18 Three things have been too wonderful for me, Yea, four that I have not known: 19 The way of the eagle in the heavens, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the heart of the sea, And the way of a man in youth. 20 So—the way of an adulterous woman, She hath eaten and hath wiped her mouth, And hath said, 'I have not done iniquity.' 21 For three things hath earth been troubled, And for four—it is not able to bear: 22 For a servant when he reigneth, And a fool when he is satisfied with bread, 23 For a hated one when she ruleth, And a maid-servant when she succeedeth her mistress.
24 Four 'are' little ones of earth, And they are made wiser than the wise: 25 The ants 'are' a people not strong, And they prepare in summer their food, 26 Conies 'are' a people not strong, And they place in a rock their house, 27 A king there is not to the locust, And it goeth out—each one shouting, 28 A spider with two hands taketh hold, And is in the palaces of a king.
29 Three there are going well, Yea, four are good in going: 30 An old lion—mighty among beasts, That turneth not back from the face of any, 31 A girt one of the loins, or a he-goat, And a king—no rising up with him. 32 If thou hast been foolish in lifting up thyself, And if thou hast devised evil—hand to mouth! 33 For the churning of milk bringeth out butter, And the wringing of the nose bringeth out blood, And the forcing of anger bringeth out 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.