The Sayings of Agur: Humility and Observations
Proverbs 30:1-33
Pro.30.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- אגור: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יקה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המשא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגבר: ADJ,m,sg,def
- לאיתיאל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאיתיאל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Prov.1:1 (structural): Opening superscription of Proverbs naming the author and genre (‘The proverbs of Solomon…’); parallels Prov 30:1’s authorial heading ‘The words of Agur son of Jakeh.’
- Prov.31:1 (structural): Another Proverbs superscription: ‘The words of King Lemuel. The oracle that his mother taught him.’ Closely parallels the double-formula in 30:1 (words/oracle and an attributed speaker).
- Eccles.1:1 (structural): Ecclesiastes begins with an authorial title (‘The words of Qoheleth…’). Similar literary practice of introducing wisdom material by a named speaker, as in Prov 30:1.
- Amos 1:1 (structural): Prophetic superscription ‘The words of Amos…’—parallels Prov 30:1’s formulaic opening (‘dibre…’/’divrei…’) that frames the ensuing oracle or saying.
- Isa.13:1 (verbal): Uses the word מָשָׂא (māšǎʼ, ‘burden/oracle’) in a superscription (‘The burden of Babylon’). Verbal parallel with Prov 30:1’s designation המשא (ha-massa, ‘the oracle’/‘burden’).
Alternative generated candidates
- The words of Agur son of Jakeh—an oracle. The man spoke to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal.
- The words of Agur son of Jakeh—an oracle. The man said to Ithiel: Ithiel and Ucal.
Pro.30.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- בער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- מאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- בינת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 73:22 (verbal): Psalmist confesses being 'brutish/like a beast' and ignorant before God (Hebrew uses similar language of being 'brutish'/'ignorant'), closely echoing the self-deprecating wording of Prov 30:2.
- Proverbs 30:3 (structural): Immediate continuation in the same poem: v.3 repeats and expands the theme of lacking wisdom and knowledge ('I have not learned wisdom; I do not have knowledge of the Holy One'), reinforcing the admission of insufficient understanding in v.2.
- Job 40:4–5 (thematic): Job's humble response ('Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth') expresses human inability to answer or comprehend in the face of divine revelation, paralleling Prov 30:2's confession of not having a man's understanding.
- 1 Corinthians 1:20–25 (thematic): Paul contrasts God's wisdom with human wisdom, calling human wisdom 'foolishness' in light of divine wisdom—themewise similar to Prov 30:2's admission of human lack of understanding and the limits of human wisdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- Surely I am the more brutish of men; I have not the understanding of a man.
- For I am brutish beyond any man, and I lack the understanding of a man.
Pro.30.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- למדתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ודעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קדשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אדע: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 9:10 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: Proverbs 9:10 states 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight,' using the same correlation between wisdom and 'knowledge of the Holy One' that Agur denies having.
- Job 28:28 (verbal): Echoes the theme that true wisdom consists in fearing/knowing God: 'And to man he said, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.”' Parallels Agur’s admission of lacking that divine knowledge.
- Job 42:3 (thematic): Shares the theme of human limitation before divine wisdom: Job acknowledges he spoke of things he did not understand, underscoring human lack of knowledge compared with God's incomprehensible wisdom, like Agur’s confession of ignorance regarding the Holy One.
- Jeremiah 9:23-24 (thematic): Contrasts human wisdom with knowing God: God says the wise should not boast in wisdom but in understanding and knowing Him—this parallels Agur’s focus on (lack of) 'knowledge of the Holy One' as the true standard of wisdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- Neither have I learned wisdom, nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
- I have not learned wisdom, nor do I possess the knowledge of the Holy One.
Pro.30.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וירד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- אסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בחפניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,prsfx3,m,sg
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- צרר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בשמלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- הקים: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- אפסי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מה: PRON,int
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ומה: CONJ+PRON,int
- שם: ADV
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- כי: CONJ
- תדע: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,sg
Parallels
- Job 26:7-11 (verbal): Speaks of God stretching the heavens, hanging the earth on nothing and 'binding up the waters'—close verbal and thematic echo of God's sovereign control of winds and waters in Prov 30:4.
- Isaiah 40:12-14 (thematic): Rhetorical questions about who measured the waters or instructed the Lord’s Spirit parallel Prov.30:4’s challenge about who ascended, gathered the wind, and knows God's name.
- Job 38:33-35 (thematic): God's interrogation of Job about controlling the heavens, clouds, and rain (lifting voice to the clouds, sending lightning) parallels the motif of divine control over wind and water in Prov.30:4.
- John 3:13 (allusion): Jesus asserts that no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended (the Son of Man), echoing Prov.30:4’s question 'Who has ascended to heaven and come down?' and reframing it christologically.
Alternative generated candidates
- Who has gone up to heaven and come down? 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?
- Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son—if you know?
