Proverbs 30:32

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, [lay] thine hand upon thy mouth.

Complete Jewish Bible:

If you have been boorish, exalting yourself, or if you have been scheming, lay your hand on your mouth.

Berean Standard Bible:

If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth.

American Standard Version:

If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, Or if thou hast thought evil, Lay thy hand upon thy mouth.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

If thou hast done foolishly^{H5034} in lifting up^{H5375} thyself, or if thou hast thought evil^{H2161}, lay thine hand^{H3027} upon thy mouth^{H6310}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 30:32

Proverbs 30:32 is part of a collection of sayings attributed to a man named Agur, whose wisdom is commended by King Solomon, the traditional compiler of the book of Proverbs. This particular verse is found within the context of a section (Proverbs 30:1-33) that offers a series of observations about the natural world and human behavior, often highlighting the limits of human understanding and the need for humility.

The verse itself, Proverbs 30:32, addresses the individual who has either acted or thought presumptuously or maliciously. The phrase "lifting up thyself" suggests pride or arrogance, while "thought evil" indicates a deliberate inclination towards harmful or wicked actions. The counsel given—to "lay thine hand upon thy mouth"—is a figurative expression urging the person to refrain from speaking, to exercise self-control, and to reflect on their actions and intentions. It serves as a reminder that silence can be a virtue, particularly when one is inclined towards folly or sin. This act of placing a hand over one's mouth is a symbolic gesture of self-imposed silence and a call to consider the consequences of one's words and deeds before proceeding.

Historically, the book of Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, which includes texts like Job and Ecclesiastes. These writings are characterized by their focus on practical living and ethical behavior, often providing guidance on how to live wisely in the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 30:32, therefore, reflects the broader themes of wisdom literature by emphasizing personal responsibility, the importance of right thinking, and the cultivation of humility as essential to a life well-lived. It is a call to self-awareness and self-restraint, encouraging individuals to be mindful of the impact of their actions and to seek wisdom in their decisions.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5034
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָבֵל
   Transliteration: nâbêl
   Pronunciation: naw-bale'
   Description: a primitive root; to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint; figuratively, to be foolish or (morally) wicked; causatively, to despise, disgrace; disgrace, dishounour, lightly esteem, fade (away, -ing), fall (down, -ling, off), do foolishly, come to nought, [idiom] surely, make vile, wither.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5375
   There are 611 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָשָׂא
   Transliteration: nâsâʼ
   Pronunciation: naw-saw'
   Description: or נָסָה; (Psalm 4:6 (אֲבַד)), a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative; accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2161
   There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: זָמַם
   Transliteration: zâmam
   Pronunciation: zaw-mam'
   Description: a primitive root; to plan, usually in a bad sense; consider, devise, imagine, plot, purpose, think (evil).
   
4. Strong's Number: H3027
   There are 1447 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָד
   Transliteration: yâd
   Pronunciation: yawd
   Description: a primitive word; in distinction from כַּף, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows); a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),; ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6310
   There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פֶּה
   Transliteration: peh
   Pronunciation: peh
   Description: from פָּאָה; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word.