TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 30:10–14. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A caution not to abuse other people's servants any more than our own, nor to make mischief between them and their masters, for it is an ill office, invidious, and what will make a man odious, Pro 30:10. Consider, 1. It is an injury to the servant, whose poor condition makes him an object of pity, and therefore it is barbarous to add affliction to him that is afflicted: Hurt not a servant with thy tongue (so the margin reads it); for it argues a sordid disposition to smite any body secretly with the scourge of the tongue, especially a servant, who is not a match for us, and whom we should rather protect, if his master be severe with him, than exasperate him more. 2. "It will perhaps be an injury to thyself. If a servant be thus provoked, perhaps he will curse thee, will accuse thee and bring thee into trouble, or give thee an ill word and blemish thy reputation, or appeal to God against thee, and imprecate his wrath upon thee, who is the patron and protector of oppressed innocency."
II.An account, upon occasion of this caution, of some wicked generations of men, that are justly abominable to all that are virtuous and good.
1.Such as are abusive to their parents, give them bad language and wish them ill, call them bad names and actually injure them. There is a generation of such; young men of that black character commonly herd together, and irritate one another against their parents. A generation of vipers those are who curse their natural parents, or their magistrates, or their ministers, because they cannot endure the yoke; and those are near of kin to them who, though they have not yet arrived at such a pitch of wickedness as to curse their parents, yet do not bless them, cannot give them a good word, and will not pray for them.
2.Such as are conceited of themselves, and, under a show and pretence of sanctity, hide from others, and perhaps from themselves too, abundance of reigning wickedness in secret (Pro 30:12); they are pure in their own eyes, as if they were in all respects such as they should be. They have a very good opinion of themselves and their own character, that they are not only righteous, but rich and increased with goods (Rev 3:17), and yet are not cleansed from their filthiness, the filthiness of their hearts, which they pretend to be the best part of them. They are, it may be, swept and garnished, but they are not washed, nor sanctified; as the Pharisees that within were full of all uncleanness, Mat 23:25, Mat 23:26.
3.Such as are haughty and scornful to those about them, Pro 30:13. He speaks of them with amazement at their intolerable pride and insolence: "Oh how lofty are their eyes! With what disdain do they look upon their neighbours, as not worthy to be set with the dogs of their flock! What a distance do they expect every body should keep; and, when they look upon themselves, how do they strut and vaunt like the peacock, thinking they make themselves illustrious when really they make themselves ridiculous!" There is a generation of such, on whom he that resists the proud will pour contempt.
4.Such as are cruel to the poor and barbarous to all that lie at their mercy (Pro 30:14); their teeth are iron and steel, swords and knives, instruments of cruelty, with which they devour the poor with the greatest pleasure imaginable, and as greedily as hungry men cut their meat and eat it. God has so ordered it that the poor we shall always have with us, that they shall never cease out of the land; but there are those who, because they hate to relieve them, would, if they could, abolish them from the earth, from among men, especially God's poor. Some understand it of those who wound and ruin others by slanders and false accusations, and severe censures of their everlasting state; their tongues, and their teeth too (which are likewise organs of speech), are as swords and knives, Psa 57:4.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
A generation whose eyes are lofty, etc. As the Psalmist says: Lord, my heart is not exalted, etc. (Psalm CXXX).
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Summary
Proverbs 30:13, a piercing observation from Agur, vividly portrays a distinct type of character marked by profound arrogance and contempt. Through the striking imagery of "lofty eyes" and "eyelids lifted up," the verse describes a generation characterized by an inward haughtiness that manifests as outward disdain, looking down upon others with a sense of superior self-importance. This proverb serves as a stark warning against the destructive nature of unbridled pride, highlighting a disposition antithetical to the wisdom and humility championed throughout the biblical text.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 30 is a unique collection of wisdom sayings attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, distinguishing itself from the Solomonic proverbs that comprise much of the book. This chapter includes a series of numerical proverbs, observations about various character types, and potent warnings. Verses 11-14 form a specific quatrain that describes four morally reprehensible "generations" or classes of people. Verse 13 specifically follows descriptions of those who curse their parents, a profound violation of the Fifth Commandment and societal order, as seen in Proverbs 30:11. It also follows those who are self-righteous yet defiled, highlighting a dangerous spiritual blindness, as described in Proverbs 30:12. This verse continues this theme by identifying a generation characterized by extreme pride and a condescending attitude. This sequence builds a cumulative picture of societal corruption and moral decay, emphasizing the pervasive dangers of such dispositions within a community.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, body language, particularly the posture of the head and eyes, was a powerful and universally understood indicator of social status, emotion, and attitude. "Lifting the eyes" or having "lofty eyes" was a widely recognized idiom for pride, arrogance, and disdain. Conversely, casting one's eyes down or lowering the gaze signified humility, submission, or shame. While kings and powerful figures might adopt a lofty gaze to assert their authority and majesty, when applied to common individuals, it indicated an unwarranted sense of superiority and contempt for others. This cultural understanding amplifies the proverb's condemnation, as such an open display of haughtiness would have been seen as deeply offensive and disruptive to communal harmony, challenging established social hierarchies and the respect due to elders, those in authority, or even the vulnerable. It marked one as a social transgressor, out of step with the communal values of respect and interdependence.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it underscores the pervasive theme of pride versus humility. The "lofty eyes" are a direct antithesis to the humble spirit that fears the Lord, which is consistently presented as the very foundation of true wisdom, as articulated in Proverbs 9:10. It also highlights the theme of discernment of character, urging the reader to identify and understand the traits of dangerous or undesirable individuals who threaten societal well-being. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of social justice and interpersonal relationships, as a proud and contemptuous spirit inevitably leads to oppressive behavior and a profound lack of empathy, contrasting sharply with the call for righteous living and care for the vulnerable found elsewhere in Proverbs, such as the warning against oppressing the poor in Proverbs 14:31.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Defined as "a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling; age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity." In this context, it refers not merely to a chronological age group but to a distinct class or type of people defined by their shared characteristics and moral disposition. Agur is identifying a particular kind of person prevalent in society, marked by the subsequent description of their prideful demeanor.