Pro.30.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- אמרת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אלוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צרופה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- מגן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- לחסים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 18:30 (verbal): Nearly identical wording and thought: 'The word of the LORD is tried; he is a shield to all those who take refuge in him'—combines purity of God's word with God as a protective shield for the trusting.
- Psalm 12:6 (verbal): Explicit verbal parallel on the purity of God's words: 'The words of the LORD are pure words...'; echoes Prov. 30:5's assertion that every divine utterance is pure.
- Psalm 119:140 (verbal): Affirms the purity of God's word—'Thy word is very pure'—reinforcing Prov. 30:5's emphasis on the spotless character of divine speech.
- Psalm 33:20 (thematic): Develops the image of God as protector for those who hope in him: 'Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield,' paralleling Prov. 30:5's depiction of God as a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Alternative generated candidates
- Every word of God is refined; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
- Every word of God is refined; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Pro.30.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תוסף: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- דבריו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3m
- פן: CONJ
- יוכיח: VERB,hiph,imprf,3,m,sg
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ונכזבת: CONJ+VERB,niphal,perf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 4:2 (verbal): Directly parallels the injunction not to add to or take away from God's words; a legal-prophetic formulation with similar wording and purpose.
- Deuteronomy 12:32 (verbal): Reiterates the prohibition against adding to or subtracting from the commandments—same normative concern about altering divine instruction.
- Revelation 22:18-19 (quotation): A New Testament echo warning against adding to or taking away from the words of the prophecy; reflects the same sanction for altering sacred words.
- Proverbs 30:5 (structural): Immediate context: affirms the purity and truth of every word of God, giving the rationale for the following warning not to add to those words.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not add to his words, lest he reprove you and you be found a liar.
- Do not add to his words, lest he reprove you and you be found a liar.
Pro.30.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
- שאלתי: NOUN,f,sg,cstr+1s
- מאתך: PREP+PRON,2,ms
- אל: NEG
- תמנע: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- בטרם: PREP
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 30:8-9 (verbal): Immediate continuation: Agur specifies the two requests (remove falsehood; give neither poverty nor riches), completing the petition begun in v.7—direct verbal and thematic parallel.
- Psalm 119:116 (thematic): A plea for God to uphold the speaker so he may live and not be put to shame—similar theme of asking God not to withhold what is needed for life and integrity.
- Proverbs 15:16 (thematic): Affirms the preference for modest provision with reverence over great riches—echoes v.9's concern about extremes of poverty or riches and the moral dangers they bring.
- 1 Kings 3:9 (thematic): Solomon's petition for an understanding heart to judge the people exemplifies the model of an urgent, specific request to God for what one needs—parallel in form and dependence on God rather than on wealth or status.
Alternative generated candidates
- Two things I asked of you; do not deny them to me before I die:
- Two things I have asked of you; do not withhold them from me before I die:
Pro.30.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודבר: VERB,qal,fut,3,m,sg
- כזב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרחק: ADV
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועשר: CONJ+NUM,f,pl
- אל: NEG
- תתן: VERB,qal,imprf,2,_,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- הטריפני: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חקי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
Parallels
- Philippians 4:11-12 (thematic): Paul’s teaching about having learned to be content in every circumstance parallels the prayer’s request for neither poverty nor riches and a measured provision.
- 1 Timothy 6:8 (verbal): “Having food and clothing” echoes the Proverbs plea for sufficient daily provision rather than extreme wealth or want.
- Matthew 6:25-34 (thematic): Jesus’ instruction not to be anxious about food and clothing and to trust God for needs parallels the request for appropriate, sustained provision.
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (thematic): The warning that the love of money leads to ruin resonates with the petition to be spared both poverty and riches to avoid moral compromise.
- Ecclesiastes 5:10 (thematic): The observation that the lover of money is never satisfied parallels the desire in Proverbs to avoid the corrupting extremes of wealth and want.
Alternative generated candidates
- Keep falsehood and lying far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food allotted to me.
- Keep falsehood and lying far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food appointed for me.
Pro.30.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פן: CONJ
- אשבע: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,c,sg
- וכחשתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- ואמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ופן: CONJ
- אורש: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- וגנבתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- ותפשתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- שם: ADV
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 8:11-17 (thematic): Warning not to forget the LORD or credit one’s success to oneself when one is prosperous—parallels Agur’s fear that fullness will lead him to deny God ('who is the LORD?').
- Psalm 14:1 (verbal): 'The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”' Echoes the language and idea of denying or denying knowledge of the LORD present in Prov 30:9.
- Proverbs 6:30-31 (thematic): Discusses theft committed out of need (hunger) and the social/legal response—parallels Agur’s fear that poverty might drive him to steal and thus profane God’s name.
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10 (thematic): New Testament warning that the desire for riches leads to temptation and ruin—connects to the broader biblical theme behind Prov 30:9 of wealth or poverty provoking moral failure.
