Proverbs 30:24
Proverbs 30:24 in Multiple Translations
Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise:
There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:
There are four things which are little upon the earth, But they are exceeding wise:
There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are very wise:
There are four things on earth that are small, but very wise:
These be foure small things in the earth, yet they are wise and full of wisedome:
Four [are] little ones of earth, And they are made wiser than the wise:
“There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:
There are four things which are little upon the earth, but they are very wise:
There are four very little things of the earth, and they are wiser than the wise:
There are four animals on the earth that are small, but they are very wise:
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 30:24
BAB
Word Study
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Proverbs 30:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַרְבָּ֣עָה
הֵ֭ם
קְטַנֵּי
אָ֑רֶץ
וְ֝/הֵ֗מָּה
חֲכָמִ֥ים
מְחֻכָּמִֽים
אַרְבָּ֣עָה
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Adj
הֵ֭ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
קְטַנֵּי
qâṭân
H6996
small
Adj
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
וְ֝/הֵ֗מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
חֲכָמִ֥ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
מְחֻכָּמִֽים
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Pual-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 30:24
אַרְבָּ֣עָה
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
הֵ֭ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
קְטַנֵּי
qâṭân
H6996
"small"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ֝/הֵ֗מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
חֲכָמִ֥ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
מְחֻכָּמִֽים
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Pual-Inf-c
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 30:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 30:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:24
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:24
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:24
- Sermons on Proverbs 30:24
Context — The Words of Agur
22a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food,
23an unloved woman who marries, and a maidservant who supplants her mistress.
24Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise:
25The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; 26the rock badgers are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the rocks;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 12:7 | But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. |
Proverbs 30:24 Summary
[This verse reminds us that wisdom is not just for the strong or powerful, but can be found in small and unexpected places. By looking at the examples of small creatures in Proverbs 30:25-31, we can learn valuable lessons about diligence, community, and preparation. As it says in Proverbs 9:10, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and this wisdom is available to all, regardless of size or strength. By humbling ourselves and seeking God's wisdom, we can live virtuous and wise lives, as taught in Psalms 37:30-31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for something to be small yet exceedingly wise?
In Proverbs 30:24, small refers to physical size or strength, but wisdom is about making good decisions and living a virtuous life, as seen in Psalms 111:10 where it says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
How can we apply the wisdom of small things to our own lives?
By studying the examples given in Proverbs 30:25-31 and applying the principles of diligence, preparation, and community, as also taught in Proverbs 6:6-8 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
Is wisdom only for the strong or powerful?
No, according to Proverbs 30:24, wisdom is not limited to the strong or powerful, but can be found in small and seemingly insignificant things, as also seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27 where God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
What is the relationship between size and wisdom in the Bible?
The Bible teaches that size and strength are not the primary determinants of wisdom, but rather humility, fear of the Lord, and obedience to His commands, as seen in Proverbs 9:10 and Micah 6:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the wisdom of small things, such as diligence and preparation?
- How can I cultivate a sense of humility and recognition of my own limitations, in order to receive wisdom from God?
- What are some examples of small things in my life that could be used for great wisdom and impact, if I surrender them to God?
- In what ways can I prioritize wisdom and virtue over physical strength or power, in my own life and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:24
There be four [things which are] little upon the earth,.... Small in bulk, that have little bodies, are the lesser sort of animals; but they [are] exceeding wise; show a great deal of art and wisdom
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:24
There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: There be four (things) ... little upon the earth (i:e., among the smallest things upon earth), But ... exceeding
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:24
Comparatively to other brute creatures. They act very wisely and providently, not from any reason which they have, but by the direction of Divine Providence, which secretly guides them to do those things for their own preservation which are most agreeable to the rules of wisdom. The design of this observation is either, 1. To commend wisdom to us, and to teach us to imitate the providence of these creatures, as we are provoked to imitate their diligence, . Or, 2. To keep us from being proudly conceited of our own wisdom, because we are either equalled or exceeded therein by the unreasonable creatures in the wise conduct of their affairs. Or, 3. To direct us to whom to resort for wisdom when we want and desire it, even to that God who is able to inspire wisdom even into the brute creatures.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:24
Proverbs 30:24 There be four [things which are] little upon the earth, but they [are] exceeding wise:Ver. 24. There be four things.] Made up thus in quaternions (as the 119th Psalm is in octonaries, and those in an alphabetical order), for help of memory. Which are little upon the earth, but exceeding wise.] God is maximus in minimis, very much seen in the smallest creatures. In formicis maior anima quam in elephantis, in nanis quam in gigantibus, The soul is more active in ants than elephants, in dwarfs than in giants. "Who hath despised the day of small things?" “ A cane non magno saepe tenetur aper.” - Ovid. The creatures, next to the Scriptures, are the best layman’ s books, whereby we may learn to know God and ourselves savingly. "Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee, and the fowls of the heaven, and they shall tell thee."
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:24
Verse 24. There be four things] Of which it is said, they are very little but very wise. 1. The ants. 2. The rabbits. 3. The locusts. 4. The spider. 1. The ants show their wisdom by preparing their meat in the summer; seeking for it and storing it when it may be had; not for winter consumption, for they sleep all that time; but for autumn and spring. See Clarke on Proverbs 6:6. The ants are a people; they have their houses, towns, cities, public roads, c. I have seen several of these, both of the brown and large black ant. 2.
The rabbits act curiously enough in the construction of their burrows but the word שפן shaphan probably does not here mean the animal we call coney or rabbit. It is most likely that this is what Dr. Shaw calls the Daman-Israel; a creature very like a rabbit, but never burrowing in the ground, but dwelling in clefts and holes of rocks. 3. The locusts. These surprising animals we have already met with and described. Though they have no leader, yet they go forth by troops, some miles in circumference, when they take wing. 4. The spider. This is a singularly curious animal, both in the manner of constructing her house, her nets, and taking her prey. But the habits, &c., of these and such like must be sought in works on natural history.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:24
24–28. Four things which though little are wise.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:24
Exceeding wise - Some prefer the reading of the Septuagint and Vulgate: “wiser than the wise.” The thought, in either case, turns upon the marvels of instinct, which, in their own province, transcend
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:24
24-28. Four things… little — Here is the enigma of the four small and contemptible things, that are yet esteemed for their wisdom and other qualities. The ants — See Proverbs 6:6; and notes there. The conies — Rabbits.
Sermons on Proverbs 30:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Proverbs 30:24 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the wisdom found in four small creatures as described in Proverbs 30:24, emphasizing their unique strengths and lessons for humanity. He highlights the ant's d |
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Our Awesome God - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the profound wisdom and knowledge of God as revealed in Romans 11, emphasizing the intricate design and balance in creation that sustains life on Earth. It |
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The Mystic Universe in My Back Yard by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle reflects on the profound beauty and spiritual significance of nature found in his own back yard, contrasting it with the teachings of St. Paul, who did not emp |
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Natural Law in the Spiritual World by Henry Drummond | Henry Drummond preaches about the potential unity of Natural Law in the Spiritual World, challenging the traditional separation between the two realms. He argues that just as the l |
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The Stork by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the example of the stork to emphasize the importance of kindness, care, and gratitude towards parents, drawing parallels between the stork's behavior towards i |
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The Anthropic Principle by Judah Etinger | Judah Etinger delves into the anthropic principle, exploring the intricate design of the universe that seems tailored for the existence of life on Earth. Through various examples l |
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God's Place as Creator by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence as both Creator and Redeemer in all aspects of life, urging us to admire Him in nature as well as in grace. He su |