If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth. If you have foolishly exalted yourselfThe phrase "foolishly exalted yourself" speaks to the human tendency towards pride and self-aggrandizement. In Hebrew, the word for "foolishly" is often associated with a lack of wisdom or understanding, which is a central theme in the book of Proverbs. The act of exalting oneself is contrary to the Biblical principle of humility. Historically, the culture of the Ancient Near East, including Israel, valued humility and saw pride as a precursor to downfall. This phrase serves as a warning against the arrogance that leads one away from God’s wisdom and towards self-destruction. or if you have plotted evil put your hand over your mouth Persons / Places / Events 1. AgurThe author of Proverbs 30, Agur son of Jakeh, is a figure about whom little is known. His sayings are included in the wisdom literature of the Bible, emphasizing humility and the fear of the Lord. 2. Proverbs A book in the Old Testament, part of the wisdom literature, traditionally attributed to Solomon. It contains sayings and teachings that provide guidance on how to live a life pleasing to God. 3. Self-exaltation The act of elevating oneself in pride or arrogance, which is cautioned against in this verse. 4. Plotting evil The act of devising or planning harm against others, which is condemned in biblical teachings. 5. Hand over the mouth A metaphorical expression suggesting silence or restraint, particularly in the context of prideful or harmful intentions. Teaching Points The Danger of PridePride leads to downfall and is contrary to the humility that God desires. Recognize and confess prideful thoughts or actions. The Power of Restraint Exercising restraint, especially in speech, can prevent harm and maintain peace. Practice self-control in conversations and decisions. The Call to Humility Humility is a virtue that aligns with God's will. Seek to humble yourself in all areas of life, trusting that God will honor this attitude. Guarding Against Evil Intentions Be vigilant against plotting or wishing harm on others. Instead, cultivate thoughts and actions that reflect God's love and righteousness. Seeking God's Wisdom Regularly seek God's wisdom through prayer and scripture to guide your actions and thoughts, ensuring they align with His will. Bible Study Questions 1. How can you identify areas in your life where you might be exalting yourself, and what steps can you take to cultivate humility instead?2. In what ways can you practice putting a "hand over your mouth" in your daily interactions to prevent speaking or acting foolishly? 3. How does the concept of self-exaltation in Proverbs 30:32 relate to the broader biblical teaching on pride and humility? 4. Reflect on a time when you plotted or considered an action that was not aligned with God's will. How did you address it, and what did you learn? 5. How can the teachings in Proverbs 30:32 and related scriptures guide you in making decisions that honor God and reflect His character? Connections to Other Scriptures James 4:10This verse emphasizes humility before God, promising that He will lift up those who humble themselves. It connects to the theme of avoiding self-exaltation. Psalm 141:3 This verse is a prayer for God to guard one's mouth, aligning with the idea of putting a hand over the mouth to prevent speaking foolishly or plotting evil. Proverbs 16:18 This verse warns that pride precedes destruction, reinforcing the danger of self-exaltation mentioned in Proverbs 30:32.
People Agur, Ithiel, Jakeh, Massa, UcalPlaces JerusalemTopics Clap, Designs, Devices, Devised, Devising, Evil, Exalted, Exalting, Fool, Foolish, Foolishly, Hast, Lay, Lifting, Mouth, Planned, Played, Plotted, ThyselfDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 30:32Library A Homily for Humble FolksA Sermon (No. 2140) delivered on Lord's Day, April 27th, 1890 by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man."--Proverbs 30:2. Sometimes it is necessary for a speaker to refer to himself, and he may feel it needful to do so in a way peculiar to the occasion. When Elihu addressed himself to Job and the three wise men, he commended himself to them saying, "I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth … C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs Temporal Advantages. Parable of the Pharisee and Publican. The Tenth Commandment Light for them that Sit in Darkness; Vehicles of Revelation; Scripture, the Church, Tradition. Of the Name of God "Wash You, Make You Clean, Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from Before Mine Eyes; Cease to do Evil," Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of the Exceeding Mercy of God in Christ, to his Poor Servant, John Bunyan Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and Return of the Seventy - the Home at Bethany - Martha and Mary A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized. Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I. Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia. A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus Christ; Concerning the Scriptures. Proverbs Links Proverbs 30:32 NIVProverbs 30:32 NLT Proverbs 30:32 ESV Proverbs 30:32 NASB Proverbs 30:32 KJV Proverbs 30:32 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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