Alternative generated candidates
- 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.
- 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.
Pro.30.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תלשן: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אל: NEG
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
- פן: CONJ
- יקללך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ואשמת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Leviticus 19:16 (verbal): Explicit injunction against slander—'You shall not go around as a slanderer'—parallels the prohibition against accusing a servant to his master.
- Exodus 23:1 (verbal): 'You shall not spread a false report' echoes the warning here against speaking falsely about another to their superior.
- Proverbs 6:19 (thematic): One of the six things abhorred is 'a false witness who breathes out lies,' reflecting the broader Proverbs theme condemning slander and false accusation.
- Psalm 101:5 (thematic): The psalmist condemns secret slander ('Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret I will destroy'), resonating with the moral prohibition and consequence in Prov 30:10.
- Proverbs 19:5 (structural): 'A false witness will not go unpunished' parallels Prov 30:10's warning that bringing accusations can bring guilt and retribution.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you and you be held guilty.
- Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you and you be held guilty.
Pro.30.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- יקלל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- אמו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- יברך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 21:17 (verbal): Law forbidding cursing father or mother — closely parallels the proverb's language about cursing parents.
- Leviticus 20:9 (verbal): Explicit prohibition and penalty for cursing one’s parents, echoing the same moral stance as Prov 30:11.
- Deuteronomy 27:16 (verbal): A covenant curse pronounced on anyone who dishonors or curses father or mother — similar formulaic condemnation.
- Matthew 15:4 (quotation): Jesus cites the command to ‘honor your father and mother’ while criticizing traditions that nullify care for parents, offering an NT theological counterpoint to filial disrespect.
- Micah 7:6 (thematic): Depicts family breakdown and children rising against parents — thematically parallels Prov 30:11’s image of a generation that curses parents.
Alternative generated candidates
- There is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother.
- There is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother.
Pro.30.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- ומצאתו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3ms
- לא: PART_NEG
- רחץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 16:2 (verbal): Closely parallel saying that a person’s ways appear clean to themselves while the LORD weighs motives — same idea of self-justification and inward impurity.
- Proverbs 21:2 (verbal): Another proverb stating every man’s way seems right in his own eyes, echoing the theme of self-righteousness contrasted with divine judgment.
- John 9:39-41 (allusion): Jesus’ rebuke that those who say they see are blind parallels the image of ‘eyes not washed’ — moral/spiritual blindness accompanying self-assured purity.
- Romans 2:1-4 (thematic): Paul condemns self-righteous judgment and hypocrisy (those who judge others while committing the same sins), reflecting the Proverbs critique of self-deception and unwashed corruption.
Alternative generated candidates
- There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, and yet has not been washed from its filth.
- There is a generation clean in its own eyes, yet not washed from its filth.
Pro.30.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מה: PRON,int
- רמו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עיניו: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- ועפעפיו: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,m
- ינשאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Prov.6:17 (verbal): Lists “haughty eyes” (עיניים רמות) among the things the LORD hates; uses the same idiom of lofty/insolent eyes as in Prov. 30:13.
- Prov.21:4 (verbal): Speaks of “haughty eyes and a proud heart,” closely echoing the language and theme of lifted/haughty eyes found in Prov. 30:13.
- Isa.2:11 (thematic): Declares that the lofty looks of people will be humbled; thematically parallels the condemnation of proud, upturned eyes in Prov. 30:13.
- James 4:6 (thematic): “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,” reflecting the New Testament equivalent response to the pride denounced by the imagery of raised/haughty eyes in Prov. 30:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- There is a generation—how lofty their eyes, and their eyelids are raised.
- There is a generation whose eyes are lofty, and whose eyelids are raised on high.
Pro.30.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חרבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שניו: NOUN,f,pl,poss3,m,pl
- ומאכלות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מתלעתיו: VERB,hith,ptc,3,m,pl
- לאכל: INF,qal
- עניים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואביונים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מאדם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 10:8-10 (thematic): Describes the wicked preying on the poor—seeking out, ensnaring, and devouring the needy—parallel to the image of fanged teeth devouring the poor in Prov. 30:14.
- Micah 3:1-3 (verbal): Leaders are accused of 'eating the flesh of my people' and stripping their skin—vivid, corporeal language of exploitation that echoes Prov. 30:14’s imagery of devouring the poor.
- Ezekiel 22:27 (verbal): Speaks of princes who 'devour' the needy in their houses and commit robbery—using the same verb/image of devouring the vulnerable found in Proverbs 30:14.
- Amos 4:1 (thematic): Denounces the wealthy who oppress and trample the poor (the 'cows of Bashan'), thematically matching Proverbs’ condemnation of those who consume the poor's livelihood.
- Job 24:2-4 (thematic): Describes the powerful seizing property, pushing the poor from the way, and denying justice—a thematic parallel to Prov. 30:14’s portrayal of the poor being deprived and devoured by others.
