VI. Words of Agur and Lemuel (Proverbs 30:1–31:9)

VI. Words of Agur and Lemuel (30:1–31:9)

30:1 We don’t know anything about either Agur or King Lemuel (31:1), but the inclusion of their words in Proverbs is an example of the way the Holy Spirit oversaw and superintended the inspiration of Scripture.

30:2-4 Agur declares himself more stupid than any other person, lacking ability to understand, and having no wisdom (30:2-3), yet he knew the source of wisdom. His attitude toward himself, then, is similar to Paul’s personal declaration that he was the chief of all sinners (see 1 Tim 1:15). Indeed, the one who spends much time with a holy God comes to see just how sinful his own heart is.

Similarly, the one who seeks divine wisdom comes to see just how foolish he is without God’s instruction. Who has gathered the wind in his hands? . . . Who has established all the ends of the earth? (30:4). The obvious answer is “God.” So why do we humans arrogantly think we can navigate life without learning from him?

30:5-6 Agur gives us one of the best expressions of the Bible’s inspiration anywhere in Scripture—and adds a warning to those who try to add to God’s Word. Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Don’t add to his words, or he will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar. God has weighed and examined every word of the Bible to get just the ones he wanted. Our job is to believe and obey his Word, not to put our own words on par with his.

30:7-9 Here’s a kingdom-minded attitude that will spare you a lifetime of worry: Give me neither poverty nor wealth; feed me with the food I need. Otherwise, I might have too much and deny you, saying, “Who is the Lord?” or I might have nothing and steal, profaning the name of my God (30:8-9). Neither poverty nor wealth offers safety from sin. We need to keep material things in their proper perspective and ask God to meet our needs so we can keep our focus where it ought to be.

30:10 Slander is one of the many sins of the tongue that the Bible condemns. James tells us that praising and cursing mustn’t come from the same mouth (Jas 3:9-10), but it’s easy to play fast and loose with our words when it comes to deriding others. Instead, develop a habit of praising good works so that others may be encouraged and so that you may give glory to the God who stands behind the good works.

30:11-14 Sadly, the generation Solomon describes could be the young people of our own time. They curse their parents (30:11), assume they are guiltless, indulge in wickedness (30:12), think highly of themselves (30:13), wound with their speech, and withhold mercy (30:14). Turning the tide must begin in the context of the family. Kids need fathers who are kingdom-minded men—men who make it a priority to spend time with their children, teach them the ways of the Lord, discipline them with love, and model godliness.

30:15-16 See 27:20.

30:17 See 20:20.

30:18-20 An eagle, a snake, and a ship leave no long-term trace of their journeys (30:19). Similarly, the adulteress assumes she leaves no lasting trace of her liaisons and thus feels no guilt (30:20). But an omniscient God is always watching. See 5:1-23; 6:20–7:27.

30:21-23 These verses describe people no one wants to encounter. Be a blessing to others—not the kind of person others hope to avoid.

30:24-28 Size is irrelevant. Influence is what matters. God is immense and can accomplish mind-blowing things through you. Maximize your faith in him and you will be extremely wise.

30:29-31 If these beasts are stately (30:29-30), how much more grand is a mighty king at the head of his army (30:31)? And if a magnificent human king deserves our awe, what should our response be to the divine King who reigns from heaven with the earth as his footstool (see Isa 66:1)?

30:32-33 More people need to heed Solomon’s advice to avoid stirring up anger and producing strife (30:33): put your hand over your mouth (30:32). Sometimes the best solution is just to stop talking. Nothing reveals a foolish heart like an open mouth.

31:1-2 Proverbs 31 begins with a mother’s advice to her son. Even as a mighty ruler, Lemuel commended the teachings of his mother (31:1). To kids, King Lemuel would say, “Listen to your mama.” To mothers he would say, “Keep doing what you’re doing; teach them the way they should go; your faithful deeds do not go unnoticed.”

31:3-9 A kingdom man doesn’t spend all his energy playing the field (31:3). Instead he finds a godly woman (see 31:10-31), marries her, and cherishes her. He also doesn’t waste all his time on drinking wine and beer so that his head is fogged and he forgets to do justice (31:4-5). Rather, he speaks up for those who have no voice (31:8) and defends the cause of the oppressed (31:9). A kingdom man goes into battle as God’s soldier to serve others.