Proverbs 30:14

KJV

[There is] a generation, whose teeth [are as] swords, and their jaw teeth [as] knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from [among] men.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is a generation {H1755}, whose teeth {H8127} are as swords {H2719}, and their jaw teeth {H4973} as knives {H3979}, to devour {H398} the poor {H6041} from off the earth {H776}, and the needy {H34} from among men {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There is a type of people whose teeth are like swords, yes, their fangs are knives; they devour the poor from the earth, the needy from humankind.

Berean Standard Bible

there is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives, devouring the oppressed from the earth and the needy from among men.

American Standard Version

There is a generation whose teeth areasswords, and their jaw teethasknives, To devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:14, a profound observation from Agur, powerfully depicts a morally corrupt "generation" characterized by extreme predatory behavior. Through the stark and visceral imagery of teeth as swords and jaw teeth as knives, the verse portrays a ruthless class of individuals whose primary aim is to exploit, oppress, and utterly consume the most vulnerable members of society—the poor and the needy. This incisive indictment highlights a profound absence of compassion and justice, serving as a timeless and sobering warning against those who would systematically enrich themselves at the expense of others, stripping away their livelihoods, dignity, and even their very existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30 is uniquely attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, presenting a distinct voice within the broader collection of Israel's wisdom literature. Unlike the general maxims often found elsewhere in Proverbs, Agur's contribution includes numerical sayings, riddles, and sharp observations on human nature and societal failings. Proverbs 30:14 is the culmination of a series of four "generations" (vv. 11-14) that Agur identifies as particularly wicked or perverse. These descriptions function as a moral taxonomy, serving as a potent warning against specific character types that embody folly and injustice. Verse 14, with its exceptionally violent and dehumanizing imagery, depicts the most extreme form of predatory wickedness, setting it apart as a particularly egregious example of social evil. It stands in stark contrast to the wisdom and righteousness championed throughout the book, such as the divine call to care for the vulnerable found in [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Honoring God by Helping the Poor").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel, much like other ancient Near Eastern societies, was marked by significant economic stratification. While the Mosaic Law provided comprehensive provisions for the care of the poor, the widow, and the orphan (e.g., gleaning laws in [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9-10 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for the Poor and Sojourner") and the sabbatical year in [Deuteronomy 15:1-11](/deuteronomy/15-1-11 "Deuteronomy 15:1-11 - The Sabbatical Year and Lending")), these protections were frequently disregarded by the powerful and wealthy. Prophets consistently condemned the exploitation of the vulnerable, viewing it as a direct affront to God's justice and covenantal commands (e.g., [Amos 2:6-7](/amos/2-6-7 "Amos 2:6-7 - Oppression of the Poor") and [Isaiah 3:14-15](/isaiah/3-14-15 "Isaiah 3:14-15 - God's Judgment on Oppressors")). Agur's description in Proverbs 30:14 reflects a harsh social reality where those with power or influence could easily prey upon the defenseless, stripping them of their meager possessions, land, and even their very lives. The terrifying imagery of "devouring" resonates with the brutal realities of a world where the strong often literally and figuratively consumed the weak for personal gain.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 30:14 contributes profoundly to several key themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Predatory Wickedness**, vividly illustrating the moral depravity of those who actively seek to harm and exploit others. The verse's violent metaphors highlight their ruthless intent and devastating impact. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Exploitation of the Vulnerable**, specifically targeting the "poor" and "needy." This theme is central to biblical justice, which consistently champions the cause of the marginalized and condemns their oppression, aligning with divine mandates found in passages like [Deuteronomy 24:17-22](/deuteronomy/24-17-22 "Deuteronomy 24:17-22 - Justice for the Vulnerable"). Thirdly, the verse functions as a **Warning Against Injustice**, serving as a prophetic denunciation of systemic social evil. By exposing such depravity, it implicitly calls for righteousness and the protection of the defenseless, aligning with God's own character as a defender of the oppressed, as seen in [Psalm 82:3-4](/psalms/82-3-4 "Psalm 82:3-4 - Defend the Poor and Needy"). Finally, it touches upon the **Nature of Evil**, revealing how human greed and a profound lack of empathy can manifest in utterly dehumanizing ways, reducing fellow human beings to mere resources to be consumed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_):** From the root דּוּר, meaning "to revolve" or "to dwell." While often referring to a chronological age or period of time, here _dôwr_ signifies a moral or spiritual generation—a class or type of people characterized by a particular disposition or set of behaviors, irrespective of their literal age. In this context, it denotes a distinct moral category of individuals defined by their predatory nature, a "revolution of time" marked by consistent wickedness.
* **swords (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From חָרַב, meaning "to be dry" or "to lay waste." This term broadly refers to a cutting instrument, encompassing swords, daggers, knives, or other sharp tools used for destruction. The use of _chereb_ here, alongside "knives," emphasizes the deliberate, violent, and destructive intent of this "generation." Their "teeth" are not merely sharp for eating but are likened to weapons of war, signifying their capacity and desire to inflict grievous harm and "lay waste" to others.
* **devour (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to eat" (literally or figuratively), "to consume," or "to burn up." In this context, _ʼâkal_ is used metaphorically to convey total consumption and destruction. It implies not just economic exploitation but the complete stripping away of a person's livelihood, dignity, and even their very existence. The imagery is visceral, suggesting a ravenous, insatiable appetite for the ruin of others, leaving nothing behind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[There is] a generation, whose teeth [are as] swords, and their jaw teeth [as] knives":** This opening clause immediately introduces the subject: a specific type of people, defined not by their age but by their moral character. The shocking and grotesque metaphor compares their teeth—natural instruments for sustenance—to implements of war and violence. "Teeth as swords" and "jaw teeth as knives" vividly paints a picture of a group whose very means of consumption are weaponized, indicating their inherent aggression and destructive intent towards others. Their natural functions are twisted into tools of harm, signifying a profound perversion of human nature.
* **"to devour the poor from off the earth":** This clause reveals the explicit purpose and target of this "generation's" predatory nature. "To devour" (Hebrew _ʼâkal_) signifies not merely eating, but consuming, destroying, or utterly exploiting. The "poor" (Hebrew _ʻânîy_) refers to those who are afflicted, humble, or lowly in circumstances, often lacking resources or social standing. "From off the earth" suggests a complete removal, implying not just economic ruin but perhaps even their physical displacement or eradication from society, leaving them with nothing and no place to stand.
* **"and the needy from [among] men.":** This final clause reinforces and expands upon the previous one, intensifying the indictment. The "needy" (Hebrew _ʼebyôwn_) are those who are destitute, beggars, or utterly impoverished, often in a state of extreme want and vulnerability. The phrase "from among men" emphasizes their social isolation and marginalization, highlighting the "generation's" desire to remove them from human community altogether. This repetition underscores the comprehensive, systematic, and ruthless nature of their exploitation, aiming for the complete obliteration of the vulnerable from the human landscape.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:14 employs powerful literary devices to convey its chilling message and amplify its impact. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the teeth and jaw teeth of this wicked "generation" are directly compared to "swords" and "knives." This vivid imagery transforms a natural bodily function into an instrument of violence and destruction, immediately establishing the predatory and destructive nature of these individuals. This is further amplified by **Zoomorphism**, as the description evokes the image of a ravenous beast preying on weaker creatures, emphasizing their animalistic lack of empathy and their brutal, unfeeling approach to human interaction. The phrase "to devour the poor from off the earth" is an example of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for dramatic emphasis. It suggests not just exploitation, but a complete and utter consumption or eradication, underscoring the severity and totality of their destructive impact. The cumulative effect of these devices is a stark, unforgettable, and deeply disturbing portrait of ruthless oppression and moral depravity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 30:14 offers a profound theological statement about the nature of evil and its manifestation in social injustice. It reveals a human heart so hardened by greed and self-interest that it views other human beings, especially the vulnerable, as mere resources to be consumed and discarded. This perspective is antithetical to God's character, who is consistently portrayed in Scripture as a compassionate defender of the oppressed and a God of justice. The verse implicitly highlights the theological truth that the exploitation of the poor is not merely a social ill but a direct affront to the Creator who made all humanity in His image. It serves as a warning against the dehumanizing effects of sin, which can turn individuals into instruments of destruction against their neighbors. The Bible consistently calls for righteousness in social dealings, emphasizing that true wisdom includes compassion and justice for all, especially the marginalized, reflecting God's own heart for the suffering.

