18 There are three things that amaze me- no, four things that I don't understand: 19 how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman. 20 An adulterous woman consumes a man, then wipes her mouth and says, "What's wrong with that?" 21 There are three things that make the earth tremble- no, four it cannot endure: 22 a slave who becomes a king, an overbearing fool who prospers, 23 a bitter woman who finally gets a husband, a servant girl who supplants her mistress.
24 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: 25 Ants-they aren't strong, but they store up food all summer. 26 Hyraxes -they aren't powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks. 27 Locusts-they have no king, but they march in formation. 28 Lizards-they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings' palaces.
29 There are three things that walk with stately stride- no, four that strut about: 30 the lion, king of animals, who won't turn aside for anything, 31 the strutting rooster, the male goat, a king as he leads his army. 32 If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, cover your mouth in shame. 33 As the beating of cream yields butter and striking the nose causes bleeding, so stirring up anger causes quarrels.
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.