Proverbs 30:24–28

PROVERBS CHAPTER 30

The Maxims of Agur, the Son of Jakeh.

DEDUCING TRUTHS FROM COMMON EXPERIENCE. — V. 24. There be four things which are little upon the earth, inconspicuous and therefore ordinarily overlooked, but they are exceeding wise: v. 25. The ants are a people not strong, not powerful in size, yet they prepare their meat in the summer, their diligence and thrift laying up a store for the time of need; v. 26. the conies, the cliff-badgers of Palestine, are but a feeble folk, also lacking in strength, yet make they their houses in the rocks, thus exhibiting a shrewdness which is worthy of imitation; v. 27. the locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands, their swarms migrating in perfect harmony and order; v. 28. the spider, rather, the gecko, a poisonous spotted lizard, taketh hold with her hands, being able to cling to, and even move forward upon, the flat surfaces, and is in kings’ palaces, able to adapt herself to every situation. These virtues, as taught by the animals mentioned, are to be applied by men in their domestic, social, and political life.