Proverbs 31:1–31

 ¹ The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: ² What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? ³ Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings. ⁴ It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; ⁵ Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. ⁶ Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. ⁷ Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more. ⁸ Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. ⁹ Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy. ¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. ¹¹ The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. ¹² She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. ¹³ She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. ¹⁵ She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. ¹⁷ She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. ¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. ¹⁹ She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. ²⁰ She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. ²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. ²² She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. ²³ Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. ²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. ²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. ²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. ²⁷ She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. ²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: ²⁹ “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” ³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. 

Commentary 

Vs. 1-3 ¹ The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: ² What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? ³ Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 

King Lemuel’s name means: “dedicated to God, or devoted to God” BBC, beyond that we know nothing of him. That said God gave both him and his mother wisdom and insight, and He has preserved that for us. Now her first advice to her son, to this young king, is that he should not give his strength to women, because having a harem of woman was the norm for ancient kings, and yet many a noble man and king has been ruined by his own lusts and passions (consider Neh. 13:26). Therefore, she wisely counsels her son not to follow that self-destroying path of lust (consider Prov. 5:1-14, 7:6-27). 

Vs. 4-7 ⁴ It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; ⁵ Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. ⁶ Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. ⁷ Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more. 

In her second counsel to her son King Lemuel she warns about the excesses of drinking, since it is very easy for a young king to get caught up in all the privileges of his throne and indulge himself in intoxicating drink if he so desired. And so, her counsel is don’t do it! Don’t abuse all the privileges of holding great power and authority, which no doubt some of his piers would encourage him to do (consider 1 Kings 12:1-19). Instead keep your wits about you, because in order to survive and prosper a nation needs a sober ruler who will administer the law justly, and not pervert the justice due the afflicted (vs. 4-5). For corruption always begins at the top before it becomes justifiable on the street. Therefore, she tells him that strong drink is not for kings, but for those who are perishing, to alleviate their pain, and that the drinking of wine is for those who are of a bitter heart, for those who have nothing but despair, so that they may remember their misery no more (vs. 6-7). 

Vs. 8-9 ⁸ Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. ⁹ Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy. 

Therefore instead of being a king (or ruler) whose life is only lived for his own gain and indulgences, by courting the rich, the powerful, and the influential in his kingdom, being their spokesman and advocate, be a king, a ruler, for those who have no voice, who have no influential, nor powerful friends, for all those who are appointed to die. Because in the sight of God judging righteously and without partiality is a kings true calling and duty, and to defend the cause of the poor and needy is paramount in this. 

This finial section in the Book of Proverbs now expounds the riches of finding a virtuous wife. For up until now the book of Proverbs has in various places warned the young man about the deceptive ways and self destroying consequences of being involved with an immoral woman. And so, in these finial 21 verses we get to see a beautiful picture of a virtuous wife, of her wonderful person and her generous spirit and nature which abounds with every noble quality and exudes moral excellence. And so what we will see pictured here in these finial verses is the antithesis to what we first read in Proverbs 2:10-22; 5:1-23; 6:20-35; 7:1-27; 9:13-18; 22:14 etc. about immoral woman and her evil and seductive ways. 

Vs. 10-12 ¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. ¹¹ The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. ¹² She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 

Such then is the value of having a virtuous wife that the Wisdom of God places her worth far above rubies, because by her, a man will not only keep his own person and resources safe, but by her diligence, wisdom, and sound counsels she will help him to prosper. Therefore, her husband can safely trust her, trust her to help him manage their and or their families’ finances. For she is not one who is given to vanity, who recklessly spends their income on frivolous things, instead she wisely considers her steps (her way of life) and all her purchases how these will affect her spouse and her families’ resources and future, for these go hand in hand. Therefore, by her wise decisions and choices her husband will have no lack of gain. His and her labors will not be spent in vain. 

Vs. 13 “She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.” 

A virtuous wife is not only a woman of wisdom and character, but she also is a hard worker, a Godly woman whom seeks out the resources that she needs so that she can willingly work with her own hands to forward her families prosperity. And so, she does not try to live by the lies and Godless lives of popular cultures most prominent and self-indulgent haughty and arrogant pampered harlots! Instead she lives in reality, that there is only one Just God who will render to each one according to their works and their ways! 

Vs. 14-15 ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. ¹⁵ She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. 

Here she is compared to the merchant ships which travel vast distances to bring valued goods and food and wares from afar, and so here her virtue of being a diligent person is being portrayed, of being one who rises early in the morning to prepare a meal for her household and a portion for her maidservants. For in ancient times, you didn’t just open the fridge and grab some milk and pour it on a bowl of cereal and call it done. No in ancient times eggs had to be gathered, livestock had to be milked, or slaughtered, flour had to be prepared and baked to make bread. These things all took time, and so the principal of rising early enough to prepare one’s family for the day ahead is what is being expounded here. For that is what a virtuous wife does, because her primary service and focus is on her family. 

