Proverbs 30

30:1a This superscription probably refers to the whole of ch 30. • Agur son of Jakeh: Apart from this reference, Agur and Jakeh are unknown. If “from Massa” is the correct reading, then Agur was a non-Israelite (the tribe of Massa is known from Assyrian texts).30:1b-3 Agur expresses his ignorance (cp. Ps 73:22, where the psalmist calls himself a senseless animal). The first step toward wisdom is acknowledging what we do not know.

30:4-6 In contrast to Agur’s ignorance and powerlessness stands the strength and wisdom of God (cp. Ps 18:30). This is good news to Agur, who understands that God is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

30:7-9 Agur requests two favors from God: that God will help him not to lie (cp. 6:16-19; 14:5, 25; 25:18; 26:18-19) and that he not be given too much or too little. It is not sinful to be rich (3:9-10, 15-16; 10:15, 22) or poor (3:27; 11:24; 28:27; 29:7, 14), but Agur wisely wanted to avoid the pitfalls of both.

30:11-14 These verses summarize the character traits that wise people despise. Fools dishonor their parents (10:1; 20:20; Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16), deceive themselves (Prov 8:7), think they are pure when they are filthy (20:9), are proud (6:17-18; 11:2; 13:10; 15:33; 16:18; 18:12; 19:20; 29:23), wound others with their words (teeth like swords, see 25:18), and harm the poor (3:27; 11:24; 28:27; 29:7, 14).

30:15-16 The number parallelism (three . . . no, four) is a device for presenting a list of poetic examples. This list shows powers that are insatiable and often dangerous. See also 30:18-19, 21-23, 29-31. • The grave, which stands for death itself, never seems to have enough—people keep dying (27:20). • barren womb: Women who are unable to have children often long to have them, like Sarah until she gave birth to Isaac, Rebekah until the birth of Esau and Jacob, and Hannah until the birth of Samuel. • The thirsty desert and a fire consume anything in their path.

30:17 People who are callous toward their parents will meet a violent end (see 10:1; 19:26; 28:24; 29:3; 30:11).

30:18-19 The writer stands amazed at how one thing moves on another.

30:20 The writer expresses horror at sex outside of marriage.

30:21-23 This proverb lists four things that make the earth tremble because they overturn the order of things. • who prospers (literally who is full of bread): In the ancient Near East as in much of the non-industrialized world today, having adequate food (bread) was a sign of prosperity.

30:24-28 Another example of number parallelism. Here, small, insignificant animals are surprisingly powerful and resourceful.