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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/30.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/30.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/30.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, cover your mouth in shame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/30.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/30.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/30.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, <i>lay</i> thine hand upon thy mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/30.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have devised evil, <i>put your</i> hand on <i>your</i> mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/30.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, Or if you have plotted <i>evil,</i> <i>put your</i> hand on your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/30.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If you have been foolish in exalting yourself Or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/30.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If you have been foolish in exalting yourself Or if you have plotted <i>evil,</i> <i>put your</i> hand on your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/30.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If you have been wickedly foolish in lifting yourself up, Or if you have schemed <i>evil</i>, <i>put your</i> hand on your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/30.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If you have foolishly exalted yourself, Or if you have plotted <i>evil, put your</i> hand on your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/30.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you have been foolish by exalting yourself or if you’ve been scheming, put your hand over your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/30.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you have been foolish by exalting yourself or if you&#8217ve been scheming, put your hand over your mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/30.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, Or if thou hast thought evil, Lay thy hand upon thy mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/30.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you are foolishly bragging or planning something evil, then stop it now! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/30.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/30.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If you are such a godless fool as to honor yourself, or if you scheme, you had better put your hand over your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/30.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you have been foolish enough to be arrogant and plan evil, stop and think! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/30.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If you've foolishly exalted yourself or if you've plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/30.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/30.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If you have done foolishly by exalting yourself or if you have planned evil, put your hand over your mouth! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/30.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand over your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/30.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/30.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand over your mouth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/30.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If you have been foolish in lifting yourself up, "" And if you have devised evil—hand to mouth!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/30.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> If thou hast been foolish in lifting up thyself, And if thou hast devised evil -- hand to mouth!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/30.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If thou wert foolish in lifting up thyself, and if thou purposed, the hand to the mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/30.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/30.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />There is one who has appeared foolish, after he was lifted up on high; for if he had understood, he would have placed his hand over his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/30.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If you have foolishly been proud or presumptuous—put your hand on your mouth; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/30.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/30.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Covet not that you may not be reproached; do not feed yourself by things acquired wrongfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/30.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not covet, lest you be despised, and do not stretch your hand to your mouth in depravity.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/30.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, Or if thou hast planned devices, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/30.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If thou abandon thyself to mirth, and stretch forth thine hand in a quarrel, thou shalt be disgraced.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/30-32.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=6394" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/30.htm">The Words of Agur</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">31</span>a strutting rooster; a he-goat; and a king with his army around him. <span class="reftext">32</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/5034.htm" title="5034: nā·ḇal·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to wilt; generally, to fall away, fail, faint; figuratively, to be foolish or wicked; causatively, to despise, disgrace.">you have foolishly</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: ḇə·hiṯ·naś·śê (Prep-b:: V-Hitpael-Inf) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">exalted yourself</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">or if</a> <a href="/hebrew/2161.htm" title="2161: zam·mō·w·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To consider, purpose, devise. A primitive root; to plan, usually in a bad sense.">you have plotted evil,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yāḏ (N-fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">put your hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: lə·p̄eh (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">over your mouth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">33</span>For as the churning of milk yields butter, and the twisting of the nose draws blood, so the stirring of anger brings forth strife.