{
  "schema_version": "simple_bible_commentary_page_v1",
  "generated_at": "2026-05-22T01:36:44.295800+00:00",
  "custom_id": "PRO_020",
  "testament": "OT",
  "book": "Proverbs",
  "passage_ref": "Proverbs 30:1-33",
  "title": "Agur’s words: humility, God’s pure word, and wise living",
  "canonical_url": "/commentary/old-testament-simple/proverbs/pro_020/",
  "json_path": "/data/commentary/old-testament-simple/proverbs/PRO_020.json",
  "simple_summary": "Agur begins by confessing his smallness before God. He says God’s word is pure and must not be altered. He then prays for truth and for enough bread, not riches or poverty. The rest of the chapter warns against pride, greed, dishonor, deceit, adultery, and anger, while praising humble wisdom seen in small creatures and steady conduct.",
  "simple_explanation": "Agur speaks like a wise teacher who knows that human understanding is limited. He does not boast in himself. He points to the Lord as the One who rules creation and whose word is completely trustworthy. Because God’s word is pure, people must not add to it or try to improve it.\n\nAgur’s prayer is simple and wise. He asks to be kept from lies. He also asks for neither poverty nor riches, but his daily portion. He knows that too much can lead to pride and denial of the Lord, while too little can lead to stealing and shame.\n\nThe chapter then gives a series of sharp observations about sinful people and foolish behavior. It warns against slander, dishonoring parents, false self-righteousness, greed, and oppression of the poor. It also exposes adultery, disorder, and self-exaltation. At the same time, it praises the wisdom seen in ants, rock badgers, locusts, and other creatures that act with discipline and purpose.\n\nThe closing warning is direct. If a person has acted foolishly by exalting himself or planning evil, he must stop. Pride and anger do not stay small. They lead to strife.",
  "important_truths": [
    "Human wisdom is limited, and true understanding begins with reverence before God.",
    "God’s word is pure, reliable, and must not be added to by human beings.",
    "Contentment is wise because both wealth and poverty can tempt the heart into sin.",
    "Pride, deceit, greed, injustice, dishonor, and anger all lead to harm.",
    "Small creatures can teach wisdom through preparation, order, and discipline."
  ],
  "warnings_promises_commands": [
    "Do not add to God’s words.",
    "Keep falsehood and lies far from you.",
    "Do not seek either poverty or riches as your portion.",
    "Do not slander a servant to his master.",
    "Do not despise or dishonor your parents.",
    "If you have exalted yourself or planned evil, put your hand over your mouth.",
    "Stirring up anger produces strife."
  ],
  "gods_plan_connection": "This passage fits the wisdom tradition under the covenant life of Israel. It calls God’s people to fear the Lord, trust his word, and live with humility, truthfulness, and restraint. In the fuller canon, the call to depend on God’s pure word prepares readers to look for the One who perfectly reveals God and lives without pride or deceit.",
  "simple_application": "Believers should receive God’s word as final and trustworthy. They should ask God for truthful speech and daily provision, not for the love of wealth. They should avoid pride, gossip, dishonor, sexual sin, and anger. They should also learn from ordinary examples of wise, disciplined living.",
  "net_bible_attribution": "Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible®, copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.",
  "source_status": {
    "stage3_status": "",
    "normalized_final_release_status": "",
    "final_release_status": "",
    "stage3_final_release_status": "",
    "operator_review_status": ""
  }
}