Vs. 16-18 ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. ¹⁷ She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. ¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 

With her family set for the day, she herself then is not idle, nor a gossip, nor a busybody wasting her time by messing in other people’s affairs, instead she is observant, looking for opportunities to build her home and family, for “She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.” ^Vs.16 Thus when she sees a good opportunity to purchase some good land, she not only does so, but she also turns it into a more profitable venture by planting a vineyard in it. Thus, she is always thinking a head, thinking of how to prosper her families’ fortunes. And so by her diligence and wise choices she girds herself with strength and strengthens her own arms, for she knows how to spot a good deal and purchase or sell something when it is advantageous to do so (vs. 17-18). And when necessary, she even works into the night, because a wife and mothers’ role in managing the family, and its affairs, is never a 9-5 occupation. Sometimes it requires her to work late into the night. Its not that husband is not also a partner in this, it is just that in ancient times a mans work was almost always physical, which required not only great exertion, but also great amounts of nutrition and rest to get ready for the next day.  

Vs. 19 “She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.” 

Here we see that she is willing worker, she is one who works with her own hands. In ancient times families were dependent upon their mother to mostly sew and make their clothing. As a child my mother made my and my sisters clothing until we were about three- four years old because finances were tight. Thus, a good wife not develops the skills necessary to help her family grow, but she also puts those skills and talents to work for her family’s betterment. 

Vs. 20 “She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.” 

Now not only is she a willing worker for her families betterment, but she also has a heart of compassion for those who have nothing. For “She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.” 

Vs. 21-22 ²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. ²² She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 

Because she has put in the work and made preparations beforehand her family is warmly dressed for the fall and winter seasons. Indeed they are all well attired for those occasions that demand as much, and she even adorns herself in fine linen and purple (vs. 21-22). The notion then that it is wrong for a Godly woman or her children to be well attired in church is only pure legalism. For the only time being well attired is wrong for a Christian is when it becomes a means of public self-aggrandizement/display, or an act of pomp and arrogance and indifference towards others (1 Tim. 2:8-10; 1 Peter 3:3-6).  

Vs. 23 “Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.” 

Because she conducts herself and her affairs with wisdom and discretion her husband finds himself known and respected by all. And thus, he finds himself a welcomed seat amongst the elders and dignitaries of the land. 

Vs. 24 “She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.” 

Once again, we are shown her hard-working ethic, that having provided clothing for her family she now uses that skill to make linen garments to sell in the market. Indeed, she even becomes a supplier of sashes for the merchants in the market place, which can only add to her own prestige, influence, and effectiveness to negotiate with them and others, when needed. 

Vs. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 

Because she follows all of the Godly traits of being a virtuous woman she is clothed with strength and honor! And so she shall rejoice in time to come because God Himself will always look favorably on her! 

Vs. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 

Such is the beautiful character of a virtuous woman, that she not only knows how to speak wisely, to give a timely word in due season, but she also speaks with kindness, for on her tongue is the law of kindness, and so she is a caring and compassionate woman, beautiful! 

Vs. 27 “She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.” 

Unlike the godless woman who lets her children run amuck and afoul of her neighbors and the law. She watches over the ways of her household; she knows where her children are, and what they are doing. Indeed, she guides them into doing good and useful, and productive things, which can be anything from helping her or their father at home, to more personal things like doing their homework, playing sports, or having some sort of creative hobby or activity which they enjoy doing, even volunteering or doing charitable works or basic chores at home all help children grow up into responsible people. Because all children need to have meaningful and enjoyable activities to do, and so she watches over them in this, because she herself does not live an idle life. Note: know your kids then and guide them into those areas in which they have their greatest interests and abilities. 

Vs. 28-29 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: ²⁹ “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 

Such then is her person that she not only has the great respect of her children and husband, but she also has all their adoration and appreciation as well! Such a wife and mother then is more valuable to her family then priceless gems! And so she will be favorably remembered not only by her own family, but also many in her community in the years to come. 

Vs. 30 ³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. 

I love this closing passage for it rings with heavens truth! For charm is deceitful, it reveals nothing about what is in a person’s heart or life, and many a person has only been taken advantage of by the skillful charmers smile and self-confident demeanor. Beauty is passing, for just as the flower of the field wilts and fades away, so does what was once outwardly so desirable also become old and wrinkly. Therefore, better to build your person and life on fearing the Lord, for then you will always have God’s joy and favor and He will see to it that you are praised and honored long after the vain woman’s beauty and charm has failed and left her. Therefore, the Word of God cries out give the virtuous woman the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. 

