Proverbs Wisdom and Knowledge Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)

Quote #10

"Three things are too wonderful for me; four I do not understand: the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a girl." (NRSV 30:18-19)

There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: the way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid. (KJV 30:18-19)

So, this is pretty cryptic—Agur seems to be expressing his wonder at sublime things that go beyond what the human mind can understand or contain. He's detailing the transcendent mystery and wonder of creation.

Quote #11

"Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people without strength, yet they provide their food in the summer; the badgers are a people without power, yet they make their homes in the rocks; the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank; the lizard can be grasped in the hand, yet it is found in kings' palaces." (NRSV 30:24-28)

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; the conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; the locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; the spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces. (KJV 30:24-28)

Wisdom is something that specially aids the small and seemingly powerless in leading their lives. It creates strength that goes beyond the strength that they merely seem to have.