who Agur was. In this selection from his writings we have an introduction, in which he arms the fact of man's little wisdom, and then utters the memorable prayer which reveals his fear of Jehovah and his desire for that balanced life which is one of safety."

"From the prayer to the end of the chapter we have his observations on various matters affecting conduct. In this the first section opens with a proverb (verse Pro 30:10). Then follow descriptions of four evil generations and of "four things" perpetually dissatisfied. The second section opens with a proverb (verse Pro 30:17), and is followed by four groups of four things. The first four excite wonder, the second four, terror; the third four are little things, but exceeding wise; the final four are stately things. The whole movement ends with a proverb (verses Pro 30:32-33)."

Proverbs 30:2 (NASB) Surely I am more stupid than any man, And I do not have the understanding of a man.

Surely all of us should be able to make this statement at some point or another. We have all made stupid mistakes and unwise decisions. But God is infinite and He is all wise. Certain aspects of his nature will always remain a mystery to us. If we think we are more wise than other people - it will become pride.

Proverbs 30:3 (NASB) Neither have I learned wisdom, Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.

I know a little - yet my little is not much. All of the wisdom that I have comes from God - yet I do not have the wisdom of Him. Consider the questions that God asked Job if you think you possess knowledge.

Proverbs 30:4 (NASB) Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son's name? Surely you know!

Benson has said, "What mere man hath ascended into heaven to learn the mind of God, who dwells there? None have."

Chuck Smith said of this verse, "He's talking about God. He's talking about the things that are in God's category. Paul tells us, "He who has ascended is the same one who first of all descended. And when He ascended, He led the captives or led the captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men" ( Eph 4:8-9 ). So, "Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the winds in his fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth?" - what is his name? Interesting. But even more interesting, he said, what is his son's name? Referring to God's Son. And so it is an interesting question. He is speaking of the characteristics and the things that belong unto God. He said, "What is His name?" The name, of course, is Yahweh. And what is His Son's name? Yahovah Shua - Jesus.

Proverbs 30:5 (NASB) Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

The Contemporary English Version says it this way, "Everything God says is true-- and it's a shield for all who come to him for safety."

Gill has said, "The whole word of God. "All Scripture", given by inspiration of God, to which Agur directs, as giving the best account of God, of his name, nature, and perfections; of his Son, person, offices, and grace; being pure, very pure, "purified" like silver, purified in a furnace of earth. The whole of Scripture is pure, free from all falsehood and error; coming from the God of truth, who cannot lie, and therefore called "the Scriptures of truth": every promise is pure as well as precious, made without dissimulation, faithfully performed, and all yea and amen in Christ; every doctrine is pure, free from the mixtures and inventions of men; the sincere milk of the word; consistent and all of a piece, not yea and nay; and tending to promote purity of heart and life; wholesome words, and doctrines according to godliness."

Proverbs 30:6 (NASB) Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.

This is one of the first things that Satan did in the garden. He added one word to God's word when he said, "You surely will NOT die."

Poole has said, "And as the word of God is pure, do not thou corrupt or abuse it, by adding to it thine own or other men’s inventions and opinions, and delivering or receiving of them in the name and as the words of God. He here forbids only adding to it, not diminishing from it, which yet is equally forbidden, Deu 4:2, because the Israelites then and always were, and others are, more prone to add than to diminish, because it is more easy to add under colour of interpreting, and because it is more agreeable to the humour of mankind, which is much delighted with its own inventions, as the experience of all ages showeth. Lest he reprove thee by words or deeds; by discovering thy folly, and bringing thee to deserved shame and punishment."