Scripture Quotations

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Proverbs 30:1–33

  ¹ The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal: ² Surely I am more stupid than any man, And do not have the understanding of a man. ³ I neither learned wisdom Nor have knowledge of the Holy One. ⁴ Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, If you know? ⁵ Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. ⁶ Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. ⁷ Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): ⁸ Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me; ⁹ Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God. ¹⁰ Do not malign a servant to his master, Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty. ¹¹ There is a generation that curses its father, And does not bless its mother. ¹² There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness. ¹³ There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. ¹⁴ There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, And whose fangs are like knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, And the needy from among men. ¹⁵ The leech has two daughters— Give and Give! There are three things that are never satisfied, Four never say, “Enough!”: ¹⁶ The grave, The barren womb, The earth that is not satisfied with water— And the fire never says, “Enough!” ¹⁷ The eye that mocks his father, And scorns obedience to his mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it. ¹⁸ There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Yes, four which I do not understand: ¹⁹ The way of an eagle in the air, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the midst of the sea, And the way of a man with a virgin. ²⁰ This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, “I have done no wickedness.” ²¹ For three things the earth is perturbed, Yes, for four it cannot bear up: ²² For a servant when he reigns, A fool when he is filled with food, ²³ A hateful woman when she is married, And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress. ²⁴ There are four things which are little on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: ²⁵ The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer; ²⁶ The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they make their homes in the crags; ²⁷ The locusts have no king, Yet they all advance in ranks; ²⁸ The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, And it is in kings’ palaces. ²⁹ There are three things which are majestic in pace, Yes, four which are stately in walk: ³⁰ A lion, which is mighty among beasts And does not turn away from any; ³¹ A greyhound, A male goat also, And a king whose troops are with him. ³² If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth. ³³ For as the churning of milk produces butter, And wringing the nose produces blood, So the forcing of wrath produces strife. 

Commentary 

Vs. 1-4 ¹ The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, his utterance. This man declared to Ithiel—to Ithiel and Ucal: ² Surely I am more stupid than any man, And do not have the understanding of a man. ³ I neither learned wisdom Nor have knowledge of the Holy One. ⁴ Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, If you know? 

Like with Hur in the days of Moses (Ex. 17:10, 12, 24:14) we know very little about Agur except that his father was a man named Jakeh. Maybe he was a student of the Word of God given us through King Solomons writings? If so, in his searching for wisdom and truth he clearly came to understand his own fallibilities. This is clear in verse three when he laments himself and declares: “I neither learned wisdom Nor have knowledge of the Holy One.” That said, he was not deterred by his own limitations, instead his search for wisdom he became more focused on seeking wisdom not in a “philosophy”, or “school of thought”, but in the Person of God, specifically in Person of God’s Son, which itself is a remarkable insight that only God Himself could have given him! And so, it will be from that Glorious Foundation (of wanting to know God and His Son) that he will humbly bring forth to us his God given wisdom and understanding. And in this he will exalt God’s Word above all else. 

Jakeh's search then for wisdom began with the self revelation of God seen in creation, and so he begins by asking questions not only about its origins, but also who in Their Infinite Wisdom directs it all. For who has ascended into heaven or descended so that they might answer these questions? Now we know the Lord Jesus Christ is the One who has done so, and that in Him we have all the hidden treasure's of wisdom and knowledge. Yet these things were not then known. And so as Jakeh pushes himself to understand more of what he sees and perceives he comes to the conclusion that God alone knows all things, and that it is God's Son whom mankind is to seek! For man may try to reason through his own philosophies about God, and he may be able to understand a great many things through science about creation; and yet his soul will never be satisfied with his own finite conclusions, for they will always leave him wanting more, Because God is not fully found through mans own understanding of science or philosophy but only through His own Word, which itself always points us to His Son! And so, it will be from that Glorious Foundation (of wanting to know God and His Son) that he will humbly bring forth to us his God given wisdom and understanding. And in this he will exalt God’s Word above all else. 

Vs. 5-6 ⁵ Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. ⁶ Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. 

Every word of God is pure, testifies to its infallibility. He is a shield to all who put their trust in Him. Reverence then for the Word of God means that ones does not add to it, lest one be rebuked by God and be found to be a liar! Therefore, when anyone dares to add too, altar, or distort the Scriptures, the immortal and everlasting truths contained within them, they are only setting themselves up to be judged by God. Commentaries then are not the Word of God, they are not infallible, they are only mans understanding of a given passage of Scripture, or a given truth within a passage of Scripture, which hopefully is being shared to bring to light some of the glorious truths contained within a passage in the Scriptures. Therefore, no one should presume upon them, and they should be the last thing one reads when one studies the Scriptures, for the Scriptures themselves are the only infallible commentary on themself, which are brought to light by God’s Holy Spirit within us. Therefore, first immerse yourself in the Scriptures, and then you will learn to compare Scripture to Scripture and understand Word of God and the Will of God for yourself.

