18 There are three [things] too wonderful for me, and four that I know not: 19 The way of an eagle in the heavens, the way of a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a maid. 20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman: she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. 21 Under three [things] the earth is disquieted, and under four it cannot bear up: 22 Under a servant when he reigneth, and a churl when he is filled with meat; 23 under an odious [woman] when she is married, and a handmaid when she is heir to her mistress.
24 There are four [things] little upon the earth, and they are exceeding wise: 25 The ants, a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; 26 the rock-badgers are but a feeble folk, yet they make their house in the cliff; 27 the locusts have no king, yet they go forth all of them by bands; 28 thou takest hold of the lizard with the hands, yet is she in kings' palaces.
29 There are three [things] which have a stately step, and four are comely in going: 30 The lion, mighty among beasts, which turneth not away for any; 31 a [horse] girt in the loins; or the he-goat; and a king, against whom none can rise up. 32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, [lay] the hand upon thy mouth. 33 For the pressing of milk bringeth forth butter, and the pressing of the nose bringeth forth blood; and the pressing of anger bringeth forth strife.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 30:18-36
Commentary on Proverbs 30:18-20
(Read Proverbs 30:18-20)
Four things cannot be fully known. The kingdom of nature is full of marvels. The fourth is a mystery of iniquity; the cursed arts by which a vile seducer gains the affections of a female; and the arts which a vile woman uses to conceal her wickedness.
Commentary on Proverbs 30:21-28
(Read Proverbs 30:21-28)
Four things that are little, are yet to be admired. There are those who are poor in the world, and of small account, yet wise for their souls and another world.
Commentary on Proverbs 30:29-33
(Read Proverbs 30:29-33)
We may learn from animals to go well; also to keep our temper under all provocations. We must keep the evil thought in our minds from breaking out into evil speeches. We must not stir up the passions of others. Let nothing be said or done with violence, but every thing with softness and calmness. Alas, how often have we done foolishly in rising up against the Lord our King! Let us humble ourselves before him. And having found peace with Him, let us follow peace with all men.