Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Every word of God
The phrase "Every word of God" emphasizes the completeness and perfection of divine revelation. In Hebrew, the term for "word" is "דָּבָר" (dabar), which signifies not just spoken words but also commands, promises, and decrees. This highlights the authority and reliability of Scripture. Historically, the Jewish tradition has held the Torah in the highest regard, viewing it as the direct communication from God to humanity. This reverence for God's word is echoed throughout the Bible, underscoring its role as the ultimate guide for faith and practice.

is flawless
The Hebrew word for "flawless" is "צָרוּף" (tsaruf), which means refined or pure, like metal that has been purified by fire. This imagery suggests that God's words are free from error or imperfection, having been tested and proven true. In a historical context, the process of refining metals was well understood in ancient times, symbolizing the removal of impurities. This metaphor assures believers of the trustworthiness and purity of God's promises and instructions.

He is a shield
The metaphor of God as a "shield" is a powerful image of protection and defense. In Hebrew, the word "מָגֵן" (magen) refers to a small, portable shield used in battle. This conveys the idea of God as a personal protector who is always present and ready to defend those who trust in Him. Throughout the Old Testament, God is frequently depicted as a warrior and protector of His people, providing safety and security in times of trouble.

to those who take refuge in Him
The phrase "take refuge" comes from the Hebrew "חָסָה" (chasah), meaning to seek shelter or protection. This implies an active choice to trust and rely on God amidst life's challenges. Historically, cities of refuge in ancient Israel provided safety for those in danger, symbolizing God's role as a sanctuary for His people. Scripturally, this concept is echoed in the Psalms and other wisdom literature, encouraging believers to seek God's presence as a place of safety and peace.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Agur
The author of Proverbs 30, Agur is a relatively obscure figure in the Bible. His sayings are collected in this chapter, and he is known for his humility and acknowledgment of human limitations.

2. God
The central figure in this verse, God is portrayed as the source of flawless words and a protector for those who trust in Him.

3. The Bible
While not a person or place, the Bible as the Word of God is implied in this verse, emphasizing its perfection and reliability.
Teaching Points
The Perfection of God's Word
God's word is described as flawless, meaning it is without error and completely trustworthy. This should encourage believers to rely on Scripture as the ultimate authority in their lives.

God as Our Protector
The verse portrays God as a shield, offering protection to those who seek refuge in Him. This imagery encourages believers to trust in God's protection and guidance in all circumstances.

The Importance of Trust
Taking refuge in God implies a deep trust in His character and promises. Believers are called to place their confidence in God rather than in human wisdom or strength.

Application of Scripture
Since God's word is flawless, it should be applied to every aspect of life. Believers are encouraged to study and meditate on Scripture regularly to align their lives with God's will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the flawlessness of God's word impact your daily decision-making and priorities?

2. In what ways can you actively take refuge in God as your shield in times of trouble or uncertainty?

3. How does the concept of God's word being flawless challenge or affirm your current understanding of Scripture?

4. Can you identify a situation in your life where trusting in God's word provided protection or guidance? How did it change the outcome?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Psalm 18:30 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17, enhance your understanding of Proverbs 30:5?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 18:30
This verse also speaks of God's word as flawless and describes God as a shield, reinforcing the themes of protection and perfection found in Proverbs 30:5.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
These verses highlight the inspiration and usefulness of Scripture, aligning with the idea that God's word is flawless and serves as a guide for righteous living.

Hebrews 4:12
This passage describes the word of God as living and active, emphasizing its power and precision, which complements the idea of its flawlessness.
Agur's Sayings: God's Word the Fountain of All WisdomE. Johnson Proverbs 30:1-6
Reverence and DocilityW. Clarkson Proverbs 30:1-6
Agur the PhilosopherD. Thomas, D.D.Proverbs 30:1-9
People
Agur, Ithiel, Jakeh, Massa, Ucal
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Breastplate, Faith, Flawless, Proves, Pure, Refuge, Saying, Shield, Tested, Tried, Trust, Trusting
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 30:5

     1100   God, perfection
     1205   God, titles of
     5036   mind, of God
     5292   defence, divine
     5330   guard
     5490   refuge
     5527   shield
     8031   trust, importance
     8321   perfection, divine

