Proverbs 30 in the early church

107 passages quote, allude to, or echo Proverbs 30, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 · 8 · 9 · 11 · 12 · 14 · 15 · 16 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 24 · 25 · 26 · 27 · 29 · 30 · 31 · 33

Proverbs 30:1

These are the words of Agur son of Jakeh—the burden that this man declared to Ithiel: “I am weary, O God, and worn out.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:1Prophetic Extracts 3.3 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidencebefore 325 (probably ca. 310–320)

Proverbs 30:2

Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:2Miscellanies 5.11.72 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 30:2Prophetic Extracts 3.3 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidencebefore 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Prov 30:2–3Against the Manichees, Greek continuation of book 3, Lagarde p. 92 · Titus of Bostraquotation, medium confidenceca. 360s

Proverbs 30:3

I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:3Miscellanies 2.17.77 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, medium confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 30:3Miscellanies 5.11.72 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 30:3Prophetic Extracts 3.3 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidencebefore 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Prov 30:3Letter 102.29 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 386–430

Proverbs 30:4

Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son—surely you know!

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:4Prophetic Extracts 3.3 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidencebefore 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Prov 30:4Long recension, Philippians 3 · Anonymousquotation, high confidencelater 4th century (probable)
Prov 30:4Commentary on Ephesians 5.6 · Marius Victorinusallusion, low confidenceca. 360–363
Prov 30:4Letter 102.29 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 386–430

Proverbs 30:6

Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:6Commentary on John 2.100 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 230–248
Prov 30:6On Ecclesiastical Theology 3.10.5 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 337–339
Prov 30:6Apostolic Constitutions 7.14.2 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380

Proverbs 30:8

Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:8Homilies on Ezekiel 9.5 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Jerome's translation in the 380s)
Prov 30:8Preparation for the Gospel 12.35.1 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 313–324
Prov 30:8Defence before Constantius 20 · Athanasius of Alexandriaallusion, medium confidenceca. 353–357
Prov 30:8Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 · Ambrosiasterallusion, high confidenceca. 366–384
Prov 30:8Exposition of Psalm 118 8.39.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 30:8Letter 130.12 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 386–430
Prov 30:8Letter 130.22 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 386–430
Prov 30:8–9Hexameron (Exameron) 6.53 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-390

Proverbs 30:9

Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:9On Prayer 29.5 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 233–234
Prov 30:9Homilies on Ezekiel 9.5 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Jerome's translation in the 380s)
Prov 30:9Vit. 6 · Methodius of Olympusallusion, medium confidencelate 3rd cent. (disputed)
Prov 30:9Exposition of Psalm 118 8.39.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 30:9Letter 130.12 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 386–430

Proverbs 30:11

There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:11On the Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia 14 · Athanasius of Alexandriaquotation, high confidence359 (additions 361)

Proverbs 30:12

There is a generation of those who are pure in their own eyes and yet unwashed of their filth.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:12Letter 93.37 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, medium confidenceca. 386–430
Prov 30:12Letter 93.41 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, medium confidenceca. 386–430
Prov 30:12Letter 93.42 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 386–430
Prov 30:12Letter 93.45 · Augustine of Hippoecho, medium confidenceca. 386–430
Prov 30:12Letter 108.12 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, medium confidenceca. 386–430
Prov 30:12Letter 108.20 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, medium confidenceca. 386–430
Prov 30:12Sermon 47.17 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 391-430
Prov 30:12Sermon 47.18 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 391-430

Proverbs 30:14

there is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives, devouring the oppressed from the earth and the needy from among men.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:14Apology against Rufinus 3.43 · Jeromequotation, medium confidenceca. 401–402

Proverbs 30:15

The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, ‘Enough!’:

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:15–16On Proverbs, fragment 20 · Hippolytus of Romequotation, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 30:15Fragments on Proverbs, column 159 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 30:15Fragments on Proverbs, column 229 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 30:15Sang. 3 · Methodius of Olympusquotation, high confidencelate 3rd cent. (disputed)
Prov 30:15Against Marcellus 1.3.15 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 336–337
Prov 30:15Defence of His Flight 3 · Athanasius of Alexandriaallusion, high confidenceca. 357
Prov 30:15History of the Arians 65 · Athanasius of Alexandriaallusion, high confidenceca. 357
Prov 30:15–16Oration 16.19 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 30:15Oration 18.21 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 30:15–16Against Jovinianus 1.28 · Jeromequotation, high confidence393
Prov 30:15On the Trinity 15.9 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 399–419

Proverbs 30:16

Sheol, the barren womb, land never satisfied with water, and fire that never says, ‘Enough!’