 Vs. 7-9 ⁷ Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): ⁸ Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me; ⁹ Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God. 

Augur now makes two wise requests of God in his reverent and serious prayer. First he asks that God remove from him all falsehoods and lies, that is all the personal falsehoods and lies that he holds about himself, or about others, or even about God Himself. For we are to worship God in Spirit and truth, and one cannot know God apart from one or the other (consider Jer. 9:6; John 4:23-24). And so when one is born-again by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as testified too in the Scriptures God's Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth now resides in us and guides one into all truth (consider John 14:17, 26; 15:26, 16:13; 1 John 4:6 etc.). Thus not only is the truth now revealed to us, but also how many lies and lairs there really are! 

Now as to the lies of this world (whether moral lies, or spiritual lies, like cults and false worship practices) these abound everywhere, for they are born out of Satan, the father of lies and ruler of this world (John 8:42-47, vs. 44; 1 John 3:8), whose sole agenda is to undermine the truth, to make the truth, "relative" or incomprehensible, so as to keep people from believing and being saved, by cloaking or distorting God's truth with his lies, to make mankind question and doubt God and His Word. Therefore all lies and liars are found and abound in this world where Satan reigns and has sway over the people of this world (2 John 19). And so an unaware person can be easily be caught up and snared by him, by his lies. Especially today where liars and lies abound on social media, where even people of great stature and power now openly and brazenly expound their own falsehoods and lies to forward their own persons or agendas. Therefore, Augur, like every Godly person who down through history loathed such things, also wants nothing to do with such things, nothing to do with Satan’s works and ways. by those who reject God's Word and instead choose to live by Satan's lies. Therefore, he prays to God for protection from it, from mistakenly helping to forward that demonic agenda which always seeks to undermine God's truth, and thus turn people into confusion, chaos, and anarchy. Now Augur’s second prayer request was that God would provide for him, with his daily bread so to speak (vs. 8). “Lest I be full and deny You, And say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.” ^{Vs. 9} In Augurs prayer then we see neither self sufficient pride, nor a covetous heart, but only a desire to live a Godly, righteous, and humble life. Which is something that we should all likewise strive to attain too (consider 1 Tim. 6:6-10). 

Vs. 10 Do not malign a servant to his master, Lest he curse you, and you be found guilty. 

Speaking ill of someone is never a good idea (Eph. 4:30-31; James 4:11), even worse is to malign someone to their master, whether this is every Christians Master who is Christ (Isaiah 54:17), or whether this is one’s employer; because to slander someone is only to incur a curse, and ultimately God’s wrath upon oneself (consider Psalm 50:20-21; Rom. 14:4). 

Vs. 11-14 ¹¹ There is a generation that curses its father, And does not bless its mother. ¹² There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness. ¹³ There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. ¹⁴ There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, And whose fangs are like knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, And the needy from among men. 

“There is a generation that curses its father, And does not bless its mother.” There are certain people, whether raised with the knowledge of God or not, who do not fear the Lord, nor heed His Word. These kinds of folks then openly curse their father (which is only showing the ultimate irreverence for God, and under the law was to be punished by death, Ex. 20:19; Lev. 20:9, also consider Deut. 27:16; Pr. 20:20; 30:17). Neither than do they bless their mother; that is they do nothing for her financially, especially in her time of need, all which the Lord Jesus thoroughly condemned (consider Matt. 15:3-9). And yet not even in her time of need, like when she is a widow, or helpless and in a care home, will they due their inherently rightful duty towards her, and so such people are not only an afront to God, but they are to be put out of the church as worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim. 5:8). 

“There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.” Here we are told about an arrogant and wicked generation of men and woman who think they themselves royalty, and yet they only live like dirty dogs and filthy swine (Isaiah 1:16-17). God has much to say about them in prophets (just consider the first couple of chapters of Isaiah, concluding with 3:16-26). And so here in the Book of Proverbs we are all warned not to be like them. Being so arrogantly self-deceived, so as not even to see ones own need to repent and believe. For no one living wickedly will escape His wrath and finial judgement (Isaiah 3:9-11; 13:11 etc.). 

“There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.” 

