Proverbs 30:32
Proverbs 30:32 in Multiple Translations
If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth.
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, Or if thou hast thought evil, Lay thy hand upon thy mouth.
If you have done foolishly in lifting yourself up, or if you have had evil designs, put your hand over your mouth.
If you have been foolishly boasting about yourself, or if you've been planning to do something wrong, stop and put your hand over your mouth.
If thou hast bene foolish in lifting thy selfe vp, and if thou hast thought wickedly, lay thine hand vpon thy mouth.
If thou hast been foolish in lifting up thyself, And if thou hast devised evil — hand to mouth!
“If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand over your mouth.
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.
There is that hath appeared a fool after he was lifted up on high: for if he had understood, he would have laid his hand upon his mouth.
If you have acted foolishly, exalting yourself, or if you been planning to do something evil, stop it immediately [IDM]!
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 30:32
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 30:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
נָבַ֥לְתָּ
בְ/הִתְנַשֵּׂ֑א
וְ/אִם
זַ֝מּ֗וֹתָ
יָ֣ד
לְ/פֶֽה
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
נָבַ֥לְתָּ
nâbêl
H5034
be senseless
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בְ/הִתְנַשֵּׂ֑א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
זַ֝מּ֗וֹתָ
zâmam
H2161
to plan
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
יָ֣ד
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs
לְ/פֶֽה
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 30:32
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
נָבַ֥לְתָּ
nâbêl
H5034
"be senseless"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To wither means to lose strength or fade away, and can also describe someone acting foolishly or wickedly. It is used to convey a sense of decline or failure.
Definition: 1) to be senseless, be foolish 1a) (Qal) to be foolish 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to regard or treat as foolish 1b2) to treat with contempt
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: disgrace, dishounour, lightly esteem, fade (away, -ing), fall (down, -ling, off), do foolishly, come to nought, [idiom] surely, make vile, wither. See also: Exodus 18:18; Isaiah 28:1; Psalms 1:3.
בְ/הִתְנַשֵּׂ֑א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
זַ֝מּ֗וֹתָ
zâmam
H2161
"to plan"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to plan, often with bad intentions, like plotting or scheming. It appears in the Bible when someone is thinking of doing something evil. In the KJV, it's translated as 'consider, devise, imagine, plot, purpose, think evil'.
Definition: 1) to have a thought, devise, plan, consider, purpose 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to consider, fix thought upon 1a2) to purpose, devise 1a3) to plot (of evil intent)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: consider, devise, imagine, plot, purpose, think (evil). See also: Genesis 11:6; Proverbs 31:16; Psalms 17:3.
יָ֣ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
לְ/פֶֽה
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 30:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 30:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:32
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:32
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:32
- Sermons on Proverbs 30:32
Context — The Words of Agur
30a lion, mighty among beasts, refusing to retreat before anything;
31a strutting rooster; a he-goat; and a king with his army around him.
32If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth.
33For as the churning of milk yields butter, and the twisting of the nose draws blood, so the stirring of anger brings forth strife.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 21:5 | Look at me and be appalled; put your hand over your mouth. |
| 2 | Job 40:4 | “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. |
| 3 | Proverbs 26:12 | Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. |
| 4 | Romans 3:19 | Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. |
| 5 | Micah 7:16–17 | Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their might. They will put their hands over their mouths, and their ears will become deaf. They will lick the dust like a snake, like reptiles slithering on the ground. They will crawl from their holes in the presence of the LORD our God; they will tremble in fear of You. |
| 6 | Proverbs 17:28 | Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 8:3–4 | Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” |
Proverbs 30:32 Summary
[This verse is warning us about the dangers of being too full of ourselves and plotting evil against others. When we start to think too highly of ourselves, we can get into trouble, as seen in Proverbs 16:18. By being humble and recognizing our own limitations, we can avoid a lot of problems. As it says in James 4:10, God gives grace to the humble, so let's strive to cultivate humility in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'foolishly exalt' myself?
To foolishly exalt oneself means to proudly elevate oneself above others, often leading to a sense of self-importance, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which warns that pride goes before a fall. This kind of pride can lead to a lack of humility and a failure to recognize one's own limitations.
How can plotting evil affect my relationships with others?
Plotting evil can damage relationships and lead to strife, as noted in Proverbs 30:33, which says that stirring up anger brings forth strife. This is also seen in Proverbs 10:12, which states that love covers all offenses, but evil plots can destroy relationships.
