Proverbs 29 was the last of the Proverbs of Solomon recorded by Hezekiah. The last two Proverbs are from Kings who have been lost to antiquity. Though we do not know who these kings were, their wise sayings endure through the ages.
The first section of Proverbs 30:1-6 is fitting for our journey down the long but straight highway called Wisdom’s Way. Perhaps after these 30 days through the Proverbs, you can relate with Agur. You are weary, worn, and wondering if you will ever be patterned after the proverbs. The secret to wisdom, as the riddle of verse 4 demonstrates, is trusting in the one whose name we know. What is his name and what is his son’s name? Surely you know! The one who has come down, who wrapped up the waters in a garment, who has established the ends of the earth, has a name that is above every name. He calls us to come to him, to call upon him, and to follow the path he has walked. His path leads to forever with God. His path is the King’s Highway – Wisdom’s Way. When we draw near and become weary of walking, we have the assurance of verses 5 – every word proves true, he is completely trustworthy, and he protects from danger all those who take refuge in him. His refuge is an eternal refuge. His security is impenetrable daring anyone to add to his words.
The proper response from one who has already declared his need and who has seen his needs matchlessly met by God’s provisions? Prayer! Verses 7-9 is the only prayer recorded in the Proverbs. The substance of the prayer is to protect the heart from wandering far from God.
Verse 10 stands alone but reminds the one seeking wisdom that he is a servant with a master.
vv.11-14 – there are four types of loathsome people:
- Those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.
- Those who are clean in their own eyes but in reality are filthy.
- Those who are brimming with pride.
- Those who use their mouth as a weapon.
vv.15-16 – Holds before us things that are never satisfied. These things never say enough.
v.17 – Continuing the admonition from verse 11, this Proverb curses those who do not honor father and mother.
vv.18-20 – Presents another riddle for us to ponder. READ TEXT. Is there any order to this list of random thoughts? Further, why would Agur ponder these things.? What is the message we are intended to receive? The eagle flies without leaving a trail. The snake on a rock is intractable. The high seas make tracking a ship difficult. There is no discernable difference after a couple has sex. Though there is no trace, God knows and the adulteress, who in these Proverbs has been the personification of sin, will have a payday someday when her actions come to full bloom to reveal her foolishness has left her unsatisfied.
vv.21-23 – These Proverbs demonstrate the difficulty the fool has in handling things they have no capacity to enjoy. Their folly has left them incompetent and are crushed by the weight of all wisdom demands.
vv. 24-28 – Four lessons from the small and seemingly insignificant:
- Provide for the future.
- Place yourself in a safe place for troubled days.
- Cooperate with others.
- Stay humble yet persistent.
vv.29-31 – Teaches us that the strength of the King is in his subjects, not in himself.
vv.32-33 – Like the strutting rooster, those who are obnoxious are warned to be quiet or they will soon be the subject of strife.
Wisdom’s Pathway is often uphill. When those moments of opportunity to be wise come, we have the assurance of trusting in the Lord with all of our hearts knowing that he whose words always prove true, who is a shield to those who take refuge in him, will make a crooked path straight. He calls us to walk and trust in him.