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:16Fragments on Proverbs, column 159 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 30:16Fragments on Proverbs, column 229 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 30:16On the Singleness of Clerics 42 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence3rd cent. (disputed)
Prov 30:16Sang. 3 · Methodius of Olympusquotation, high confidencelate 3rd cent. (disputed)
Prov 30:16Sang. 6 · Methodius of Olympusquotation, high confidencelate 3rd cent. (disputed)
Prov 30:16Homilies 7.4 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 363-378
Prov 30:16Sermon 364.4 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 391-430

Proverbs 30:17

As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:17Fragments on Proverbs, column 229 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 30:17Letter 78.26 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 30:17Homily 13 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, high confidenceca. 390–394
Prov 30:17Letters 23.29 · Paulinus of Nolaquotation, high confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 30:17Formulae of Spiritual Understanding 4 · Eucherius of Lyonquotation, high confidenceca. 420-430

Proverbs 30:18

There are three things too wonderful for me, four that I cannot understand:

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:18On Proverbs, fragment 29 · Hippolytus of Romeallusion, medium confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 30:18Homilies on Ezekiel 13.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Jerome's translation in the 380s)
Prov 30:18Commentary on the Song of Songs 3.230 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Prov 30:18On the Christian Faith 5.3 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 378–380
Prov 30:18Exposition of Psalm 118 2.16.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 30:18Explanation of Twelve Psalms 38.4.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397

Proverbs 30:19

the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship at sea, and the way of a man with a maiden.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:19On Proverbs, fragment 21 · Hippolytus of Romeallusion, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 30:19On Proverbs, fragment 22 · Hippolytus of Romeallusion, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 30:19On Proverbs, fragment 23 · Hippolytus of Romeallusion, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 30:19On Proverbs, fragment 40 · Hippolytus of Romeallusion, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 30:19–20On Proverbs, fragment 41 · Hippolytus of Romeallusion, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 30:19–31On Proverbs, fragment 48 · Hippolytus of Romequotation, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 30:19Commentary on John 1.184 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 230–248
Prov 30:19Commentary on John 6.102 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 230–248
Prov 30:19Homilies on Ezekiel 13.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Jerome's translation in the 380s)
Prov 30:19Commentary on the Song of Songs 3.230 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Prov 30:19Commentary on Matthew 12.11 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 246–248
Prov 30:19Letter 1.6 · Alexander of Alexandriaallusion, high confidenceca. 319–324
Prov 30:19Letter 121.8 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 30:19On the Christian Faith 5.3 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 378–380
Prov 30:19Chapter 1 · Nicetas, bishop of Remesianaallusion, medium confidenceca. 380–414
Prov 30:19Exposition of Psalm 118 2.16.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 30:19Exposition of Psalm 118 2.16.2 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 30:19Explanation of Twelve Psalms 38.4.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397

Proverbs 30:20

This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:20Homilies on Jeremiah 20.8 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240
Prov 30:20Explanation of Twelve Psalms 38.4.1 · Ambrosequotation, low confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 30:20Explanation of Twelve Psalms 38.4.2 · Ambrosequotation, low confidenceca. 387-397

Proverbs 30:21

Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:21–23On Proverbs, fragment 24 · Hippolytus of Romeallusion, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 30:21–23On Proverbs, fragment 25 · Hippolytus of Romequotation, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 30:21–22Catechetical Lecture 6.22 · Cyril of Jerusalemquotation, high confidenceca. 350
Prov 30:21–23Against Jovinianus 1.28 · Jeromequotation, high confidence393

Proverbs 30:22

a servant who becomes king, a fool who is filled with food,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:22–23Tractates 15 · Gaudentius of Bresciaquotation, high confidenceca. 397-410

Proverbs 30:24

Four things on earth are small, yet they are exceedingly wise:

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:24Fragments on Proverbs, column 177 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 30:24–28Against Celsus 4.87 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 248

Proverbs 30:25

The ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:25Life of Malchus 7 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 390–392

Proverbs 30:26

the rock badgers are creatures of little power, yet they make their homes in the rocks;

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:26On Proverbs, fragment 26 · Hippolytus of Romeallusion, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 30:26Formulae of Spiritual Understanding 4 · Eucherius of Lyonquotation, high confidenceca. 420-430
Prov 30:26 (24:61 LXX)The Conferences 10.11 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Proverbs 30:27

the locusts have no king, yet they all advance in formation;

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:27Homilies on Exodus 4.7 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)

Proverbs 30:29

There are three things that are stately in their stride, and four that are impressive in their walk:

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:29Theological Oration 5 (Or. 31), On the Holy Spirit 18 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidence380
Prov 30:29–31Homily 15 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, high confidenceca. 390–394

Proverbs 30:30

a lion, mighty among beasts, refusing to retreat before anything;

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:30Against the Manichees, Greek continuation of book 3, Lagarde p. 89 · Titus of Bostraquotation, medium confidenceca. 360s

Proverbs 30:31

a strutting rooster; a he-goat; and a king with his army around him.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:31Fragments on Proverbs, column 229 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 30:31Fragments on Proverbs, column 231 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 30:31Formulae of Spiritual Understanding 4 · Eucherius of Lyonquotation, medium confidenceca. 420-430

Proverbs 30:33

For as the churning of milk yields butter, and the twisting of the nose draws blood, so the stirring of anger brings forth strife.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 30:33Oration 37.8 · Gregory of Nazianzusquotation, high confidenceca. 362–383