Alternative generated candidates
- A generation whose teeth are swords and whose fangs are knives, to devour the poor from off the earth and the needy from among men.
- There is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose fangs are knives—to devour the poor from off the earth and the needy from among humanity.
Pro.30.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לעלוקה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שתי: NUM,card,f,du
- בנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הב: VERB,qal,imp,2,ms
- הב: VERB,qal,imp,2,ms
- שלוש: NUM,f,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- לא: PART_NEG
- תשבענה: VERB,qal,imperf,3,f,pl
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- לא: PART_NEG
- אמרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.30:16 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same saying — enumerates the four things that 'never say Enough', supplying the specifics alluded to by v.15's heading.
- Prov.27:20 (verbal): Uses closely related language of insatiability — 'Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and the eyes of man are never satisfied' — echoing the motif of things that never have enough.
- Ecclesiastes 1:8 (thematic): Expresses the same theme of human and cosmic insatiability — 'the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing' — echoing v.15's concern with never being satisfied.
- Prov.6:16-19 (structural): Another Proverbs passage that uses a numbered list of vices/blessings ('six things... seven'), paralleling the literary device of enumerated wisdom sayings employed in Prov.30:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- The leech has two daughters: 'Give, give.' There are three things that are never satisfied, and four that say not, 'Enough.'
- The leech has two daughters: 'Give, give.' There are three things that are never satisfied, yes, four that never say, 'Enough':
Pro.30.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועצר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- שבעה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- אמרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- הון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 30:15 (structural): Immediate context within Agur’s sayings; the surrounding verses form the same catalog of insatiable beings and set up v.16’s list of things that never say “Enough.”
- Proverbs 27:20 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel — both verses say that Sheol (and related terms) is never satisfied, using almost identical language about the grave’s insatiability.
- Ecclesiastes 1:8 (thematic): Expresses the same theme of relentless appetite and dissatisfaction — “the eye is not satisfied with seeing,” paralleling the motif of things that never have enough.
- Isaiah 5:14 (allusion): Uses similar imagery of Sheol expanding its throat and opening its mouth beyond measure, echoing the idea of the grave’s insatiable appetite found in Prov. 30:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- Sheol and the barren womb; the earth, which is not satisfied with water; and fire, which never says, 'Enough.'
- Sheol and the barren womb, the earth that is never satisfied with water, and fire that never says, 'Enough.'
Pro.30.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- תלעג: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לאב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותבוז: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ליקהת: PREP+INF,qal
- אם: CONJ
- יקרוה: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- ערבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאכלוה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- נשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 27:16 (thematic): Curses the one who dishonors father or mother—shared theme of condemnation for disrespecting parents.
- Exodus 20:12 (thematic): The fifth commandment to honor father and mother provides the ethical background for Proverbs’ denunciation of parental dishonor.
- Leviticus 20:9 (verbal): Prescribes severe penalty for cursing a parent—legal parallel to Proverbs’ threat of violent retribution for contempt of parents.
- Proverbs 20:20 (verbal): Another proverb linking cursing or dishonoring parents with dire punishment (extinguishing of the lamp), closely related in subject and moral outcome.
- Matthew 15:4 (cf. Mark 7:10) (allusion): Jesus cites the command to honor father and mother and criticizes traditions that nullify it—New Testament engagement with the same obligation and its moral force.
Alternative generated candidates
- The eye that mocks a father and scorns a mother's discipline—the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.
- The eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother—the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.
Pro.30.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שלשה: NUM,m
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- נפלאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- וארבעה: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידעתים: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 30:19 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same numerical proverb motif (“three... four”) — verse 18 introduces a series of wondrous things that verse 19 begins to list.
- Proverbs 6:16-19 (structural): Another wisdom-proverb that uses numeric sayings (“six things... seven”) to enumerate morally significant or puzzling items; parallels the use of numbered lists to teach by example.
- Job 28:12-28 (thematic): Meditation on the inaccessibility of wisdom and the hiddenness of profound things; parallels Prov.30:18’s theme of human inability to fully comprehend certain wonders.
- Deuteronomy 29:29 (thematic): Declares that ‘secret things belong to the LORD’ while revealed things are for Israel and their descendants — echoes the distinction between knowable and unknowable matters in Prov.30:18.
- Matthew 13:11 (allusion): Jesus’ statement that the secrets/mysteries of the kingdom are given to some but not others echoes the biblical motif of limited human knowledge and divinely apportioned revelation found in Prov.30:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- There are three things too wonderful for me, and four which I do not understand:
- There are three things too wonderful for me, yes, four I do not understand:
Pro.30.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הנשר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בשמים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נחש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- צור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אניה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בלב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ים: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- ודרך: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גבר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בעלמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Job 39:27-30 (verbal): A close verbal and thematic parallel describing the eagle’s path and flight high above—both texts reflect on the inscrutable ways of the eagle in the heavens.
