The words of (a) Agur the son of Jakeh, [even] the prophecy: the man
spoke to Ithiel, even to (b) Ithiel and Ucal,
(a) Who was an excellent man in virtue and knowledge in the time of
Solomon.
(b) Who were Agur's scholars or friends.... [ Continue Reading ]
Surely I [am] more (c) senseless than [any] man, and have not the
understanding of a man.
(c) In this he declares his great humility who would not attribute any
wisdom to himself but all to God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Who hath ascended into (d) heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the
wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath
established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what
[is] his son's name, if thou canst tell?
(d) Meaning, to know the secrets of God, as though... [ Continue Reading ]
Two (e) [things] have I required of thee; deny [them] not to me before
I die:
(e) He makes this request to God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, (f) Who [is] the LORD? or
lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].
(f) Meaning, that they who put their trust in their riches forget God
and that by too much wealth men have an opportunity to the same.... [ Continue Reading ]
Accuse not a servant to his master, lest he curse thee, (g) and thou
be found guilty.
(g) In accusing him without cause.... [ Continue Reading ]
The horseleach hath two (h) daughters, [crying], Give, give. There are
three [things that] are never satisfied, [yea], four [things] say not,
[It is] enough:
(h) The leach has two forks in her tongue, which here he calls her two
daughters, by which she sucks the blood, and is never satisfied: even... [ Continue Reading ]
The eye [that] mocketh at [its] father, and despiseth to obey [its]
mother, the ravens (i) of the valley shall pick it out, and the young
eagles shall eat it.
(i) Which hunt in the valley for carrion.... [ Continue Reading ]
Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and (k) wipeth
her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
(k) She has her desires, and later counterfeits as though she were an
honest woman.... [ Continue Reading ]
For (l) a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with
food;
(l) These commonly abuse the state to which they are called.... [ Continue Reading ]
For an odious [woman] when she is married; and an handmaid that is (m)
heir to her mistress.
(m) Who is married to her master after the death of her mistress.... [ Continue Reading ]
There are four [things which are] little upon the earth, but they
[are] very (n) wise:
(n) They contain great doctrine and wisdom.... [ Continue Reading ]
The spider taketh hold (o) with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.
(o) If man is not able to compass these common things by his wisdom,
we cannot attribute wisdom to man, but folly.... [ Continue Reading ]
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast
thought evil, [lay] thy hand (p) upon thy mouth.
(p) Make a stay and continue not in doing evil.... [ Continue Reading ]