“For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: 22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; 23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.” (Proverbs 30:21-23)

In verse 21, Agur describes four individuals who literally cause unrest to the ground beneath them. This is a picturesque way of expressing the intolerability of their actions which cause confusion and disorder.

The four examples share a common evil. Their undue advancement to positions of power or success is followed by abuse of their newly-acquired status and opportunities. Unqualified and unfit to bear their high station, they become arrogant and act haughtily towards others.

“A servant when he reigneth” is incapable and unprepared for the enormous tasks at hand. As a servant, he is out of place – ruling when he ought to be serving. Crushed by the load of new responsibilities, he falls short of what is required of him. Unfit to wield power, his sudden elevation makes him deal proudly and harshly with others. His subjects suffer greatly under his cruel and incompetent rule.

“A fool when he is filled with meat” – is a man who becomes prosperous but has little regard for others. When such a one is rich or elevated, he becomes selfish, haughty and unbearable.

Such was the case of Nabal who was a churlish and wicked man. Though David and his followers had helped to protect his flocks and herds from marauders, Nabal returned evil for good when he refused their request for his help. His foolish response stirred the anger of David who wanted to kill him, if not for the timely intervention of his wife, Abigail (I Sam 25: 2-35). We are told that “the LORD smote Nabal, that he died” – ten days after a drunken feast (v 38).

“An odious woman when she is married” is one who thinks very highly of herself because she has now found a husband. Instead of being a helpmeet to her husband, she becomes an overbearing and obnoxious wife. Instead of being “a crown to her husband,” she is “as rottenness in his bones” (Prov 12: 4).

Lastly, “an handmaid that is heir to her mistress” is one who becomes heir – probably by her faithful service or by marriage to her master, as in the case of Abram, Sarai and Hagar. Occupying her mistress’ place with her husband, Hagar became proud and despised her mistress when she conceived: “And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes” (Gen 16: 4).

These four negative examples warn us against a proud and selfish spirit. Should we be exalted to a high position, let us serve the Lord faithfully where He has placed us. Remember our humble beginnings. Do not abuse our high station and act arrogantly towards others. Rather, let us be thankful that it is the Lord Who has blessed us: “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” Think of how we can use our new status, success and opportunities for the good of our fellowmen. In all things, seek to be a channel of blessing to the glory of God: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt 5: 16).
– Bro Kelvin Li