Proverbs 30

VERSE 1
Who was Agur?
1. We don’t know much about him at all
2. A few theories about him
a. This was Solomon speaking as a gatherer/collector of wisdom
b. A guy named Agur that we know little about
c. A wise man from Massa (northern Arabia) where Lemuel was king
Who were Ithiel and Ucal?
1. We don’t know much about them either
2. The Masoretic text reads “I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and faint.”
3. Most likely, they were students of Agur, perhaps recording his teaching for us
Conclusion:
So most likely Agur was a wise man from another land sharing wisdom with his pupils

VERSES 2-4
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”
1. Agur was in a position in life where many end up being prideful
2. Agur was humble because he compared himself to God, not to others
“What is his name, and the name of his son?”
1. This could be pointing out that no man can claim to compare with God
2. This could be a reference to Jesus as well
Conclusion: So don’t listen to me if you want wisdom. I’m not the source of it

VERSES 5-6
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him”
1. The source of wisdom is God, who has done all those things
2. So don’t add to His words, your wisdom won’t stack up
Psalm 12:6-7 (KJV)
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
Conclusion: So don’t look anywhere but to God for truth

VERSES 7-9
“Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die”
1. “Keep falsehood and lies far from me”
a. No wickedness…only holy living/extreme righteousness
2. “give me neither poverty nor riches”
a. Too much and I may think I don’t need you
b. Too little and I may use desperate measures outside of your will
3. What two things would you ask for?
Conclusion:
So make me obedient and give me only what I need

***verse 10 It gives the servant added burden…and puts you in danger. Not smart.

***There is a lot of wisdom in the world…Jesus often spoke from his surroundings
VERSES 11-14
Four applications of arrogance
1. Graceless children v. 11
2. Hypocrites v. 12
3. The proud v. 13
4. Cruel oppressors v. 14

VERSES 15-16
Just like the leach, these four things are never satisfied:
1. The grave- (27:20)
2. The barren womb-
3. Land-
4. Fire-
*** Verse 17 God hears the words, sees the attitudes, and the looks kids give parents

VERSES 18-19
Four things that don’t seem possible:
1. The way of an eagle in the sky
2. The way of a snake on a rock
3. The way of a ship on the high seas
4. The way of a man with a maiden
*** Verse 20 The way of an adulteress-hides evidence and looks innocent

VERSE 21-23
Four things that shouldn’t be, but sometimes happen
1. A servant who becomes king
2. A fool who is full of food
3. An unloved woman who is married
4. A maidservant who displaces her mistress

VERSES 24-28
Four things that go far beyond expectations
1. Ants
2. Coneys/rock badger
3. Locusts
4. Lizard

VERSES 29-31
Four things that stride with pride
1. A lion
2. A strutting rooster
3. A he-goat
4. A king with his army

***Verses 32-33 Stirring up anger is a recipe for disaster (from mankind or God)