Why is it important to 'put your hand over your mouth' in this context?
Putting your hand over your mouth is a symbol of silence and restraint, as seen in Job 40:4-5, where Job humbles himself before God. In the context of Proverbs 30:32, it means to restrain oneself from speaking or acting in a way that would further escalate a situation or reveal one's own foolishness.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
By recognizing the dangers of pride and evil plotting, and taking steps to humble oneself, as seen in James 4:10, which says that God gives grace to the humble. This can involve being mindful of one's thoughts and actions, and seeking to cultivate humility and kindness towards others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have foolishly exalted myself in the past, and how can I learn from those experiences?
- How can I recognize when I am plotting evil or harboring negative thoughts, and what steps can I take to change my mindset?
- In what situations do I tend to struggle with pride or a lack of humility, and how can I seek to cultivate a more humble spirit in those areas?
- What are some practical ways that I can 'put my hand over my mouth' and restrain myself from speaking or acting in a way that would be harmful to others or reveal my own foolishness?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 30:32
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself,.... Against a king, against whom there is no rising up; by speaking evil of him, or rebelling against him; which is acting a foolish part, since it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 30:32
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. If thou hast done foolishly (or, hast been foolish) in lifting up thyself - through pride and insolence.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 30:32
In lifting up thyself; either, 1. By rebellion or sedition against the king last mentioned. Or, 2. By anger or wrath, of which he speaks in the next verse. But this verse hath no necessary dependence either upon the foregoing or following verse. Or, 3. Through thy pride, which makes men carry themselves very foolishly, and scornfully, and injuriously, and is the root of contention, as was observed, . Thought evil, i.e. designed any mischief or injury against thy neighbour. Lay thine hand upon thy mouth, to wit, to shut it. Be silent, as this phrase is used, 29:9.
Restrain thyself, do not speak one word, much less do any thing tending to the accomplishment of it; do not open thy mouth to justify or excuse it, but silently and seriously consider the evil of it, and repent of it, and do so no more.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 30:32
Proverbs 30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, [lay] thine hand upon thy mouth.Ver. 32. Lay thy hand upon thy mouth.] That is, Better examine thyself, commune with thine own heart and be still. Repent thee, as Job did in like case. Quem poenitet peccasse, pene est innocens. It is not the falling into the water that drowns one, but the lying in it. Senec., Agram.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 30:32
(32) Lay thine hand upon thy mouth—i.e., be silent. Agur deprecates two things which may easily lead to a quarrel, arrogance and malice. He explains this in the next verse.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 30:32
Verse 32. If thou hast done foolishly] And who has not, at one time or other of his life? Lay thine hand upon thy mouth.] Like the leper; and cry to God, Unclean! unclean! and keep silence to all besides. God will blot out thy offence, and neither the world nor the Church ever know it, for he is merciful; and man is rarely able to pass by a sin committed by his fellows, especially if it be one to which himself is by nature not liable or inclined.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 30:32
32, 33. The oracle of the sage closes with a practical admonition against strife and contention.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 30:32
Lay thine hand upon thy mouth - The act expresses the silence of humiliation and repentance after the sin has been committed, and that of self-restraint, which checks the haughty or malignant thought
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 30:32
32. Done foolishly, etc. — Variously rendered: “If thou hast played the fool in exalting thyself; or if thou hast craftily devised with thy hand to thy mouth.” — Stuart.
Sermons on Proverbs 30:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Flood by Lawrence Chambers | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the impending judgment that will come upon those who have been indifferent and careless towards the things of God. He describes a day when s |
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(I Want an Answer) Will I Ever Be Found Out? by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who becomes drunk and neglects his faithful dog. One night, an intruder enters the man's garage, but the man is too intoxicat |
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Psalm 37:7 by Bill Ammon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His children. He compares it to a mother comforting and caring for her child. The preacher also di |
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Knowing God Through Brokenness by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God personally and experiencing eternal life as defined by Jesus in John 17. It highlights that eternal life is not just living for |
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Job Chapter 40: by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher references several verses from the Bible, including Matthew 6:26, Revelation 3:8, and Revelation 22:20. He emphasizes the message of the Christian fait |
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Studies in Job-03 Job-3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and explores the theme of God's sovereignty and power. The sermon begins by highlighting God's role as the creator of the un |
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I Am of Small Account; What Shall I by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of humility and silence in our relationship with God, reflecting on Job's acknowledgment of his smallness before the Almighty. He contrasts the |