Though I have broken these down into segments, as the prophets reveal, the sins of one are often found in the other. And so here again we are told about a proud filled and arrogant people who think themselves so superior to everyone around them. Now whether they base this on their social standing, or the neighborhood in which they live, or the nation, race, or genealogy into which they were born, or their education or financial status, or their own personal achievements, or even their religious affiliation/denomination, whatever they base their false assumptions upon, they are only storing up for themselves God’s wrath if they continue to cling to them (consider Isaiah 2:10-12, 17; 5:15; 26:5; antithesis Isaiah 57:15). 

“There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, And whose fangs are like knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, And the needy from among men.” 

This is the generation of greed and cruelty, who do not regard the life of the poor, but only exploit, use, and abuse them. From the highest places of public office and corporate life. Right down to main street. And so, if you want to reap God’s Wrath and Judgment, then just be like one of them (Isaiah 10:1-4; Jer. 5:28-29; Ezekiel 22:29-31; Zechariah 7:8-14; Mal. 3:5; James 2:5-13). 

Vs. 15-16 ¹⁵ The leech has two daughters— Give and Give! There are three things that are never satisfied, Four never say, “Enough!”: ¹⁶ The grave, The barren womb, The earth that is not satisfied with water— And the fire never says, “Enough!” 

“The leech has two daughters— Give and Give!” Some people no matter how much you give them, or do for them, or apologize to them, are never satisfied, they will always want more from you. Some people are simply unsatisfiable. 

Now to make that principal clear there are three things that are easily observable by us all. First is: 

“The grave”, it too is never satisfied, no matter how many people die, it always has room for more.  

“The barren womb”, a woman who sets her heart on having children through her own childbirth, is never satisfied until she is pregnant. 

“The earth that is not satisfied with water” though it rains like a torrent upon it, soon enough the earth wants more! 

“And the fire never says, “Enough!” This is the most graphic example, for just as one might build a mighty fire, and yet even if they were to continually add to it, yet it will never cease to burn up what one adds to it, it will never say enough! 

Vs. 17 The eye that mocks his father, And scorns obedience to his mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it. 

This is a judgment from God who promises that those who mock their father and scorn obedience to their mother will die dishonorable deaths without having a proper funeral service or burial, that they’re lifeless corpses will be left to others, even to be devoured by birds of prey (consider Jer. 22:18-19). This day then will come in its fulness upon the finial generation that will seek to male war with God and Christ (Isaiah 66:16, 24; Rev. 16:16, 19:11-21). 

Vs. 18-19 ¹⁸ There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Yes, four which I do not understand: ¹⁹ The way of an eagle in the air, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the midst of the sea, And the way of a man with a virgin. 

Four things which impress: “The way of the eagle in the air”, its majestic flight can leave one breathless. “The way of serpent on a rock”, the ease with which it moves without any bodily members to assist it in doing so. “The way of a ship in the midst of the sea,” Powered by nothing other than the waves and wind, a ship (not a rowing vessel) can navigate vast distances, all with seemingly ease of effort to those observing it from land. “And the way of a man with a virgin.” Is likely referring to the manner of courtship that a young man goes through in seeking to attain his bride. 

Vs. 20 This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, And says, “I have done no wickedness.” 

In striking contrast then to the nobility of courtship there is the adulterous woman who after making another victim by satisfying her Godless lusts (Prov. 23:28), feels no guilt or remorse and says: “I have done no wickedness.” 

Vs. 21-23 ²¹ For three things the earth is perturbed, Yes, for four it cannot bear up: ²² For a servant when he reigns, A fool when he is filled with food, ²³ A hateful woman when she is married, And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress. 

Agur now touches on four things which he observed which are intolerable to not only just men, but also all creation (i.e., the earth) itself cries out against. “For a servant when he reigns”, when a servant is thrust into a leadership position, or exalts themselves to such a place, they inevitably lack the skills and qualities, and even the tact that true leadership requires, inevitably they become selfish mini tyrants, overbearing and lording authority over others, while make some very foolish choices and decisions. 

“A fool when he is filled with food,” Given that mankind, indeed every living thing, must work to eat it is an affront to all when a fool, who only recklessly squanders their time and resources remains well fed. And yet no sooner than they are fed then a mentality of entitlement takes hold in them, and soon they are angered or enraged when they are not pampered and treated like a nursing child which cannot take care of itself. And so as long as men do so towards them, they will never learn the simple lessons of life, which all of life must live by. That said do not confuse this with not showing mercy to the poor, because those who are truly poor in flesh and spirit will be more than grateful for your assistance, and more than willing, given the opportunity, to try do those things to get themselves out of poverty. 

