Chapter Summary

Proverbs 30 is written by someone other than Solomon: Agur son of Jakeh. His opening declaration is one of the most disarming in all of wisdom literature: surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding. From this place of profound humility, Agur offers some of the sharpest observations in the book.

His prayer in verses 7 through 9 is remarkable in its moderation: give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. He understands that both extremes pose spiritual dangers.

The chapter's numbered sayings about the natural world have a different tone than the rest of Proverbs. Agur observes the eagle, the snake, the ship, and the ant. He is pointing to wisdom embedded in creation, patterns that teach us if we pay attention.

All 33 Verses
Click any verse to reflect on its meaning
Related Bible Story
Jesus on Worry and Daily Bread
Matthew 6:25 to 34 · New Testament

Jesus on Worry and Daily Bread

The Sermon on the Mount echoes Agur's prayer
Connection to Proverbs 30

Agur's prayer, give me only my daily bread, is the Proverbs version of the Lord's Prayer's give us today our daily bread. Both recognize that the appropriate posture before God is trusting for enough. Jesus's words in Matthew 6 build directly on this wisdom, pointing to birds and flowers as Agur points to ants and eagles.