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a></span><br />Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">1 Peter 5:6</a></span><br />Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a></span><br />But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Romans 12:3</a></span><br />For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12</a></span><br />So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Galatians 6:3</a></span><br />If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Luke 14:11</a></span><br />For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-5.htm">2 Corinthians 10:5</a></span><br />We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a></span><br />For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-11.htm">Isaiah 2:11</a></span><br />The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-17.htm">Isaiah 2:17</a></span><br />So the pride of man will be brought low, and the loftiness of men will be humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a></span><br />Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Proverbs 11:2</a></span><br />When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Proverbs 18:12</a></span><br />Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, lay your hand on your mouth.</p><p class="hdg">thou hast done</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-12.htm">Proverbs 26:12</a></b></br> Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? <i>there is</i> more hope of a fool than of him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:3</a></b></br> Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him.</p><p class="hdg">lay</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a></b></br> Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: <i>and</i> he that shutteth his lips <i>is esteemed</i> a man of understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-5.htm">Job 21:5</a></b></br> Mark me, and be astonished, and lay <i>your</i> hand upon <i>your</i> mouth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4</a></b></br> Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/98-8.htm">Clap</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-8.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Devices</a> <a href="/psalms/140-4.htm">Devised</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Devising</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-10.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-25.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Exalting</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-22.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-8.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Foolishly</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-28.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/psalms/141-2.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-20.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/140-4.htm">Planned</a> <a href="/psalms/106-39.htm">Played</a> <a href="/psalms/21-11.htm">Plotted</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/55-12.htm">Clap</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-5.htm">Designs</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-29.htm">Devices</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-5.htm">Devised</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-27.htm">Devising</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-6.htm">Exalted</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-14.htm">Exalting</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-14.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-17.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-13.htm">Foolishly</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-19.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-18.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-5.htm">Planned</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-8.htm">Played</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-5.htm">Plotted</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-16.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-16.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 30</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-1.htm">Agur's confession of his faith</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-7.htm">The two points of his prayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-10.htm">The meanest are not to be wronged</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-11.htm">Four wicked generations</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-15.htm">Four things insatiable</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-24.htm">four things exceeding wise</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-29.htm">Four things stately</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/30-32.htm">Wrath is to be prevented</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/30.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/30.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If you have foolishly exalted yourself</b><br>This phrase addresses the sin of pride, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Pride is often seen as the root of many other sins, as it involves placing oneself above others and even above God. In biblical context, pride led to the fall of Lucifer (<a href="/isaiah/14-12.htm">Isaiah 14:12-15</a>) and was a significant factor in the downfall of many kings of Israel and Judah. The Bible consistently warns against self-exaltation, emphasizing humility as a virtue (<a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>, <a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>). The cultural context of ancient Israel valued humility and recognized the dangers of pride, as seen in the wisdom literature and teachings of the prophets.<p><b>or if you have plotted evil</b><br>Plotting evil refers to the intentional planning or scheming to commit acts that are against God's commandments. This phrase highlights the moral responsibility of individuals to guard their thoughts and intentions. In the historical context of Israel, the law given to Moses included commandments against bearing false witness and coveting, which can lead to plotting evil (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16-17</a>). The Bible often contrasts the righteous, who meditate on God's law, with the wicked, who devise evil plans (<a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1-2</a>, <a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a>). This phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's heart and mind with God's will.<p><b>put your hand over your mouth</b><br>This expression is a call to self-restraint and silence in the face of wrongdoing. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, covering one's mouth was a gesture of humility and submission, acknowledging one's error or the presence of something greater. Biblically, it is akin to the advice given in <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a>, which encourages believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." The act of putting one's hand over the mouth signifies a pause to reflect and repent, preventing further sin through speech or action. This aligns with the wisdom literature's emphasis on the power of words and the need for careful speech (<a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a>, <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/agur.htm">Agur</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/proverbs/30.htm">Proverbs 30</a>, Agur son of Jakeh, is a figure about whom little is known. His sayings are included in the wisdom literature of the Bible, emphasizing humility and the fear of the Lord.