Proverbs 30:24 "Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:

◄ Proverbs 30:24 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
"Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:

English Standard Version
Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise:

New American Standard Bible
Four things are small on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise:

King James Bible
There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:

International Standard Version
Four things on earth are small, but they are very, very wise:

American Standard Version
There are four things which are little upon the earth, But they are exceeding wise:

Douay-Rheims Bible
There are four very little things of the earth, and they are wiser than the wise:

Darby Bible Translation
There are four things little upon the earth, and they are exceeding wise:

Young's Literal Translation
Four are little ones of earth, And they are made wiser than the wise:

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

30:24-28. Four things that are little, are yet to be admired. There are those who are poor in the world, and of small account, yet wise for their souls and another world. 29-33. We may learn from animals to go well; also to keep our temper under all provocations. We must keep the evil thought in our minds from breaking out into evil speeches. We must not stir up the passions of others. Let nothing be said or done with violence, but every thing with softness and calmness. Alas, how often have we done foolishly in rising up against the Lord our King! Let us humble ourselves before him. And having found peace with Him, let us follow peace with all men.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

24-31. These verses provide two classes of apt illustrations of various aspects of the moral world, which the reader is left to apply. By the first (Pr 30:25-28), diligence and providence are commended; the success of these insignificant animals being due to their instinctive sagacity and activity, rather than strength. The other class (Pr 30:30, 31) provides similes for whatever is majestic or comely, uniting efficiency with gracefulness.