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Joel Kell

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Proverbs 30

Introduction

This and the following chapter are an appendix to Solomon’s proverbs; but they are both expressly called prophecies in the Prov. 30:1 Prov. 31:1, by which it appears that the penmen of them, whoever they were, were divinely inspired.

Verses 1–6

Some make Agur to be not the name of this author, but his character; he was a collector (so it signifies), a gatherer, one that did not compose things himself, but collected the wise sayings and observations of others, made abstracts of the writings of others, which some think is the reason why he…

Verses 7–9

After Agur’s confession and creed, here follows his litany, where we may observe, I. The preface to his prayer: Two things have I required (that is, requested) of thee, O God! Before we go to pray it is good to consider what we need, and what the things are which we have to ask of God.—What does…

Verses 10–14

Here is, I. A caution not to abuse other people’s servants any more than our own, nor to make mischief between them and their masters, for it is an ill office, invidious, and what will make a man odious, Prov. 30:10. Consider, 1.

Verses 15–17

He had spoken before of those that devoured the poor , and had spoken of them last, as the worst of all the four generations there mentioned; now here he speaks of their insatiableness in doing this. The temper that puts them upon it is made up of cruelty and covetousness.

Verses 18–23

Here is, I. An account of four things that are unsearchable, too wonderful to be fully known. And here, 1. The first three are natural things, and are only designed as comparisons for the illustration of the last. We cannot trace, (1.) An eagle in the air.

Verses 24–28

I. Agur, having specified four things that seem great and yet are really contemptible, here specifies four things that are little and yet are very admirable, great in miniature, in which, as bishop Patrick observes, he teaches us several good lessons; as, 1.

Verses 29–33

Here is, I. An enumeration of four things which are majestic and stately in their going, which look great:— 1. A lion, the king of beasts, because strongest among beasts.