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/proverbs.htm">Proverbs</a></b><br>A book in the Old Testament, part of the wisdom literature, traditionally attributed to Solomon. It contains sayings and teachings that provide guidance on how to live a life pleasing to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/self-exaltation.htm">Self-exaltation</a></b><br>The act of elevating oneself in pride or arrogance, which is cautioned against in this verse.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/plotting_evil.htm">Plotting evil</a></b><br>The act of devising or planning harm against others, which is condemned in biblical teachings.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/hand_over_the_mouth.htm">Hand over the mouth</a></b><br>A metaphorical expression suggesting silence or restraint, particularly in the context of prideful or harmful intentions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a></b><br>Pride leads to downfall and is contrary to the humility that God desires. Recognize and confess prideful thoughts or actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_restraint.htm">The Power of Restraint</a></b><br>Exercising restraint, especially in speech, can prevent harm and maintain peace. Practice self-control in conversations and decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_humility.htm">The Call to Humility</a></b><br>Humility is a virtue that aligns with God's will. Seek to humble yourself in all areas of life, trusting that God will honor this attitude.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_evil_intentions.htm">Guarding Against Evil Intentions</a></b><br>Be vigilant against plotting or wishing harm on others. Instead, cultivate thoughts and actions that reflect God's love and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_wisdom.htm">Seeking God's Wisdom</a></b><br>Regularly seek God's wisdom through prayer and scripture to guide your actions and thoughts, ensuring they align with His will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_30.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 30</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible_books'_order.htm">What is the order of the Bible's books?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'love_does_not_boast'_mean.htm">What does 'Love does not boast' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_rain.htm">What signifies a virtuous woman as her husband's crown?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'branch_of_the_lord'_mean.htm">What does 'fathers ate sour grapes' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/30.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(32) <span class= "bld">Lay thine hand upon thy mouth--</span><span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, be silent. Agur deprecates two things which may easily lead to a quarrel, arrogance and malice. He explains this in the next verse.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/30.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 32, 33.</span> - Agur's last proverb, exhorting to discreet demeanour. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 32.</span> - If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself (<a href="/numbers/16-3.htm">Numbers 16:3</a>). If thou hast had the folly to be arrogant, proud, and overbearing in conduct. Or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth. The verb <span class="accented">zamam</span>, though possibly used in a bad sense, "to devise evil," is more suitably rendered "to meditate," "purpose;" so here it is the thought of lifting up one's self that is censured, the act and the thought being contrasted. Hast thou acted arrogantly, or even only meditated doing so, restrain yourself, keep silence (<a href="/job/21-5.htm">Job 21:5</a>; <a href="/job/40-4.htm">Job 40:4</a>). St. Jerome gives a different rendering, enforcing another lesson, "There is one who shows himself a fool after he is raised to high position; if he had had understanding, he would have laid his hand on his mouth." Septuagint, "If thou give thyself up to mirth, and stretch forth thy hand in a quarrel, thou wilt be dishonoured." Insensate mirth and a quarrelsome disposition alike lead to disgrace. St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 30:10) applies the Vulgate rendering to antichrist, "For he in truth will be lifted up on high, when he will feign that he is God. But he will appear a fool when lifted up on high, because he will fail in his very loftiness through the coming of the true Judge. But if he had understood this, he would have laid his hand on his mouth; that is, if he had foreseen his punishment, when he began to be proud, having been once fashioned aright, he would not have been raised up to the boastfulness of such great pride" (Oxford transl.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/30-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have foolishly</span><br /><span class="heb">נָבַ֥לְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ḇal·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5034.htm">Strong's 5034: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wilt, to fall away, fail, faint, to be foolish, wicked, to despise, disgrace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">exalted yourself</span><br /><span class="heb">בְהִתְנַשֵּׂ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·hiṯ·naś·śê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or if</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have plotted evil,</span><br /><span class="heb">זַ֝מּ֗וֹתָ</span> <span class="translit">(zam·mō·w·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2161.htm">Strong's 2161: </a> </span><span class="str2">To consider, purpose, devise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">put your hand</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(yāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over your mouth.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפֶֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/30-32.htm">Proverbs 30:32 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/30-32.htm">Proverbs 30:32 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/30-32.htm">Proverbs 30:32 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/30-32.htm">Proverbs 30:32 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/30-32.htm">Proverbs 30:32 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/30-32.htm">Proverbs 30:32 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/30-32.htm">Proverbs 30:32 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/30-32.htm">Proverbs 30:32 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/30-32.htm">Proverbs 30:32 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/30-32.htm">Proverbs 30:32 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/30-32.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 30:32 If you have done foolishly in lifting (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/30-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 30:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 30:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/30-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 30:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 30:33" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>