Proverbs 30:32–33

PROVERBS CHAPTER 30

The Maxims of Agur, the Son of Jakeh.

DEDUCING TRUTHS FROM COMMON EXPERIENCE. — V. 32. If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, self-exaltation being evidence of unusual denseness, or if thou hast thought evil, in wicked plotting against a neighbor, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, refraining from further speech and thus from further sinning. V. 33. Surely the churning of milk, the Oriental method being that of squeezing and wringing in a skin or bottle of leather, bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose, if it is pressed too hard, bringeth forth blood; so the forcing of wrath, when one or both parties to a quarrel are highly irritated, bringeth forth strife, the proper course for a Christian therefore being that of refraining from anger and provocation and of living peaceably with all men, Rom. 12, 18.