With the Humble Is Wisdom

Humility is the common theme throughout this chapter: The chapter begins with a humble declaration of ignorance, and progresses through some amazed observations of nature (things that would never be noticed by an arrogant fool), finally winding up with a direct rebuke to those who foolishly exalt themselves. Thus, Agur shows us the humility of genuine knowledge. We have already read that with the humble is wisdom, and that is on full display in this penultimate section of Proverbs. In full humility, Agur shares the secret of knowledge and demands humble behavior from his listener.