Proverbs 30:3

I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.

I neither learned {H3925} wisdom {H2451}, nor have {H3045} the knowledge {H1847} of the holy {H6918}.

I have not learned enough wisdom to know the Holy One.

I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One.

And I have not learned wisdom, Neither have I the knowledge of the Holy One.

Commentary

Proverbs 30:3 presents a profound statement of humility from Agur, the son of Jakeh, who introduces himself in the preceding verses. This verse serves as a crucial preface to the deep theological and practical insights that follow in the rest of the chapter, highlighting the speaker's self-awareness of his own intellectual and spiritual limitations.

Context

This verse is part of "The words of Agur the son of Jakeh" (Proverbs 30:1), a distinct section within the Book of Proverbs. Unlike many proverbs attributed to Solomon, Agur's sayings often begin with a personal reflection or confession. In Proverbs 30:2, Agur declares himself "more brutish than any man," a declaration of utter humility. Proverbs 30:3 continues this confession, emphasizing his lack of inherent wisdom or divine knowledge. This personal admission sets the stage for Agur to then speak of truly profound things, implying that such knowledge comes not from human effort alone, but from a divine source.

Key Themes

  • Profound Humility: Agur's statement is a radical confession of personal intellectual and spiritual inadequacy. He does not claim to possess wisdom by his own learning or effort. This humility is foundational to receiving true wisdom, as often taught throughout the biblical text.
  • The Source of True Knowledge: By stating he "neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy," Agur implicitly points to a source of wisdom beyond human attainment. The Book of Proverbs consistently teaches that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" and that "the knowledge of the holy is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). Agur's words underscore that genuine wisdom and understanding come from a relationship with God, not merely from human education or intellect.
  • Human Limitations: This verse powerfully reminds us of the finite nature of human understanding when compared to divine truth. It suggests that without divine revelation or guidance, humanity is inherently limited in grasping spiritual realities.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the holy" in Hebrew is q'doshim or qodeshim (קְדֹשִׁים). While it can sometimes refer to holy ones (like angels) or holy things, in the context of Proverbs, especially when paired with "knowledge" and "understanding," it strongly refers to God Himself or divine attributes. Thus, Agur is saying he lacks direct, experiential knowledge of the divine, or the wisdom that comes from God.

Practical Application

Agur's confession in Proverbs 30:3 offers a vital lesson for all who seek truth and understanding. It encourages:

  • Humility in Learning: Recognizing our own limitations is the first step toward gaining true wisdom. It opens us up to receive insights from God and from others.
  • Seeking God's Wisdom: If human effort alone is insufficient, then we must actively seek wisdom from God, who "giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not" (James 1:5). This involves prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His guidance.
  • Reliance on Revelation: Our deepest knowledge of spiritual truths comes not from our own ingenuity but from God's revelation. This verse prompts us to value and study the scriptures, which are God's revealed truth to humanity.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true wisdom is not self-generated but divinely bestowed, beginning with a humble acknowledgment of our need for God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 9:10

    The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.

  • Romans 11:33

    ΒΆ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

  • Ephesians 3:18

    May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

  • Ephesians 3:19

    And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

  • Revelation 3:7

    ΒΆ And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

  • John 17:3

    And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

  • Isaiah 57:15

    For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
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