- Isaiah 40:31 (thematic): Uses the image of mounting up with wings like eagles; thematically related in portraying the eagle’s mysterious, lofty movement as a model of divine or inscrutable ways.
- Psalm 107:23-30 (thematic): Speaks of those who go down to sea in ships and the perilous, God‑governed course of a vessel on the deep—parallels the ‘way of a ship in the heart of the sea’ image.
- Proverbs 7:6-27 (structural): Extended wisdom‑literature treatment of a man’s encounter with a young woman; thematically parallels the enigmatic ‘way of a man with a maiden’ and the unpredictable dynamics of desire and relationship.
- Song of Solomon 8:4 (cf. 2:7) (thematic): Song‑of‑Songs language about forbidding the stirring of love and the mutual, mysterious movement between lovers connects to the proverb’s final image of the inscrutable path of a man with a maiden.
Alternative generated candidates
- The way of an eagle in the heavens, the way of a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the heart of the sea, and the way of a man with a young woman.
- The way of an eagle in the heavens, the way of a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the heart of the sea, and the way of a man with a maiden.
Pro.30.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כן: ADV
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מנאפת: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- אכלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- ומחתה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f
- ואמרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- פעלתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- און: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 7:10-23 (structural): A narrative depiction of the seductress who lies in wait, flatters and leads a young man to ruin—paralleling Proverbs 30:20’s portrait of the adulterous woman and her deceptive actions.
- Proverbs 5:3-6 (verbal): Warns that the adulterous woman’s lips 'drip honey' but end in bitterness and judgment; closely related imagery and the theme of seductive speech that conceals wickedness.
- Proverbs 6:24-35 (thematic): A direct parental warning against adultery describing the woman’s destructive consequences and the husband’s justified anger—same moral lesson about sexual treachery and its penalties.
- Proverbs 9:13-18 (structural): Personifies the foolish/wanton woman who sits at the door calling to the simple; similar technique of depicting a female figure who entices and then denies responsibility for the ruin she causes.
- Ezekiel 16:25-34 (allusion): Uses the prostitute/adulteress motif to indict Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness and ingratitude; thematically parallels the prophetic use of sexual infidelity as moral treachery and deceptive behavior.
Alternative generated candidates
- Such is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, 'I have done no wrong.'
- Such is the path of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, 'I have done no wrong.'
Pro.30.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תחת: PREP
- שלוש: NUM,f,sg,abs
- רגזה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותחת: CONJ+PREP
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- לא: PART_NEG
- תוכל: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- שאת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 18:7 (verbal): Uses the same earthquake/trembling imagery — "the earth trembled and quaked" in response to divine action, echoing the motif of the earth's reaction in Prov 30:21.
- Psalm 114:6-7 (thematic): Describes the earth's fearful response to Yahweh's presence (sea fled, mountains skipped, earth trembled), thematically parallel to the proverb's depiction of the earth trembling under certain causes.
- Job 9:6 (verbal): Speaks of God who "shaketh the earth out of her place," using similar language of the earth being moved or unable to bear up as in Prov 30:21.
- Proverbs 6:16-19 (structural): Another wisdom passage that organizes moral/observational material numerically (lists of things), comparable in form to Prov 30:21's 'under three... under four' cataloguing style.
Alternative generated candidates
- Under three things the earth trembles, and under four it cannot bear up:
- Under three things the earth is moved, and under four it cannot bear up:
Pro.30.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תחת: PREP
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- כי: CONJ
- ימלוך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ונבל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- ישבע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 30:21 (structural): Immediate context in Agur's poem — the same section enumerates unstable situations (e.g., 'under a servant when he becomes king') and frames the set of four motifs to which v.22 belongs.
- Proverbs 30:23 (structural): Continues the same unit of proverbial contrasts (the full line in Hebrew links the two images); v.23 completes the pair/parallel with v.22 as part of the quartet of destabilizing conditions.
- Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 (thematic): Warns about the folly of a foolish ruler and the harm to a land when leaders are inexperienced or self-indulgent — echoes the theme of danger when lowly or foolish persons gain power or are sated.
- 1 Samuel 8:11-18 (thematic): Samuel's warning about what a king will do (take sons, daughters, fields) portrays the social disruption and abuse tied to kingship and the ruler's appetites, paralleling the proverb's concern about a servant who becomes king or a fool who is satisfied.
- Deuteronomy 17:14-20 (thematic): Regulations for an Israelite king (limitations on horses, wives, wealth, and a warning not to exalt himself) presuppose the danger that a king's power and prosperity lead to pride and harm — a prescriptive counterpart to the proverb's diagnostic observation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Under a servant when he becomes king, and a fool when he is satisfied with food;
- When a servant reigns, when a fool is filled with food,
Pro.30.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תחת: PREP
- שנואה: ADJ,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- תבעל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ושפחה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- תירש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גברתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,f
Parallels
- Prov.30:21-22 (structural): Same pericope — part of the 'under three/four things' catalogue; v.23 appears as one of a set of social reversals that unsettle a household (a servant when he reigneth; a fool when he is satisfied; etc.).