* [Psalm 10:8-9](/psalms/10-8-9 "Psalm 10:8-9 - The Wicked Oppress the Poor")
* [Micah 3:1-3](/micah/3-1-3 "Micah 3:1-3 - Leaders Devour the People")
* [James 2:5-6](/james/2-5-6 "James 2:5-6 - God Chooses the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:14, though rooted in ancient wisdom, resonates with chilling relevance in every age. It compels us to critically examine the structures and attitudes within our own societies, and indeed within our own hearts, that might contribute to the exploitation of the vulnerable. This "generation" is not confined to a single historical period but represents a recurring spiritual and moral pathology: those who, driven by insatiable greed or a lust for power, prey upon the weak. As believers, we are called to embody a radically different "generation"—one characterized by compassion, justice, and self-sacrifice, reflecting the very nature of God. This means not only recognizing and resisting overt acts of oppression but also scrutinizing subtle forms of economic injustice, predatory practices, and social marginalization that "devour" the poor and needy. Our faith demands that we advocate for the defenseless, challenge systems of inequity, and actively work towards a world where the inherent dignity of every person, made in God's image, is upheld. This proactive engagement is a tangible expression of our love for God and neighbor, transforming our communities in alignment with divine justice and mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "teeth as swords and jaw teeth as knives" manifest in contemporary society, beyond literal violence, in economic or social systems?**
* **How can the church, as a community of faith, more effectively fulfill its biblical mandate to protect and advocate for "the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men"?**
* **What personal attitudes, unconscious biases, or passive complicities might I hold that could inadvertently contribute to the marginalization or exploitation of others?**
* **What practical, actionable steps can I take in my sphere of influence to challenge injustice and champion the cause of the vulnerable, reflecting God's heart for the oppressed?**

