FocusHuman limits and ordered observations
Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation Proverbs 30:20
KJVSuch is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
Read it in context
The Words of Agur
Start reading at Proverbs 30:1 (Proverbs 30:1 to Proverbs 30:33).
The entire chapter is introduced as 'The words of Agur the son of Jakeh' and forms a distinct literary unit.
- 30:1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
- 30:2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
- 30:3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
- 30:4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?
- 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
- 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
- 30:7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
- 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
- 30:9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
- 30:10 Accuse not a servant unto his master, lest he curse thee, and thou be found guilty.
- 30:11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
- 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
- 30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
- 30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
- 30:15 The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
- 30:16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
- 30:17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
- 30:18 There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:
- 30:19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.
- 30:20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
- 30:21 For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:
- 30:22 For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;
- 30:23 For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
- 30:24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
- 30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
- 30:26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;
- 30:27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;
- 30:28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.
- 30:29 There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:
- 30:30 A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;
- 30:31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.
- 30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
- 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 30:1–30:33): Agur's words address the named hearers and the wisdom audience, using observations, prayer, and numerical sayings. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme of this verse is the deceptive and unrepentant nature of an adulterous woman, who commits wickedness and then denies it, attempting to erase all evidence and guilt.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the profound deceitfulness of sin and the human heart, particularly how those engaged in hidden wickedness, like adultery, often attempt to conceal their actions and deny their guilt, believing they can escape consequences or judgment.
- What is the literary style? This verse is a proverb, an observation about human behavior, presented as a comparison to other mysterious 'ways' (Proverbs 30:18-19). It is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings within the book of Proverbs.
When
- When was it written? The book of Proverbs, including the words of Agur, was written between approximately 950 and 700 B.C.
- When does the event take place? The 'event' described is a timeless observation of human behavior, specifically the act of adultery and subsequent denial, which can occur at any time.
Where
- Where did it happen? The observation describes a type of behavior rather than a specific geographical event.
- Where was the author located? The book of Proverbs was written in Jerusalem.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Words of Agur (Proverbs 30:1 to Proverbs 30:33). Start reading at Proverbs 30:1. The entire chapter is introduced as 'The words of Agur the son of Jakeh' and forms a distinct literary unit.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Proverbs 30:20 follows a series of 'three things...yea, four' observations, specifically comparing the 'way of an adulterous woman' to other mysterious and untraceable 'ways' (Proverbs 30:18-19). It highlights a hidden, deceptive path, fitting within the broader context of wisdom literature that warns against sin and folly, particularly sexual immorality. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? This verse highlights the deceitfulness and denial of sin, which stands in stark contrast to Christ, who is the embodiment of truth and righteousness. Christ exposes hidden sin and calls for genuine repentance, offering forgiveness to those who confess their wickedness, unlike the woman who denies her actions. He came to save sinners who acknowledge their need for Him, not those who justify themselves. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This proverb serves as a warning against the deceitfulness of sin and the danger of self-justification. It calls believers to honesty before God and others, to confess their sins rather than hide or deny them, and to recognize that God sees all actions, even those hidden from human eyes. It encourages a life of integrity and genuine repentance. interpretation
Cited: Proverbs 30:1, Proverbs 30:18-19, Proverbs 30:20, Proverbs 7:13-23, Numbers 5:11-30
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon, with Agur and Lemuel
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Solomon, and also Agur and King Lemuel, and notes that Hezekiah's men copied out further proverbs.
Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 25:1Proverbs 30:1Proverbs 31:1
Early traditionTradition credits Solomon as the principal author.
What is debatedThe book itself describes later collecting, so it reached its final form after Solomon.
Related passages
- Such is the way of an adulterous woman; s… Prov 7:13-23 Num 5:11-30
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 30
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Instruction and wisdom's call
Proverbs 1:1–9:18FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation The proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 10:1–22:16FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Words of the wise
Proverbs 22:17–24:34FocusInstruction, justice, and disciplined conduct
Connection to the wholeThis collection continues the instruction through longer admonitions and observations, including further sayings of the wise.
interpretation Further proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 25:1–29:27FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation FocusHuman limits and ordered observations
Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation The words of Lemuel and the capable woman
Proverbs 31:1–31FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.