Proverbs 30:6

KJV

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

KJV (with Strong's)

Add {H3254} thou not unto his words {H1697}, lest he reprove {H3198} thee, and thou be found a liar {H3576}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't add anything to his words; or he will rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.

American Standard Version

Add thou not unto his words, Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:6 delivers a solemn warning from Agur, the son of Jakeh, against presuming to alter or augment the divine words of God. It underscores the absolute purity, sufficiency, and authority of God's revelation, asserting that any human attempt to add to it is an act of profound disrespect and deception. Such an action invites divine correction and exposes the individual as one who speaks falsehood, thereby undermining the very foundation of truth and integrity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of "the words of Agur, the son of Jakeh," found in [Proverbs 30](/proverbs/30 "Proverbs 30 - The Words of Agur"). It immediately follows [Proverbs 30:5](/proverbs/30-5 "Proverbs 30:5 - The Purity of God's Word"), which declares, "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him." This establishes the foundational premise for the prohibition in verse 6: because God's word is inherently pure and perfect, it requires no human embellishment or addition. The verses together form a cohesive statement on the integrity and trustworthiness of divine communication, setting a high standard for how humanity should approach and handle God's revelation. This section of Proverbs, unlike many others, is explicitly attributed to a specific author, Agur, emphasizing a particular voice of wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs, as wisdom literature, reflects the pedagogical and ethical concerns of ancient Israelite society. In a culture where oral tradition was paramount and written texts were revered, the accurate transmission and preservation of divine revelation were of utmost importance. Scribes and teachers were entrusted with the sacred task of copying and interpreting the Law and prophetic utterances. Any alteration or fabrication of divine words was considered a grave offense, not merely against human authority, but against God Himself. The concept of a divine "word" (`dâbâr`) carried immense weight, signifying not just spoken language, but also decree, action, and reality. The warning here resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on the fear of God as the beginning of wisdom, implying that true wisdom involves reverent submission to God's revealed truth without attempting to improve upon it.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 30:6 strongly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Authority and Sufficiency of God's Word**, echoing sentiments found in [Psalm 119:160](/psalms/119-160 "Psalm 119:160 - The Sum of Your Word Is Truth") that God's word is entirely true and enduring. It highlights the **Integrity of Revelation**, emphasizing that divine truth is complete and perfect, needing no human supplement. This verse also serves as a potent **Warning Against False Teaching and Deception**, a recurrent concern throughout Scripture where those who distort God's message are condemned (e.g., [Jeremiah 23:30-32](/jeremiah/23-30 "Jeremiah 23:30-32 - Prophecy Against False Prophets")). Finally, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, linking the act of adding to God's words with divine reproof and exposure as a liar, thereby emphasizing the serious spiritual and reputational repercussions of such an act.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Add (Hebrew, _yâçaph'_):** From the primitive root H3254, meaning "to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)." In this context, it refers to the act of appending, supplementing, or increasing. The prohibition "Add thou not" is a strong injunction against any human attempt to enhance, expand upon, or alter the divine word, implying its inherent completeness and perfection. It's not merely about physical addition to a text, but about presuming to speak for God beyond what He has revealed.
* **Reprove (Hebrew, _yâkach'_):** From the primitive root H3198, meaning "to be right (i.e. correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict." This term signifies a strong divine correction, rebuke, or conviction. It implies that God Himself will intervene to expose and correct those who misrepresent His words. This is not a gentle suggestion but a powerful, authoritative judgment that brings the truth to light and exposes the error.
* **Liar (Hebrew, _kâzab'_):** From the primitive root H3576, meaning "to lie (i.e. deceive), literally or figuratively; fail." To be found a "liar" in this context is to be exposed as one who speaks falsehood, deceives, or misrepresents the truth. By adding to God's words, one effectively claims divine authority for human ideas, thereby falsely attributing human invention to God and thus becoming a deceiver in the eyes of God and others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Add thou not unto his words":** This is a direct, imperative command, a strong prohibition against any human attempt to supplement, modify, or expand upon the revealed words of God. The phrase "his words" refers specifically to the divine utterances, implying their sacred and unalterable nature. This command underscores the absolute sufficiency and perfection of God's revelation, asserting that it requires no human additions or improvements.
* **"lest he reprove thee":** This clause introduces the immediate and direct consequence of violating the prohibition. The "he" refers to God Himself, indicating that the reproof comes from divine authority. God will actively correct, rebuke, or convict the individual who dares to tamper with His word. This divine intervention serves to expose the error and uphold the integrity of His truth.
* **"and thou be found a liar":** This final clause describes the ultimate outcome and public disgrace of such an act. To be "found a liar" means that the individual's deception, misrepresentation, or false claim to divine authority will be exposed. Their lack of integrity and truthfulness will be revealed, not only before God but potentially before the community, leading to a loss of credibility and moral standing.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:6 employs several impactful literary devices to convey its profound warning. The primary device is **Prohibition**, expressed through the direct negative command, "Add thou not." This imperative mood creates an immediate sense of gravity and absolute authority. Following this, the verse utilizes **Consequence** by clearly outlining the two severe repercussions of disobedience: divine reproof and exposure as a liar. This cause-and-effect structure emphasizes the seriousness of the offense. There is also an implied **Antithesis** between the purity and sufficiency of God's words (from the preceding verse) and the human tendency to corrupt or distort them. The phrase "lest he reprove thee" employs a subtle form of **Personification**, attributing the active role of correction directly to God, thus underscoring the personal and authoritative nature of His response. Finally, the declaration "and thou be found a liar" serves as a stark **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the complete and public discrediting of one who presumes to alter divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 30:6 stands as a powerful testament to the sanctity and immutability of God's revealed truth. Theologically, it affirms divine inspiration and the self-sufficiency of God's communication to humanity. It teaches that God's word is not merely a human construct or a flexible guide, but a perfect and complete revelation that demands reverent submission rather than human alteration. To add to God's words is to imply their inadequacy, to question God's wisdom, and ultimately, to usurp divine authority by presenting human ideas as divine truth. This act is characterized as a lie because it misrepresents the source and nature of truth, leading to spiritual deception and undermining the very foundation of faith. The verse thus serves as a foundational principle for biblical hermeneutics and theological integrity, calling believers to faithfully transmit and interpret God's word without adding or subtracting from its divinely intended meaning.