### FAQ
**Who is this "generation" Agur is describing?**

Answer: Agur's "generation" (Hebrew _dôwr_) in Proverbs 30:14 does not refer to a specific chronological age group, but rather to a moral or spiritual category of people. It describes a type or class of individuals characterized by their predatory behavior and ruthless exploitation. They are those whose actions are consistently marked by greed, a profound lack of empathy, and a willingness to harm the vulnerable for their own gain. This "generation" is defined by its moral depravity, not by its birth year, making the warning timeless and applicable to any group or individual exhibiting such characteristics, regardless of their historical context.

**How does the imagery of "devouring" apply to modern forms of injustice?**

Answer: The imagery of "devouring" (Hebrew _ʼâkal_) is a powerful metaphor for total consumption and destruction. In modern contexts, this can manifest in various insidious forms beyond literal violence. It includes predatory lending practices that trap the poor in cycles of debt, unfair labor practices that exploit workers for minimal wages, systemic inequalities that deny equitable access to education, healthcare, or legal representation, gentrification that displaces low-income communities, or even the deliberate spread of misinformation that harms vulnerable populations for political or economic gain. Any system, policy, or action that systematically strips individuals or communities of their resources, dignity, and opportunities can be seen as "devouring" them, echoing the prophetic warning in [Micah 3:1-3](/micah/3-1-3 "Micah 3:1-3 - Leaders Devour the People") about leaders who "eat the flesh of my people."

**What is the biblical response to such predatory behavior?**

Answer: The biblical response to such predatory behavior is multifaceted and robust. Firstly, it involves a strong and unwavering condemnation of injustice and oppression, as seen throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")). Secondly, it calls for active compassion, advocacy, and practical care for the poor and needy, emphasizing that caring for the vulnerable is a direct reflection of God's own heart and character (e.g., [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8-9 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for the Voiceless")). Thirdly, it encourages personal and communal righteousness, urging believers to live justly and mercifully, and to actively challenge systems that perpetuate harm. Ultimately, the Bible points to God as the ultimate judge who will bring perfect justice to the oppressed and hold the wicked accountable, as promised in [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalms/9-7-8 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God Judges Righteously") and [Psalm 140:12](/psalms/140-12 "Psalm 140:12 - God Upholds the Cause of the Afflicted").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:14, with its stark depiction of a predatory "generation" that devours the poor, finds its ultimate answer and profound antithesis in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb exposes the depth of human depravity and the pervasive nature of social injustice, Christ embodies the divine counter-narrative. He did not come to "devour" but to be "devoured" for the sake of humanity, offering His body as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, as foreshadowed by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus consistently identified with the poor, the marginalized, and the needy, declaring that whatever was done for "one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")). He powerfully condemned the self-righteous and hypocritical religious leaders who "devoured widows' houses" ([Luke 20:47](/luke/20-47 "Luke 20:47 - Woes to the Scribes")), standing in stark opposition to the "generation" described by Agur. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ inaugurated a new kingdom where justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream ([Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")), providing true liberation from all forms of spiritual and social oppression. He is the true Shepherd who protects His flock from the wolves, offering Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), ensuring that the hungry are filled with good things and the poor receive the good news of the Kingdom of God ([Luke 1:53](/luke/1-53 "Luke 1:53 - Magnificat") and [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 57:4

My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Psalms 3:7

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [upon] the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Psalms 14:4

¶ Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people [as] they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.

Job 29:17

And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.

Revelation 9:8

And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as [the teeth] of lions.

Amos 8:4

¶ Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,

Psalms 58:6

¶ Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.