Proverbs 30:6

Proverbs 30:6 issues a stern warning against tampering with the divine word, emphasizing the completeness and purity of God's revelation. It underscores the serious consequences for those who presume to add to what God has already spoken, highlighting the risk of divine reproof and exposure as a deceiver.

Context

This verse immediately follows Proverbs 30:5, which declares, "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him." Together, these verses form a powerful statement attributed to Agur, the son of Jakeh, about the integrity and trustworthiness of God's communication. The context establishes God's words as flawless, complete, and sufficient, forming a foundation of truth for those who seek wisdom and guidance.

Key Themes

• The Authority and Purity of God's Word: The command here is a profound affirmation of the purity and sufficiency of God's revelation. It implies that God's word is perfect and needs no human embellishment or addition.
• Warning Against Alteration: The explicit instruction, "Add thou not unto his words," serves as a timeless prohibition against distorting, supplementing, or diminishing the sacred texts. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, from the Law of Moses in Deuteronomy 4:2 to the warnings in the New Testament's final book, Revelation 22:18-19.
• Consequences of Disobedience: The verse outlines two severe repercussions: "lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."
  • Divine Reproof: God Himself will correct or rebuke those who misrepresent His word.
  • Exposure as a Liar: To add to God's word is to claim divine authority for human ideas, which is ultimately a form of falsehood or deception. Such an act exposes one's lack of integrity and truthfulness before God and others.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "add thou not" is yāsaftā (יָסַף), meaning "to add, increase." This emphasizes the act of appending or supplementing. The word for "reprove" is yākiaḥ (יָכַח), which can mean to argue, convince, convict, or rebuke, indicating a strong divine correction. "Liar" is kāzāv (כָּזָב), signifying falsehood, deception, or one who speaks lies. These terms collectively highlight the gravity of misrepresenting God's truth.

Practical Application

Proverbs 30:6 is profoundly relevant for believers today. It calls us to approach the Bible with humility and reverence, recognizing it as God's authoritative and complete communication. It cautions against:

• Personal Interpretation: Guarding against imposing personal opinions or cultural trends onto scripture, instead seeking to understand its original meaning.
• False Teaching: Warning against those who introduce doctrines or practices not found in the Bible, or who distort its clear teachings for personal gain or influence.
• Integrity in Sharing: Emphasizing the importance of accurately quoting and interpreting God's word when teaching, preaching, or discussing it with others.

Ultimately, this verse is a call to uphold the integrity of God's inspired Word, trusting in its perfection and sufficiency for all matters of faith and life.