* [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract from the Law")
* [Revelation 22:18-19](/revelation/22-18 "Revelation 22:18-19 - Warning Against Altering the Prophecy")
* [Galatians 1:8-9](/galatians/1-8 "Galatians 1:8-9 - Warning Against a Different Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 30:6 profoundly challenges believers to approach God's Word with the utmost humility, reverence, and intellectual integrity. In an age saturated with information and diverse interpretations, this verse serves as a critical safeguard against the temptation to mold Scripture to fit personal preferences, cultural trends, or preconceived notions. It calls us to be diligent students of the Bible, seeking to understand its original context and divinely intended meaning, rather than imposing our own ideas upon it. This principle applies not only to formal theological discourse or preaching but also to our personal study and discussions. To add to God's words is to dilute their power, distort their truth, and ultimately, to mislead ourselves and others. Our task is to faithfully declare what God has spoken, trusting in its perfect wisdom and sufficiency for every aspect of life and godliness, recognizing that true spiritual nourishment comes from unadulterated divine truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, subtly or overtly, be tempted to "add" to God's words in my personal beliefs or conversations?**
* **How does a commitment to the purity and sufficiency of God's Word impact my approach to contemporary issues and cultural debates?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my understanding and communication of Scripture remain faithful to its original meaning, rather than being influenced by personal bias or external pressures?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's Word that guards against the temptation to alter or diminish its authority?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "add not unto his words" in a practical sense today?**

Answer: Practically, "adding not unto his words" means respecting the Bible as God's complete and authoritative revelation, without needing human supplements or alterations. This applies to several areas:
* **Doctrinal Purity:** It warns against inventing new doctrines or practices that are not found in Scripture, or elevating human traditions to the same level of authority as God's Word (e.g., [Mark 7:8-9](/mark/7-8 "Mark 7:8-9 - Human Traditions vs. God's Commands")).
* **Interpretation:** It encourages careful, humble interpretation, seeking to understand what the text actually says, rather than imposing personal opinions, cultural biases, or speculative theories onto it.
* **Preaching and Teaching:** For those who teach or preach, it is a solemn warning to faithfully expound God's Word, avoiding the temptation to twist its meaning, sensationalize its message, or add extra-biblical "revelations" that claim divine authority.
* **Personal Application:** It reminds us that God's Word is sufficient for all matters of faith and life ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Sufficiency of Scripture")), and we should not feel the need to invent additional rules or requirements beyond what God has commanded.

**Who is the "he" who will "reprove thee" in this verse?**

Answer: The "he" in "lest he reprove thee" refers unequivocally to God Himself. The preceding verse, [Proverbs 30:5](/proverbs/30-5 "Proverbs 30:5 - The Purity of God's Word"), states, "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him." The immediate context clearly identifies the "words" as God's words, and therefore, the one who will "reprove" those who tamper with them is God. This underscores the divine authority behind the warning and the seriousness of the consequences. God is the ultimate guardian of His truth and will hold accountable those who distort it.

**Why is being "found a liar" such a severe consequence for adding to God's words?**

Answer: Being "found a liar" is a severe consequence because it strikes at the core of truth and integrity, which are fundamental attributes of God. When one adds to God's words, they are essentially claiming that their human additions are also divine truth. This is a false claim, a deception, and thus, a lie. It is an attempt to elevate human wisdom or invention to the level of divine revelation, which is an act of spiritual fraud. Such an act not only misleads others but also profoundly dishonors God, who is the source of all truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The exposure as a liar signifies a loss of credibility, integrity, and trust, both in the eyes of God and potentially before the community, revealing a fundamental dishonesty in one's approach to sacred matters.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person of Jesus Christ. As the eternal [Word of God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word") made flesh, Jesus perfectly embodied and upheld the purity and sufficiency of divine revelation. He did not come to "add" to the Law or the Prophets, but to [fulfill them](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), bringing to completion all that God had spoken through the ages. His teachings were never His own inventions but always [what He heard from the Father](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks What the Father Commands"), demonstrating perfect submission to divine authority. Jesus consistently exposed those who added to God's words through human traditions, rebuking the Pharisees and scribes for nullifying the word of God by their traditions ([Mark 7:13](/mark/7-13 "Mark 7:13 - Nullifying God's Word by Tradition")). He Himself is the Truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Truth")), and His life perfectly contrasted with the "liar" described in Proverbs 30:6. Where human beings are tempted to distort or augment God's message, Christ perfectly preserved and revealed it. The New Testament writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, continued this legacy, warning against false teachers who would introduce destructive heresies ([2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - False Teachers Will Come")) and distort the gospel ([Galatians 1:6-9](/galatians/1-6 "Galatians 1:6-9 - Warning Against a Different Gospel")). Thus, Jesus, as the living embodiment of God's perfect and unadulterated Word, stands as the ultimate standard against which all human attempts to "add" to divine revelation are judged and found wanting.

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

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Deuteronomy 4:2

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Revelation 22:18

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

Revelation 22:19

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.

Job 13:7

Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?

Job 13:9

Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye [so] mock him?

1 Corinthians 15:15

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.