- Prov.30:24-28 (structural): Immediate continuation of Agur's series of short enumerations — similar compact, numerical proverb-structure listing surprising or disordering phenomena.
- Prov.31:10-31 (thematic): Contrasts the praised 'virtuous woman' with the disruptive image of an 'unloved woman' who causes trouble when she gains a husband; both passages treat the social impact of women’s status in the household.
- Gen.16:4-6 (thematic): Hagar/Sarai episode — a maid’s change in status through pregnancy produces jealousy and household conflict, echoing the proverb's concern with a servant or unloved woman whose altered position destabilizes relations.
- Isa.3:12 (thematic): Isaiah laments social disorder when traditional roles are overturned ('women rule over them'), thematically parallel to Proverbs' observation that a subordinate's rise (servant or unloved woman) produces disturbance.
Alternative generated candidates
- Under an odious woman when she is married, and a handmaid who succeeds her mistress.
- when an unloved woman is married, and when a handmaid succeeds her mistress.
Pro.30.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- קטני: NOUN,m,pl,poss,1,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והמה: PRON,3,m,pl
- חכמים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- מחכמים: VERB,piel,ptc,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 30:25 (structural): Immediate continuation of 30:24 — begins the list of the four small creatures (the ant) that are 'wise', providing the direct literary parallel within the same passage.
- Proverbs 6:6 (verbal): Explicitly invokes the ant as an example to learn wisdom from ('Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise'), echoing the motif of small creatures exemplifying wisdom.
- Job 12:7-9 (thematic): Urges asking the beasts and birds to teach human beings, reflecting the broader biblical theme that animals and creation reveal wisdom and instruct humans.
- Matthew 6:26 (thematic): Jesus points to the birds of the air as examples to observe (trust/providence), using small creatures as instructive models — a New Testament parallel in method and didactic use of creatures.
- Psalm 104:24-25 (thematic): Praises God's wisdom in creating the multitude of creatures in the sea and earth, connecting the idea that even small creatures are part of the wisdom manifested in creation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise:
- Four things on the earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise:
Pro.30.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הנמלים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- עם: PREP
- לא: PART_NEG
- עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויכינו: VERB,hif,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בקיץ: PREP
- לחמם: PREP+VERB,qal,inf+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Prov.6:6-8 (quotation): Directly parallels and is quoted as instruction: both exhort the sluggard to observe the ant, noting its provision of food in summer and wise preparation.
- Prov.10:5 (thematic): Shares the theme of seasonal diligence—gathering in summer as a mark of prudence and wise planning for future needs.
- Prov.20:4 (thematic): Contrasts the industrious example of the ant with the sluggard who fails to work in season and therefore suffers at harvest—underscores consequences of not preparing.
- Prov.30:24-26 (structural): Immediate literary context: verse 24 introduces a list of small but wise creatures, and verse 26 continues the motif of seemingly weak animals behaving wisely—Prov.30:25 is part of this cluster.
Alternative generated candidates
- Ants are not mighty, yet they prepare their food in summer;
- The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their bread in the summer;
Pro.30.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שפנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עם: PREP
- לא: PART_NEG
- עצום: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וישימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בסלע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביתם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,pl
Parallels
- Prov.30:24-28 (structural): Immediate context: a group of small creatures (ants, rock-badgers, locusts, lizards) used together as examples of weakness paired with wisdom or security; verse 26 is one item in this list.
- Prov.6:6 (thematic): Uses a small creature (the ant) as a model of prudent behavior and industry—parallels the proverb's use of animals to teach moral/ethical lessons from nature.
- Lev.11:5 (verbal): Uses the same Hebrew term (שפן/שפנים, often translated 'shafan' or 'coney/hyrax') in the dietary laws; connects the identity of the animal mentioned in Proverbs 30:26.
- Ps.104:18 (thematic): Speaks of rocks as a refuge for the hyrax/rock-dweller—echoes the image of the small creature dwelling securely among cliffs/rocks in Proverbs 30:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- Rock badgers are not strong, yet they make their homes in the cliffs;
- the conies are a feeble folk, yet they make their houses in the rocks;
Pro.30.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אין: PART,neg
- לארבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- חצץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Prov.30:25 (thematic): Immediate context in the same chapter: small creatures (ants) are commended for ordered, collective behavior despite lack of human rulership—parallel motif of organized insect activity.
- Prov.6:6-8 (thematic): Another Solomonic proverb that points to the ant's industrious, self-organizing behavior without overseer—parallel moral lesson drawn from insect society.
