30:31 30:31

Proverbs 30:32

30:33 30:33

Bible Versions

If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, [lay] thine hand upon thy mouth.
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}.
If you have been boorish, exalting yourself, or if you have been scheming, lay your hand on your mouth.
If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth.
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, Or if thou hast thought evil, Lay thy hand upon thy mouth.

Proverbs 30:32 offers a concise yet profound piece of wisdom, focusing on the immediate and appropriate response to two specific forms of moral failure: pride and malice. It's a direct command for self-control, particularly concerning one's speech and outward expression, when one has erred in thought or deed.

Context

This verse is part of the collection of sayings by Agur son of Jakeh in Proverbs chapter 30. Unlike much of the preceding chapters attributed to Solomon, Agur's proverbs often feature numerical sayings or observations on human nature and the created world, leading into practical advice. This particular verse shifts from observations about the world to personal conduct, emphasizing the importance of humility and discretion. It underscores a core theme of the book of Proverbs: the practical outworking of wisdom in daily life, often contrasted with the destructive path of foolishness.

Key Themes

  • Humility and Repentance: The phrase "lifting up thyself" directly addresses the sin of pride or arrogance. It implies that one has acted foolishly by exalting oneself, perhaps boasting or acting presumptuously. The command to "lay thine hand upon thy mouth" serves as an immediate, humble act of self-correction and repentance, acknowledging one's folly. This resonates with the broader biblical principle that pride precedes a fall.
  • Control of Speech and Thought: The verse also addresses "if thou hast thought evil." This refers not just to fleeting bad thoughts, but to devising or planning wickedness. In both cases—foolish pride or malicious intent—the prescribed action is silence and restraint. This highlights the critical importance of guarding one's words and, by extension, the thoughts that precede them. The wisdom tradition consistently teaches the power of the tongue and the need for careful speech.
  • Discretion and Self-Correction: The gesture of placing one's hand over the mouth is a universal symbol of silence, shame, or self-restraint. It's a call to immediate discretion to prevent further damage or exposure of one's foolishness or evil intentions. It suggests that once a wrong thought or action has occurred, the wisest course is to halt, reflect, and avoid compounding the error with further words or actions.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "lifting up thyself" is nasa' rom, meaning to lift up, to be high, or to exalt oneself. It directly points to arrogance or self-exaltation, a common pitfall addressed throughout wisdom literature. "Thought evil" comes from the Hebrew zamam ra', which implies devising or plotting something wicked, indicating an intentional and conceived malice rather than just a fleeting bad idea. The command "lay thine hand upon thy mouth" (yad la'peh) is a vivid, physical expression of self-imposed silence or restraint, acknowledging one's error and preventing further verbal transgression.

Practical Application

Proverbs 30:32 serves as a timeless reminder for self-awareness and immediate self-correction. In moments of pride, boasting, or when we find ourselves entertaining malicious or destructive thoughts, this verse calls for an immediate halt. Instead of justifying ourselves or speaking further, the wise response is to humble ourselves, exercise restraint, and literally or figuratively "put a hand over our mouth." This prevents further foolishness, mitigates potential harm to others, and allows for internal reflection and true change. It encourages us to cultivate a habit of introspection, recognizing our errors and choosing silence and humility over further self-exaltation or harmful expression. This principle is echoed in the New Testament's emphasis on bridling the tongue and thinking on things that are pure and lovely.

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.

  • Job 21:5

    Mark me, and be astonished, and lay [your] hand upon [your] mouth.

  • Micah 7:16

    The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay [their] hand upon [their] mouth, their ears shall be deaf.

  • Micah 7:17

    They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee.

  • Job 40:4

    Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

  • Romans 3:19

    ¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

  • Proverbs 26:12

    ¶ Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

  • Proverbs 17:28

    Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: [and] he that shutteth his lips [is esteemed] a man of understanding.
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