“A hateful woman when she is married” Such a woman who bears an angry disposition, who has spent her life saying all kinds of hurtful and evil things about others, even enticing her acquaintances or “boyfriends” to reject or harm those she dislikes should never be married. Nonetheless she will often find (i.e., lure) herself a husband, for which she will never change her ways, and neither then will the earth ever stop being perturbed about her married place and well off status in it.

“And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.” There is something inherently unjust about a subordinate who lacks the skills, knowledge, or tact succeeding those who have put in the time and effort to not only acquire wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, but also know how to conduct themselves with dignity and honor. 

Vs. 24-28 ²⁴ There are four things which are little on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: ²⁵ The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer; ²⁶ The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they make their homes in the crags; ²⁷ The locusts have no king, Yet they all advance in ranks; ²⁸ The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, And it is in kings’ palaces. 

The four little or seemingly insignificant things on the earth that no one takes notice of and yet by them we are being taught a great lesson are first the ants; “The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer.” 

Basically, some of smallest of all insects, which in of themselves have no individual strength, yet by their communal diligence and effort they prepare their food (and build their nest) collectively in summer months, so that they can all survive the winter, living off that stored energy. The lesson of diligence, preparation, and ongoing communal effort is at the heart of this. Thus, taking even small steps when one can, will make for many things and miles accomplished at the end! 

"The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they make their homes in the crags” 

These are not to be confused with the North American badger which can be quite fierce and is more than capable of defending itself from much larger species. And so, the “badger” mentioned here is the hyrax, a fairly large plant eating varmint or rodent (up to 5kg.), that is docile by nature and makes its home as the Proverb says in the crags; that is, it dens in holes in rugged rock outcroppings where predators cannot easily catch it. Native to Africa it is also found throughout the Middle East and even in parts of Greece. Thus, the lesson here is that it finds security and safety by wisely choosing where to dwell. Obviously financial and other constraints don't always make this possible for us, yet we can wherever we reside still choose to dwell amongst or with either peaceful or hostile people. 

“The locusts have no king, Yet they all advance in ranks.” With no one seemingly directing them, locusts move so orderly and so systemically, and in complete harmony with each other, so as to be able to devour entire fields and crops in no time at all. The lesson then is orderly and organized movement makes for effective outcomes, whereas disarray only leads to wasted time and resources. 

Vs. 29-31 ²⁹ There are three things which are majestic in pace, Yes, four which are stately in walk: ³⁰ A lion, which is mighty among beasts And does not turn away from any; ³¹ A greyhound, A male goat also, And a king whose troops are with him. 

These three things which are majestic in pace and stately in walk are all leading up to finial one, which is the fourth, and that is a king whose troops are with him. For where he leads them, there they want to go! All which is a beautiful picture of unity and strength. Now as to the wild beasts, “A lion, which is mighty among beasts And does not turn away from any.” Shows us great courage, dignity, and strength, it is intimidated by no one. The greyhound is a picture of speed, endurance and agility. For it can not only accelerate very rapidly, but it can maintain that full sprint, while being able to change course on a dime. A leader then who can do the same, who can ramp up a nation quickly and still make difficult decisions without hesitation, and yet is not so entrenched in their own agenda or ideas that they are able to pivot when circumstances demand as much, is a far better off than the one who endlessly hesitates, and is never sure of what course to take. The male goat is an extremely hardy animal, and is capable of traversing some very difficult terrain. A leader than that can endure the hard times, can take criticism, (without coming “unglued”), while still moving forward in faith, and can navigate with tact the sometimes very different and difficult social terrains of different cultures is a needed man indeed. 

Vs. 32-33 ³² If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth. ³³ For as the churning of milk produces butter, And wringing the nose produces blood, So the forcing of wrath produces strife. 

Self exaltation is born out of human pride, its origins are demonic, and when it is directed against God it is the ultimate folly. That said, the proverb here can also be applied to someone exalting themselves against another (Job 19:5; Ps. 35:26; 38:16 etc.) And so, this proverb warns us all that there will be consequences when someone exalts themselves against another, when Gods wrath is aroused, (consider Korah and his company who exalted themselves to Moses and Aaron Num. 16:1-40). Even the great and just man Job learned not to do this when he unwittingly exalted himself in his despair against God (Job 38:1-42:17; antithesis Exodus 15:2; Psalm 118:28 etc.). 

Scripture Quotations

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson. 