- Joel 2:7-8 (verbal): Describes a locust host with nearly the same image of orderly marching—'they march every one in his way, and they do not break ranks,' a close verbal/thematic parallel to Proverbs' portrayal of locust bands.
- Exodus 10:12-15 (allusion): Narrative portrayal of a devastating swarm of locusts that moves as a united force over the land; thematically echoes the depiction of locusts acting en masse without a human king or commander.
Alternative generated candidates
- Locusts have no king, yet they advance all together in ranks;
- the locusts have no king, yet they advance all of them in ranks;
Pro.30.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שממית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בידים: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+3ms
- תתפש: VERB,niphal,imf,2,m,sg
- והיא: CONJ+PRON,3,f,sg
- בהיכלי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Proverbs 30:25 (thematic): Same unit in Agur's sayings listing small creatures (ants) whose behavior teaches wisdom—parallel motif of observing insignificant animals for moral/wise insight.
- Proverbs 30:26 (thematic): The conies (rock badgers) are another example in the same list: a seemingly weak animal that nonetheless inhabits high, secure places—parallels the surprising security of the lizard in kings' palaces.
- Proverbs 30:27 (thematic): The locusts are also cited immediately before v.28 as part of the catalogue of creatures whose collective traits (order, movement, success) provoke reflection—continues the thematic catalogue to which the lizard belongs.
- Proverbs 30:29-31 (structural): These verses continue Agur’s catalogue of 'things that are stately'—structurally and thematically linked to v.28 by presenting surprising examples of dignity, status, or security in creatures and objects.
- Proverbs 6:6 (thematic): Earlier proverb urging the sluggard to learn from the ant—parallels Prov.30:28’s method of drawing moral/reflective lessons from the behavior and situations of small animals.
Alternative generated candidates
- The lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is found in the palaces of kings.
- a lizard you can take with your hands, yet it is found in kings' palaces.
Pro.30.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שלשה: NUM,m
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- מיטיבי: PART,piel,ptc,3,m,pl,const
- צעד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וארבעה: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- מיטבי: PART,piel,ptc,3,m,pl,const
- לכת: VERB,qal,infc
Parallels
- Prov.30:18-19 (structural): Uses the same 'three... and four' proverb formula of enigmatic observations; similar rhetorical pattern of numbered poetic lists.
- Prov.30:21-23 (structural): Another 'three... and four' catalogue in the same chapter—comparable poetic device enumerating striking phenomena.
- Prov.28:1 (verbal): Shares lion imagery and the motif of majesty/fortitude—'the righteous are bold as a lion' echoes the lion's stately stride in 30:29.
- Job 39:1-30 (thematic): Extended catalogue of animal behaviors (including lions, mountain goats, war-horses) that parallels Proverbs' observation of notable animal movement and character.
- Psalm 104:21-22 (verbal): Speaks of lions and their predatory behavior within God's creation; echoes the vivid lion imagery and attention to animal motion found in Prov 30:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- Three are stately in their stride, and four move with majestic bearing:
- There are three that are stately in their stride, and four that are stately in their walk:
Pro.30.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ליש: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- גבור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בבהמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- ישוב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מפני: PREP
- כל: DET
Parallels
- Proverbs 28:1 (thematic): Uses the lion as a symbol of boldness and fearlessness—'the righteous are as bold as a lion'—paralleling Prov 30:30's portrayal of the lion as mighty and not turning back from anything.
- Psalm 104:21 (thematic): Describes young lions roaring for prey and seeking their food, underscoring the lion's strength and confident independence like the 'mighty' beast in Prov 30:30.
- Amos 3:8 (thematic): 'The lion has roared—who will not fear?' highlights the lion's commanding power and dominance among animals, resonating with Prov 30:30's emphasis on the lion's supremacy and lack of retreat.
- 1 Peter 5:8 (verbal): Compares a prowling, roaring adversary to a lion—drawing on the same cultural image of the lion as relentless and fearsome that underlies Prov 30:30's description.
- Daniel 7:4 (allusion): The apocalyptic lion (with wings) represents dominant power among beasts; Daniel's symbolic use of the lion echoes Prov 30:30's motif of the lion as preeminent and unconquered.
Alternative generated candidates
- A lion, mighty among beasts, who turns not aside for any;
- the lion, which is strongest among beasts, who turns aside before no one;
Pro.30.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זרזיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתנים: NOUN,m,du,abs
- או: CONJ
- תיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלקום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 30:29-31 (structural): Immediate context: the unit of 'three things... four' listing creatures noted for their stately bearing; verse 31 is part of this enumerative catalogue (lion, strutting rooster, he-goat, king with his host).
- Proverbs 30:18-19 (structural): Another 'three things... four' proverb in the same chapter—parallels the numerical/enumerative form and poetic device used in 30:31.
