ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Proverbs 30

Prov. 30:1–33 The Sayings of Agur. The identity of Agur, son of Jakeh, is unknown. One claim is that the word translated oracle actually should be the proper name “Massa,” so that v. 1 would read, “Agur son of Jakeh, the man of Massa” (see esv footnote). If so, then it might refer to a tribe in northwest Arabia, and Agur could have been a Gentile.

Prov. 30:2–6 I am too stupid to be a man. Wisdom texts often begin with a teacher proclaiming that he is wise and so his words ought to be obeyed. Here, Agur does just the opposite: he confesses that he is not learned in wisdom (vv. 2–3). Agur then asks a series of rhetorical questions to show the limitations on human understanding and achievement (v. 4). Like the questions of God in Job 38–39, these questions point to things that only God can do. Silent reverence is the only proper human response (Prov. 30:6). The whole of vv. 2–6 teaches that human wisdom is limited, that the wisest people recognize their ignorance, that truth resides in the word of God, and that no one should think he is able to improve upon the wisdom that God has given.

Prov. 30:5–6 Every word of God proves true (compare 2 Sam. 22:31). God’s words are a proven foundation for one’s life. The proverb’s emphasis on every “word” underscores the truthfulness, trustworthiness, and reliability of the Bible, not just in its overall message but also in every detail.

Prov. 30:7–9 This is the only prayer in Proverbs. Agur asks for two things. The first request (remove far from me falsehood and lying) probably implies both that he does not want to become a liar and that he does not want to have people lie to him. The second request (give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me) expresses caution about trusting in wealth.

Prov. 30:15 The leech has two daughters, both named Give. The saying probably alludes to the two suckers on a leech’s body. It may have been a common way to describe a selfish or demanding person.

Prov. 30:17 This is actually a curse. Agur obviously regards respect for parents as supremely important (see v. 11).

Prov. 30:18–19 The eagle, the serpent, and the ship leave no trail. The relationship of a man and a virgin, if it is chaste, likewise leaves no observable change.

Prov. 30:21–23 These four persons are unbearable because they have been given things they have no capacity to handle wisely. A modern example would be a person promoted above his ability level.

Prov. 30:29–31 The king is the main point here; the animals serve as comparisons. The lesson is that a king’s majesty is in his subjects (see 14:28).