Proverbs 30: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Proverbs 30 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Proverbs chapter 30 is attributed to Agur son of Jakeh, whose body of wisdom is both humbling and awe-inspiring. Agur begins by acknowledging his own limitations in understanding the divine and expresses a deep reverence for God’s wisdom. This humility sets the tone for much of the chapter and reflects a central theme of Proverbs — the fear of the Lord as the beginning of knowledge.

Key verse

“Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
Proverbs 30:5 (WEB)

Outline

Proverbs 30:1–4 Agur's Introduction and Awe of God
Proverbs 30:5–9 The Flawlessness of God's Word
Proverbs 30:10–14 Generational Observations on Behavior
Proverbs 30:15–20 Satisfaction and Insatiability
Proverbs 30:21–24 The Earth Trembles at Injustice
Proverbs 30:25–28 Lessons from the Small and Mighty
Proverbs 30:29–33 Concluding Reflections on Pride and Conflict

Discussion questions

In v3, what does Agur claim about his own understanding?
What does Agur ask for in vv. 8-9 regarding his needs?
The reference to 'three things' in v15: what does Agur suggest about human dissatisfaction?
In vv. 21-23, why does Agur list four things that cause the earth to tremble?
When have you experienced a moment of humility like Agur expresses in v2?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Proverbs 30: Matthew 24, Psalm 119, Matthew 6.

Before next time: read Proverbs 31.