Proverbs 29:1–27

 ¹ He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. ² When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. ³ Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. ⁴ The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it. ⁵ A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet. ⁶ By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. ⁷ The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge. ⁸ Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath. ⁹ If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. ¹⁰ The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being. ¹¹ A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. ¹² If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. ¹³ The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both. ¹⁴ The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. ¹⁵ The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. ¹⁶ When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. ¹⁷ Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. ¹⁸ Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. ¹⁹ A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond. ²⁰ Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. ²¹ He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end. ²² An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. ²³ A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. ²⁴ Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. ²⁵ The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. ²⁶ Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord. ²⁷ An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

Commentary 

Vs. 1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 

The warning here at its peak is to not ignore God’s command to repent and believe in the Gospel! For when people harden their hearts towards Him, and continue on in their sins and transgressions, there is nothing but judgment looming over them, which will come without warning or reprieve. The pages of history, and especially in the Bible, are filled with the tragic stories of those people and nations who did heed His Word and were suddenly and without warning taken away (consider Daniel 5:1-30). 

Vs. 2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. 

People rejoice when the righteous are in authority because there is now justice and equity in the land. And all manner of opportunities to live peaceably and prosper is now available to one and to all. However, when the wicked are in authority the people groan because guaranteed there will be corruption from top to bottom, from the highest office to the lowliest “civil servant”. And so, when the people are not being exploited and lied too, by their “leaders”, they will be dealing with all manner of oppressive and corrupt local authorities who will bear down on them with a heavy hand and an unjust rule over them. 

Vs. 3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. 

Once again it is the wise son who makes his father rejoice, while it is his reckless son who only squanders his father’s fortune, and his own life’s opportunities. That said there is hope and a new life for every prodigal son and daughter who repents and believes! (Luke 15:11-32) 

Vs. 4 The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it. 

A nations ruler largely dictates his own nations fortunes, for by dealing justly he establishes the nation in righteousness and helps bring forth its prosperity. In contrast a corrupt ruler who receives bribes only overthrows it, because he sets the stage for all manner of corruption and injustice to take root and flourish in the land all which only undermines the nation and eventually him. 

Vs. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet. 

A flatter does no good to his neighbor in flattering him, for by encouraging his neighbor’s vanity and pride he is only setting him up for a fall. Better than to speak the truth then to flatter with the tongue. 

Vs. 6 By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices. 

The evil man is caught and snared in the cords of his own sin, and he reaps his own misery, while the righteous person sings and rejoices because they belong to Christ and they are choosing to walk in the way of life, joy then is also a gift from God! 

Vs. 7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge. 

Righteous people are not indifferent people, especially when it comes to considering the plight of the poor. For the Lord Jesus Christ never looked past the poor in the spirit (Matt. 5:3; antithesis Luke 18:9-14), nor the poor in flesh (Luke 6:20-26; 14:12-14; 16:19-31), neither than should we. However, the wicked (who can often be seen as playing righteous, i.e., the religious zealot or Pharisee) simply do not understand the heart of the Lord, that He desires mercy not sacrifice (consider Matt. 9:10-13; 12:1-8; Romans 13:9; Gal. 6:2, 13-14; James 2:8-13 etc.). knowledge of God, more than burnt offerings (i.e., useless sacrifices of men that think they can appease God by doing so while not keeping His commandments, nor showing His kindness and mercy to others in need. 

Vs. 8 Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath. 

Scoffers stir up the worst in people, all manner of contentions and strife, even riotous wrath and rage. However wise men seek to make peace and keep peace, for they have no joy in seeing people enraged or contending with each other. 

Vs. 9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace. 

You cannot win an argument with a fool, nor can you persuade him, for all you will get out of him is either laughter (i.e., scoffing) or rage. There is then no peace with him. 

Vs. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being. 

Violent and vile people hate those who live blameless lives, inevitably they only want to harm them. In contrast those who are living uprightly will seek their well being. 

Vs. 11 A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. 

Nothing is off limits when it comes to the mouth of a fool. There is no tact with their tongue. If they think it, or feel it, they speak it! However, a wise man restrains himself and his mouth! 

Vs. 12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked. 

When a ruler listens to lies, (about himself or others) or about the affairs in his domain, his servants become wicked because they will only become evil and unjust liars who are only trying to appease Him, not advise him. For when a ruler doesn’t stand for truth and righteousness neither will his servants. 

Vs. 13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives light to the eyes of both. 

Though the poor man may be powerless before the oppressor, yet it is the Lord who gives light to eyes of both. That is, He gives them life and sustains their lives, He also gives them understanding and revelation of His Person and Will, and so both will stand before Him and give an account of their persons and lives at the Judgment. 

Vs. 14 The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. 

God in heaven who watches over everyone and everything has decreed that the King who judges the poor with truth, and not with partiality nor by injustice (Lev. 19:15; Job 34:19), will have His throne established forever (consider Psalm 72; Isaiah 11:1-5; 41:17). 