Defined as "an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves)." The eye, in biblical thought, is often seen as the "window to the soul," revealing inner attitudes and intentions. Here, the physical posture of the eyes directly reflects an internal state of pride and contempt.
A primitive root meaning "to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively); bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms." This word, combined with the subsequent phrase "lifted up," emphasizes an elevated, self-exalting posture. It denotes not just physical height but also an inflated sense of self-importance, superiority, and haughtiness that looks down on others.
Verse Breakdown
"[There is] a generation"
This introductory phrase sets the stage, identifying a specific group or class of people whose defining characteristic is about to be described. It suggests a recurring pattern of behavior found across different ages or social strata, rather than a single individual or isolated incident. It highlights a pervasive societal issue.
"O how lofty are their eyes!"
This exclamation powerfully depicts the primary manifestation of this generation's pride. "Lofty eyes" (רום עינים, rûm ʻenayim) is a classic Hebrew idiom for arrogance, disdain, and a condescending attitude. It paints a vivid picture of someone literally looking down their nose at others, physically embodying their perceived superiority and contempt for those they deem beneath them. The interjection "O how" adds an emotional emphasis, conveying the speaker's dismay or strong observation.
"and their eyelids are lifted up."
This clause serves as a powerful and intensifying parallel to the previous one. "Eyelids lifted up" (עפעפים נשאו, ʻaphʻaphîm nāśāʼû) reinforces the imagery of haughtiness and insolence. The lifting of the eyelids, beyond mere open eyes, suggests a deliberate, perhaps even defiant, gaze that conveys contempt, a lack of respect, and an unyielding self-assurance towards anyone perceived as inferior. The parallelism not only emphasizes but also deepens the understanding of the deep-seated nature of their pride, indicating it's not a fleeting emotion but a characteristic posture.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its message with striking clarity and impact. Imagery is central, painting a vivid and memorable picture of the proud individual through the physical description of "lofty eyes" and "eyelids lifted up." This visual metaphor makes the abstract concept of pride tangible and immediately recognizable to the audience. Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, is evident in the two clauses describing the eyes and eyelids. Both phrases convey the same core idea of haughtiness, reinforcing the message and adding emphasis through repetition, creating a sense of completeness in the description of this arrogant posture. This also functions as a powerful Metonymy or Synecdoche, where the physical posture of the eyes and eyelids stands in for the entire internal state and character of arrogance and disdain. The outward bodily expression becomes a potent symbol of the inner spiritual condition, making the proverb's condemnation of pride all the more impactful and universally understood.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This proverb stands as a stark theological statement against the sin of pride, a vice consistently condemned throughout Scripture as antithetical to God's character and His call for humanity. The "lofty eyes" represent a spirit of self-exaltation that places oneself above others and, implicitly, above God. This attitude directly opposes the humility that is foundational to wisdom and a right relationship with the Creator, who "resists the proud but gives grace to the humble." Such a generation, marked by contempt for others, alienates itself from the community and from divine favor, ultimately leading to destruction rather than honor.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 30:13 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to critically examine our own hearts and the subtle ways pride can manifest in our lives. The imagery of "lofty eyes" challenges us to consider not just our overt actions, but the very posture of our souls towards God and others. Do we carry ourselves with an air of superiority, judging or dismissing those we perceive as less intelligent, less successful, or less spiritual? True wisdom, as taught throughout Proverbs, begins with a humble reverence for God and extends to a genuine love and respect for our neighbors. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of genuine humility, recognizing our profound dependence on God and valuing every person as created in His image. It urges us to actively resist the temptation to look down on anyone, fostering instead a heart of empathy, service, and teachability. This requires intentional self-awareness and a willingness to repent of any proud inclinations, choosing instead to walk in the path of humility that leads to life and honor.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "lofty eyes" and "lifted eyelids" in biblical literature?
In biblical literature, particularly the Old Testament, "lofty eyes" and "lifted eyelids" are powerful idioms that consistently symbolize pride, arrogance, and disdain. The eyes are often seen as a window to the soul, and their posture communicates inner attitudes. A "lofty" or "high" gaze indicates an individual who looks down upon others, viewing them with contempt or considering themselves superior. This imagery is frequently used to describe those who are self-exalted, insolent, and lacking humility, often in stark contrast to the humble and righteous who fear the Lord. It signifies a spiritual posture of defiance against God and a social posture of disrespect towards humanity. For example, Psalm 101:5 states, "Him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer," directly linking the physical posture to an internal spiritual condition that God opposes. Similarly, Proverbs 21:4 states that "an high look, and a proud heart... is sin."
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 30:13, with its condemnation of "lofty eyes" and a proud generation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and antithesis in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb describes a humanity prone to self-exaltation and contempt, Christ perfectly embodied divine humility. He, "being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:6-8). His eyes were not "lofty" with disdain, but filled with profound compassion for the lost, the marginalized, and the suffering, as seen in His reaction to the crowds like sheep without a shepherd in Matthew 9:36. He consistently taught and exemplified humility, declaring that "whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12). The proud generation of Proverbs 30:13 stands in stark contrast to the "generation" of believers who are called to follow Christ's example, walking in humility and serving one another, reflecting the very heart of the God who "gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5). In Christ, we see the ultimate answer to human pride: the perfect Lamb of God who, far from looking down, stooped to conquer sin and death through self-sacrificial love, taking away the sin of the world (John 1:29).