“There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going: 30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any; 31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. 32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. 33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.” (Proverbs 30: 29-33)

In an earlier passage, Agur had made use of four insignificant creatures – the ants, conies, locusts and spider – to teach lessons of great practical wisdom (vv 24-28). Now, in verses 29-31, Agur shifts his focus to four more of God’s creatures – “a lion,” “a greyhound,” “an he goat” and “a king”. These creatures possess something in common – an aura of regality, strength, comeliness and majesty.

At the top of the list is a lion “which is strongest among beasts” (v 30). Holding the title of “King of the Jungle,” it does not quiver at the sight of other animals. Even when outnumbered, it does not back down without a fight. A greyhound is a slender animal equipped with tightly girded loins for swiftness. Elegant, fast and agile, it can easily chase down smaller animals in an open field. An he goat is a stately leader of the flock. With its long beard and magnificent horns, it is their defender and guide. A king who is true to his calling will have none “rising up” against him (v 31).

All the above-named creatures have rightful claims of sovereignty over their own jurisdiction. The manner in which they move and walk is described as “well” and “comely” (v 29). These are good qualities for us to emulate. Like these stately creatures, let us learn how to conduct ourselves with courage, fortitude, watchfulness and comeliness.

It is likely that verse 32 applies to the preceding illustration – “a king, against whom there is no rising up”. Here, Agur warns against proudly resisting the king’s authority – “in lifting up thyself” or plotting against him (v 32a). Should we be guilty of such offences, we ought to show our remorse by not saying another word – “lay thine hand upon thy mouth” (v 32b).

As Christian citizens, we must remember that our government is ordained of God (Rom 13: 1). To resist our rulers is to reject God’s appointed authority over us.

May we learn to submit to the laws of our land especially during this current pandemic when safety measures need to be constantly revised according to the evolving situation. Rather than complain, let us pray for grace to adapt to the changes.

Agur’s counsel against pride and folly can also apply to our daily relationships. If we have done foolishly by exalting ourselves or thinking negatively of others, let us resolve not to repeat these sinful deeds. Seek rather to deal humbly and graciously with our fellowmen.

Verses 32 and 33 may be related. If we are in the habit of exalting ourselves and devising evil, the sad outcome will be anger and strife – two sinful tendencies that Agur warns us of in verse 33. In this verse, the three terms – “churning,” “wringing,” and “forcing” – are one and the same word in Hebrew. It implies putting something under pressure. In this context, its triple use is an emphasis to warn against exerting undue force or pressure upon others. In the same way that the churning of milk produces butter, the violent squeezing of the nose produces blood, the stirring up of wrath produces strife.

The inevitable result of pride and malice is strife. Though things may go well for a time, the odious conduct of these offenders will soon stir up trouble, causing angry responses in others.

On the other hand, when provoked, we need to restrain ourselves. It is natural for us to vent our anger by lashing out at the offending party. One way to defuse a tense situation is to keep calm. It is hard to retract words that are spoken rashly or foolishly: “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Prov 29: 20). As exhorted by the apostle James, “… let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (Jas 1: 19).

Brethren, let us watch against pride and malice as well as “the forcing of wrath” which causes “strife”. Speak and act from a loving and gracious heart. Deal humbly and kindly with others. Take heed to Paul’s counsel in Rom. 12: 18: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” May the Lord help us to apply these truths in our daily lives.

- Bro Kelvin Li