Proverbs 30:5-6

     1615   Scripture, sufficiency
     1690   word of God
     8470   respect, for God

Library
A Homily for Humble Folks
A 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.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Tenth Commandment
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.' Exod 20: 17. THIS commandment forbids covetousness in general, Thou shalt not covet;' and in particular, Thy neighbour's house, thy neighbour's wife, &c. I. It forbids covetousness in general. Thou shalt not covet.' It is lawful to use the world, yea, and to desire so much of it as may keep us from the temptation
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF JESUS CHRIST: AND THAT HE UNDERTOOK TO ACCOMPLISH BY HIMSELF THE ETERNAL REDEMPTION OF SINNERS: ALSO, HOW THE LORD JESUS ADDRESSED HIMSELF TO THIS WORK; WITH UNDENIABLE DEMONSTRATIONS THAT HE PERFORMED THE SAME. OBJECTIONS TO THE CONTRARY ANSWERED. 'Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.'--Galatians 3:13. by John Bunyan--1674 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This solemn and searching treatise was first published in 1674, a copy of which is in
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Vehicles of Revelation; Scripture, the Church, Tradition.
(a) The supreme and unique revelation of God to man is in the Person of the Incarnate Son. But though unique the Incarnation is not solitary. Before it there was the divine institution of the Law and the Prophets, the former a typical anticipation (de Incarn. 40. 2) of the destined reality, and along with the latter (ib. 12. 2 and 5) for all the world a holy school of the knowledge of God and the conduct of the soul.' After it there is the history of the life and teaching of Christ and the writings
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Of the Name of God
Exod. iii. 13, 14.--"And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." We are now about this question, What God is. But who can answer it? Or, if answered, who can understand it? It should astonish us in
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Wash You, Make You Clean, Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from Before Mine Eyes; Cease to do Evil,"
Isaiah i. 16.--"Wash you, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil," &c. If we would have a sum of pure and undefiled religion, here it is set down in opposition to this people's shadow of religion, that consisted in external ordinances and rites. We think that God should be as well-pleased with our service as we ourselves, therefore we choose his commands which our humour hath no particular antipathy against and refuse others. But the Lord will not
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

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
In this my relation of the merciful working of God upon my soul, it will not be amiss, if in the first place, I do in a few words give you a hint of my pedigree, and manner of bringing up; that thereby the goodness and bounty of God towards me, may be the more advanced and magnified before the sons of men. 2. For my descent then, it was, as is well known by many, of a low and inconsiderable generation; my father's house being of that rank that is meanest, and most despised of all the families in
John Bunyan—Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and Return of the Seventy - the Home at Bethany - Martha and Mary
ALTHOUGH, for the reasons explained in the previous chapter, the exact succession of events cannot be absolutely determined, it seems most likely, that it was on His progress southwards at this time that Jesus designated' [3870] those seventy' [3871] others,' who were to herald His arrival in every town and village. Even the circumstance, that the instructions to them are so similar to, and yet distinct from, those formerly given to the Twelve, seems to point to them as those from whom the Seventy
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
by John Bunyan, Licensed and entered according to order. London: Printed for, and sold by, R. Tookey, at his Printing House in St. Christopher's Court, in Threadneedle Street, behind the Royal Exchange, 1701. Advertisement by the Editor. Some degree of mystery hangs over these Divine Emblems for children, and many years' diligent researches have not enabled me completely to solve it. That they were written by Bunyan, there cannot be the slightest doubt. 'Manner and matter, too, are all his own.'[1]
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
HE that seriously considers the Constitution of the Christian Religion, observing the Excellency of its Doctrines, the Clearness of its Precepts, the Severity of its Threatnings, together with the Faithfulness of its Promises, and the Certainty of its Principles to trust to; such a one may justly be astonished, and admire what should be the reason that they who profess this not only the most excellent, but only true Religion in the World, should notwithstanding be generally as wicked, debauched and
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
Part I. History of the Councils. Reason why two Councils were called. Inconsistency and folly of calling any; and of the style of the Arian formularies; occasion of the Nicene Council; proceedings at Ariminum; Letter of the Council to Constantius; its decree. Proceedings at Seleucia; reflections on the conduct of the Arians. 1. Perhaps news has reached even yourselves concerning the Council, which is at this time the subject of general conversation; for letters both from the Emperor and the Prefects
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus Christ;
SHEWING, TRUE GOSPEL-HOLINESS FLOWS FROM THENCE; OR, MR. FOWLER'S PRETENDED DESIGN OF CHRISTIANITY, PROVED TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN TO TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT THE BLOOD OF THE SON OF GOD; AND THE IDOLIZING OF MAN'S OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS AS ALSO, HOW WHILE HE PRETENDS TO BE A MINISTER OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, HE OVERTHROWETH THE WHOLESOME DOCTRINE CONTAINED IN THE 10TH, 11TH, AND 13TH, OF THE THIRTY-NINE ARTICLES OF THE SAME, AND THAT HE FALLETH IN WITH THE QUAKER AND ROMANIST, AGAINST THEM. BY JOHN BUNYAN
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Concerning the Scriptures.
Concerning the Scriptures. From these revelations of the Spirit of God to the saints, have proceeded the Scriptures of Truth, which contain, I. A faithful historical account of the actings of God's people in divers ages; with many singular and remarkable providences attending them. II. A prophetical account of several things, whereof some are already past, and some yet to come. III. A full and ample account of all the chief principles of the doctrine of Christ, held forth in divers precious declarations,
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Proverbs 30:5 NIV
Proverbs 30:5 NLT
Proverbs 30:5 ESV
Proverbs 30:5 NASB
Proverbs 30:5 KJV

Proverbs 30:5 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Proverbs 30:4
Top of Page
Top of Page