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Study Lesson 12 – Proverbs - continued
12.1 Connect
We return now to the seventh division of Proverbs, the sayings of Augur (30:1-33). He
claims to be inspired in his teaching. His name probably comes from the verb “to gather,”
and his activity is not unlike the ant (6:8) and the prudent farmer (10:5). The chapter
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begins with an emphasis on the impossibility of a human attaining wisdom without God.
Once discovered, or learned from Yahweh, “every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to
those who take refuge in him (30:5).” Since God’s word is flawless, it is absolutely essential not to add to
his words (30:6). Thus, the overall theme is humility. He begins with “I am weary, God, but I can prevail
(30:1)” and ends with “If you play the fool and exalt yourself (30:32).” From the beginning the writers
have encouraged us to turn from self-confidence in our search for wisdom. Pride will only lead us into
folly, since the fear of Yahweh is the basis for this kind of knowledge (1:7).
Most of the chapter uses a poetic form of heightened emphasis, “for three …four” (30:15, 18, 21, 24,
29). Two topics dominate. The first seems to be human desire driven by pride: the danger of poverty and
riches (7-9), devouring the needy (11-14), the leech (15a), things never satisfied (15b-16), mocking
parents (17), and sexual attraction (18-20). The second theme involves kings and other leaders: a servant
who becomes king (21-23), lizards found in kings’ palaces (24-28), and secure kings (29-31).
12.2 Objective
1. You will discover the only verses about Christ in Proverbs.
2. You will be introduced to a heresy about Christ as a created being that has continued to this day.
3. You will consider some of the main characteristics of God in Proverbs and the powerful emotions he
has about us.
12.3 Agur, Proverbs and Christ, Theology
Our attention is turned quickly to the striking questions of 30:4 in connection with the
attainment of wisdom. “Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have
gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all
the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you
know!”
181 Gesenius, Lexicon, p. 8.
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