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.
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
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