Proverbs:30

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* Verse 1-6 - Agur speaks of himself as wanting a righteousness , and having done very foolishly . And it becomes us all to have low thoughts of ourselves . He speaks of himself as wanting revelation to guide him in the ways of truth and wisdom . The more enlightened people are , the more they lament their ignorance ; the more they pray for clearer , still clearer discoveries of God , and his rich grace in Christ Jesus . In ver . mhcc @Proverbs:30:4 , @ Verse 4 , -, there is a prophetic notice of Him who came down from heaven to be our Instructor and Saviour , and then ascended into heaven to be our Advocate . The Messiah is here spoken of as a Person distinct from the Father , but his name as yet secret . The great Redeemer , in the glories of his providence and grace , cannot be found out to perfection . Had it not been for Christ , the foundations of the earth had sunk under the load of the curse upon the ground , for man 's sin . Who , and what is the mighty One that doeth all this ? There is not the least ground to suspect anything wanting in the word of God ; adding to his words opens the way to errors and corruptions . * Verse 7-9 - Agur wisely prayed for a middle state , that he might be kept at a distance from temptations ; he asked daily bread suited to his station , his family , and his real good . There is a remarkable similarity between this prayer and several clauses of the Lord 's prayer . If we are removed from vanity and lies ; if we are interested in the pardoning love of Christ , and have him for our portion ; if we walk with God , then we shall have all we can ask or think , as to spiritual things . When we consider how those who have abundance are prone to abuse the gift , and what it is to suffer want , Agur 's prayer will ever be found a wise one , though seldom offered . Food convenient ; what is so for one , may not be so for another ; but we may be sure that our heavenly Father will supply all our need , and not suffer us to want anything good for us ; and why should we wish for more ? * Verse 10 - Slander not a servant to his master , accuse him not in small matters , to make mischief .11-14 . In every age there are monsters of ingratitude who ill-treat their parents . Many persuade themselves they are holy persons , whose hearts are full of sin , and who practise secret wickedness . There are others whose lofty pride is manifest . There have also been cruel monsters in every age .15-17 . Cruelty and covetousness are two daughters of the horseleech , that still cry , "Give , give ," and they are continually uneasy to themselves . Four things never are satisfied , to which these devourers are compared . Those are never rich that are always coveting . And many who have come to a bad end , have owned that their wicked courses began by despising their parents ' authority .18-20 . Four things cannot be fully known . The kingdom of nature is full of marvels . The fourth is a mystery of iniquity ; the cursed arts by which a vile seducer gains the affections of a female ; and the arts which a vile woman uses to conceal her wickedness .21-23 Four sorts of persons are very troublesome . Men of low origin and base spirit , who , getting authority , become tyrants . Foolish and violent men indulging in excesses . A woman of a contentious spirit and vicious habits . A servant who has obtained undue influence . Let those whom Providence has advanced from low beginnings , carefully watch against that sin which most easily besets them . mhcc @Proverbs:30:24-28 . @ Verse 24-28 . -. Four things that are little , are yet to be admired . There are those who are poor in the world , and of small account , yet wise for their souls and another world .29-33 . We may learn from animals to go well ; also to keep our temper under all provocations . We must keep the evil thought in our minds from breaking out into evil speeches . We must not stir up the passions of others . Let nothing be said or done with violence , but every thing with softness and calmness . Alas , how often have we done foolishly in rising up against the Lord our King ! Let us humble ourselves before him . And having found peace with Him , let us follow peace with all men . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

---