Those who choose to trample on others reveal a corrupt heart.
Proverbs 30 is traditionally attributed to Agur, the son of Jakeh, who likely lived during the era of Israel’s monarchy around the late tenth or early ninth century B.C. In this section of his wisdom, Agur highlights different types of people and attitudes that can lead to destructiveness and ruin. So when he says, “There is a kind of man whose teeth are like swords And his jaw teeth like knives, To devour the afflicted from the earth And the needy from among men” (v.14), he uses striking language to capture the harmful nature of those who prey on the vulnerable. This disturbing imagery underscores the seriousness of an attitude that eagerly—and even violently—uses others for personal gain.
By comparing the mouth of such a person to “teeth … like swords” and “jaw teeth like knives” (v.14), the passage conveys not merely physical danger but verbal or societal harm as well. In ancient Israel, as in many societies, the poor and needy were often marginalized. Agur’s words remind the listener that it is in direct opposition to godly wisdom to exploit or mislead those who are already disadvantaged. Jesus later reinforces this principle by championing compassion for the “least of these,” showing that care for the vulnerable is essential for His followers (Matthew 25:40).
The verse also highlights a stark moral contrast: one can choose the way of exploitation or the way of compassion. The latter path resonates with the broader biblical storyline, which repeatedly urges believers to defend the rights of the poor and needy, rather than seeking to harm them (Psalm 82:3). This call to mercy and humility can be found throughout both the Old and New Testaments, warning that God sees and judges how we treat others and calling us to mirror His compassionate character.
Set to dark mode
Proverbs 30:14 meaning
Proverbs 30 is traditionally attributed to Agur, the son of Jakeh, who likely lived during the era of Israel’s monarchy around the late tenth or early ninth century B.C. In this section of his wisdom, Agur highlights different types of people and attitudes that can lead to destructiveness and ruin. So when he says, “There is a kind of man whose teeth are like swords And his jaw teeth like knives, To devour the afflicted from the earth And the needy from among men” (v.14), he uses striking language to capture the harmful nature of those who prey on the vulnerable. This disturbing imagery underscores the seriousness of an attitude that eagerly—and even violently—uses others for personal gain.
By comparing the mouth of such a person to “teeth … like swords” and “jaw teeth like knives” (v.14), the passage conveys not merely physical danger but verbal or societal harm as well. In ancient Israel, as in many societies, the poor and needy were often marginalized. Agur’s words remind the listener that it is in direct opposition to godly wisdom to exploit or mislead those who are already disadvantaged. Jesus later reinforces this principle by championing compassion for the “least of these,” showing that care for the vulnerable is essential for His followers (Matthew 25:40).
The verse also highlights a stark moral contrast: one can choose the way of exploitation or the way of compassion. The latter path resonates with the broader biblical storyline, which repeatedly urges believers to defend the rights of the poor and needy, rather than seeking to harm them (Psalm 82:3). This call to mercy and humility can be found throughout both the Old and New Testaments, warning that God sees and judges how we treat others and calling us to mirror His compassionate character.