Vv 2-5: "For I am the most simple of men, and there is not in
me the wisdom of men. God has taught me wisdom, and I know the knowledge of the
Holy. Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the winds in his
bosom? Who has dominion of all the ends of the earth? What is his name? and what
is the name of his children? For all the words of God are tried in the fire, and
he defends those that reverence him" (LXX).
Christ has gone up to heaven after descending to the grave
(Joh 3:13).
Pro 30:6
// Rev 22:18.
Pro 30:8
GIVE ME NEITHER POVERTY NOR RICHES...: In the
materialistic age in which we sojourn, we see all around us both men and women
striving for greater things, seeking better work conditions, better pay, a
better position in society. And even for Christ's brethren, there is immense
pressure for them to "succeed" in the things of this life -- a success which is
measured purely in terms of social advantages, and material possessions. Yet
when measured against the standards of Divine Wisdom, this "success" proves to
be nothing short of failure.
"Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life
consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luk 12:15).
This was the exhortation of the Lord Jesus, introducing his parable of the man
seeking to build bigger and better barns in which to store his accumulation of
wealth.
But although riches are not to be sought after; neither is
there any virtue in poverty. There are those who suppose that there is
righteousness in becoming poor for poverty's sake, and so give up all to live on
the goodwill of others. But there can be no virtue in making ourselves
burdensome to others, or even worse, looking to the state as a provider. Indeed,
scripturally, poverty is associated with shame: "Poverty and shame shall be to
him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured"
(Pro 13:18).
There is no intrinsic virtue to poverty, for it merely
cultivates covetousness, and in many cases, theft to obtain that which is
desired, yet beyond lawful means to obtain.
Pro 30:9
First part: Nabal in 1Sa 25:10. Last part: David in 1Sa
25:21,22.
WHO IS THE LORD?: The question of the "fool": Psa 14:1;
53:1. The question asked by Pharaoh: Exo 5:2.
Pro 30:10
Cp Rom 14:4.
Pro 30:11
Vv 11-15: 4 characteristics of a wicked generation: cp 2Ti
3:1-7.
Pro 30:13
Prayer of Pharisee: Luk 18:11.
Pro 30:18
Vv 18-20: 4 "wonderful" things: God's ways, unfathomable.
Wonders of nature, uselessness of natural life. All of first 3: leaving no trace
or trail. Eagle and ship = rapid course of life. Serpent = sin esp. No lasting
mark. So... tracing on sky or rock, or plowing on sea: the same as sowing to the
flesh -- ie will reap only corruption and vanity.
Pro 30:19
THE WAY OF A MAN WITH A MAID: Seduction -- swift, evil,
useless, leaving no continuing profit in lusts of the flesh.
Pro 30:20
MOUTH: Euphemism for vagina? Cp Pro 22:14.
I'VE DONE NOTHING: See Gen 39:13-19.
Pro 30:22
A SERVANT WHO BECOMES KING: Zimri (1Ki 16:9-20).
A FOOL WHO IS FULL OF FOOD: Nabal (1Sa 25).
Pro 30:23
AN UNLOVED WOMAN WHO IS MARRIED: Leah (Gen
29:30).
A MAIDSERVANT WHO DISPLACES HER MISTRESS: Hagar with
Sarah (Gen 16:4-6).
Pro 30:25
"Laying up treasure in heaven": Mat 6:20.
Pro 30:26
CONEYS: "I have seen them in the wild cliffs of the
Litany, below Blat, and also above the rocky pass of el Bulyad, on the Ladder of
Tyre. In shape they resemble the rabbit, but are smaller, and of a dull russet
colour" (LB 298). Conscious of their own natural defenselessness, the coneys
resort to burrows in the rocks, and are secure from their enemies. In spiritual
matters, we may be as weak and as exposed to peril as the timid coney, and we
should be as wise to seek a shelter. Our best security is within the fortresses
of an unchangeable Yahweh, where His unalterable promises stand like giant walls
of rock. All His glorious attributes are guarantees of safety for those who put
their trust in Him. Blessed be the name of the Lord, Especially is this true of
His Son: the sinner may flee to the cleft of the rock Christ Jesus, and in his
wounded side find a delightful resting-place. No monarch in his Masada, his
impregnable fortress, is more secure than the coney in his rocky burrow. The
master of ten thousand chariots is not one bit better protected than the little
dweller in the mountain's cleft. In Jesus the weak are strong, and the
defenseless safe; they could not be more strong if they were giants, or more
safe if they were in a great fortress. Faith gives to men on earth the
protection of the God of heaven. The coneys cannot build a castle, but they
avail themselves of what is there already: I cannot make myself a refuge, but
Jesus has provided it; tonight I enter it, and am safe from every foe.
Pro 30:27
LOCUSTS HAVE NO KING: But ct Rev 9:11!
Pro 30:28
LIZARD: "Spider" in KJV.
Pro 30:33
CHURNING... TWISTING: Sw in both cases. A form of
butter is produced by squeezing and pummeling animal skins filled with milk (LB
256).