- Proverbs 6:16-19 (structural): Parallel use of numbered lists to teach moral/observational truth (six things the LORD hates); shows the same proverb/wise-saying technique of grouping items for rhetorical effect.
- Daniel 8:5-8 (thematic): The charging he-goat imagery (a horned goat that rushes westward) evokes the same motif of a male goat as a symbol of bold, aggressive power—comparable to the he-goat's proud bearing in Prov 30:31.
- Matthew 26:34,75 (thematic): New Testament rooster imagery: the cock's crow is used symbolically (Peter's denial) and elsewhere rooster imagery conveys pride/display; connects to the 'strutting rooster' motif of conspicuous, proud behavior in Prov 30:31.
Alternative generated candidates
- a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king when his army is with him.
- a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king when his army is with him.
Pro.30.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- נבלת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- בהתנשא: PREP+VERB,hitpael,inf
- ואם: CONJ
- זמות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 26:12 (thematic): Warns against self-exaltation and the folly of being 'wise in one’s own eyes,' paralleling the proverb's rebuke of prideful behavior.
- Proverbs 21:23 (verbal): ’Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble’ — closely parallels the injunction to restrain speech (’put your hand to your mouth’).
- Psalm 39:1 (verbal): ’I will keep my mouth with a bridle...’ Uses the concrete image of restraining the mouth, echoing the physical admonition to silence in Prov 30:32.
- Ecclesiastes 5:2 (allusion): ’Be not rash with thy mouth...’ Advises carefulness in speech before speaking, thematically echoing the call to hold one’s tongue to avoid folly or evil intent.
- James 1:19 (allusion): ’Swift to hear, slow to speak…’ New Testament ethical echo urging restraint of speech, resonating with the proverb’s counsel to silence when pride or evil plotting is present.
Alternative generated candidates
- If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand over your mouth.
- If you have been foolish by exalting yourself, or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth.
Pro.30.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- מיץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חלב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוציא: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- חמאה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומיץ: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אף: ADV
- יוציא: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- דם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומיץ: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יוציא: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 15:18 (verbal): Uses nearly the same idea/language: a hot-tempered person 'stirs up' or produces strife — direct proverb-level parallel about anger yielding conflict.
- Proverbs 29:22 (verbal): States that an angry man 'stirs up strife' (and the furious abound in transgression), closely matching the cause-and-effect of anger producing strife in Prov 30:33.
- Proverbs 16:32 (thematic): Contrasts the fruit of anger by praising patience: being slow to anger is superior to martial might, underscoring the negative outcomes when anger is pressed forth.
- Proverbs 14:17 (thematic): Links quick temper with foolish action — a related proverb emphasizing the harmful results that flow from uncontrolled anger.
- James 1:19-20 (thematic): NT echo: admonishes believers to be slow to anger because 'the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God,' paralleling the idea that human anger yields damaging results (strife) rather than good.
Alternative generated candidates
- For pressing milk yields butter; pressing the nose draws forth blood; and pressing with pride brings forth strife.
- For churning milk yields butter; pressing the nose brings forth blood; pressing anger breeds quarrels.
The words of Agur son of Jakeh—the oracle. The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal.
Surely I am more brutish than any man; I have not the understanding of a man.
I have not learned wisdom, nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One.
Who has gone up to heaven and come down? 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?
Every word of God is refined; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Do not add to his words, lest he reprove you and you be found false.
Two things I asked of you; do not withhold them from me before I die.
Falsehood and lying—far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food allotted to me.
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.
Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you and you be held guilty.
There is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother.
There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, yet its filth is not washed away.
There is a generation whose eyes are haughty and whose eyelids are lifted up.
There is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose fangs are knives, to devour the needy from off the earth and the poor from among mankind.
The leech has two daughters: “Give, give.” There are three things that are never satisfied, and four that never say, “Enough.”
Sheol and the barren womb, the earth that is never satisfied with water, and fire that says not, “Enough.”
The eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother—the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.
Three things are too wonderful for me, and four I do not understand:
the way of an eagle in the heavens, the way of a snake upon a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a young woman.
Such is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I have done no wrong.”
Under three things the earth trembles, and under four it cannot bear up:
under a slave when he becomes king; under a fool when he is filled with food;
under a hateful wife when she is married, and a servant girl who displaces her mistress.
Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise:
the ants—a people not strong, yet they prepare their bread in summer;
the rock badgers—a little people, yet they make their homes in the rocks;
the locusts have no king, yet they all march forth in ranks;
the lizard you can take with your hands, yet it is found in kings' palaces.
Three are stately in their stride, and four are stately in their walk:
the lion, mighty among beasts, who turns not away before any;
a proud rooster among hens; a male goat; and a king with his host.
If you have done foolishly in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand upon your mouth.
For pressing milk yields butter; pressing the nose brings forth blood; and pressing the nostrils brings forth strife.