This chapter and the next quote wisdom from people other than Solomon. This chapter is written by Agur (only mentioned here in the Bible) and it reads like a psalm, while still containing wise sayings.
“Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs; the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank; the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.” (v24-28)
Several sections of this chapter are written in list form, where Agur provides details for a variety of creatures, people, and behaviors to make his points. This specific list shows how the Divine Creator (God) displays His wisdom in creation by making even the smallest creatures have amazing attributes.
Agur harshly humbles himself at the beginning of his chapter, then proceeds to elevate God by listing some of His works and wisdom. This stark contrast serves as an important reminder: God is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, and infinite in all aspects, while we are extremely meager, weak, foolish, limited, and finite in comparison. Comparing God to us, is like comparing us to a speck of dust.
Breaking from my usual pattern a little bit, I’m going to paraphrase v 1-9, 31 as a prayer, and I invite you to join me in praying this to our Lord in Heaven.
We are weary, O Lord. We are so very weary and worn out O God. Surely we are foolish, too foolish to be made in Your image. We lack understanding, we have not learned wisdom, nor do we have sound knowledge of You, the Holy One. Which of us has ascended into Heaven and come back down? Who of us has gathered the wind in our fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who of us has established the ends of this earth? What is their name? Every word from You proves true, and You are a shield to those who take refuge in Your presence. We must not add to Your words, lest You rebuke us and we be found out as liars. These things we ask of You, please do not deny them from us: Please remove the propensity for lying and falsehoods far from us; please give us neither poverty or riches; please provide enough food for our needs, lest we deny You and say “Who is the Lord?”, or lest we sin against You and profane Your holy name. If we have been foolish, exalting ourselves, or devising evil schemes, please forgive us and return us to the paths of righteousness, from this day forward. You are our Strength, our Refuge, our Rock, and our Redeemer, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training