Vs. 15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. 

Discipling a child is foundational to their growth and wellbeing, and here we clearly see (as history has proven) that corporal punishment combined with corrective words gives a child the wisdom to want to do and choose what is right. In contrast the child left to rear itself, to go in and come out and basically do whatever they please will be a child that will only bring shame to its mother; if the mother is even capable of bearing any shame for her neglecting her child in such a way; for such a child, will more often than not, only be getting themselves into all kinds of mischief and evil. Children should never be left to self regulate themselves! 

Vs. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall. 

There is always a direct correlation between moral and ethical decay and societal upheaval. And so here we are warned once again that where the wicked are, there transgressions increase. That said, God’s Word promises that those who continue to live righteous lives, will see their fall. 

Vs. 17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. 

Once again correction of one’s son (or child) will make not only for their peace, but also ones own. For a well-mannered son (not a pampered one) will always bring you much rest and delight! For you won’t have to worry about what they are doing, or whom they are going in and out with, or what kind of new trouble they maybe getting themselves into. 

Vs. 18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. 

Without God’s Word as a compass for one’s person, life and soul, people quickly loose tract of true north and begin to follow all kinds of wayward paths that only lead to many personal miseries and sorrows. However, the person who keeps the law, that is they keep God’s Commandments given us through the Lord Jesus Christ will have joy. 

Vs. 19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond. 

This proverb is teaching us that there must be consequences for one’s willful obstinance or indifference. For people, especially when they are subservient to others, (as is life), are not always willfully obedient, nor diligent to do their masters/employers will. And so, when they willfully don’t do it, there needs to be consequences, and not just you retelling them what you want done time and again. 

Vs. 20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 

The person who habitually speaks before they think, is here said to have less hope for themselves than a fool. 

Vs. 21 He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end. 

Spoiling one’s servant (or employee) from childhood (or from the beginning of their employment) will not make for a good employer, employee relationship. For if you do so you will have on your hands not a servant or an employee, but pampered son who thinks that they are entitled to all of privileges of sonship/ownership. 

Vs. 22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. 

An angry man is always looking for a fight, he (or she) always stirs up strife and conflict amongst people. Same with the furious man and he too commits plenty of sins and transgressions. For having an angry demeanor is never self contained, it always manifests itself in many harmful and destructive ways. 

Vs. 23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. 

Pride is downfall of many, from the great and mighty, to the lowest of men, a man’s pride will bring him low. In contrast the humble in spirit will retain honor, they will not be brought down by their own pride driven bad choices. 

Vs. 24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. 

Whoever is partner with a thief hates their own life because whom they have aligned themselves with  can never be trusted. For thieves are liars will always turn on each other. As well in doing so they are only setting themselves up for Judgment, both here and now, and in eternity (Psalm 50:18-21; Zech. 5:3-4; John 5:24-30 etc.). Neither their words nor their actions are to be trusted because they have no integrity. 

Vs. 25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. 

The fear of man is a snare because it keeps people from doing and saying what is right in the face of injustice and evil! For it takes courage not only to stand for the Gospel, but also to stand opposed to tidal wave of lying evil ways and moral decay that pervades today. Nonetheless though the storm may rage and surge yet the Lord promises that all of us who trust in Him shall be safe, not necessarily safe from them who oppose Him, but from His Judgment and His fierce wrath which is set against all those who do evil, and or have been complicit about it (consider Isaiah 2:11-12; 24:1-23; Amos 2:13-16; Matt. 10:24-42; Luke 6:22-23; 2 Thess. 1:3-10; 1 Peter 3:13-17 etc.). 

Vs. 26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the Lord. 

Though one may seek justice for themselves through this world’s courts and or its governmental departments, agencies, and systems, justice is not guaranteed to be found there, as corruption and injustice will always invade and at times pervade there. Justice then is only found through the One who is Most Just, the Lord Jesus Christ who renders to each one according to their works and their ways. 

Vs. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, And he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked. 

There is no peace nor rapport between the righteous person and the unjust/wicked person, because the two are diametrically opposed to each other, just as God and His works are diametrically opposed to Satan and his. And so those who live righteous lives, who are doing justly as a course of their lives cannot stand the immoral and evil deeds and lies of the wicked/unjust person (consider 2 Peter 2:4-11). Similarly, then those who live wicked and unjust and evil lives; who will justify those doing the same, cannot but hold those who are living righteous and just lives in contempt, because we are to them all that God is, and all that they themselves have rejected and ruined! That said believing in and obeying the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the means to our reconciliation and peace. 

Scripture Quotations

New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.