Proverbs 30:29 - Meaning and Application

Here, first, we have a list of four things that move with a noble, impressive grace. They seem great and stately in the way they go: a lion, a greyhound or horse, a male goat, and a king. Among animals, strength gives the lion first place, but it is sad when strength has the same place among people, because human honor should come from wisdom, not power or force. The lion does not turn aside or change his pace because of those chasing him, since he knows they cannot overcome him. In the same way, the righteous should be bold as a lion, not turning from duty because of difficulty.

A greyhound, or perhaps a horse, is also comely in its movement, especially when it is ready for running or dressed in its harness and gear. A male goat is graceful when it goes first and leads the flock. This can remind Christians that it is fitting to lead the way in good works and guide others in the right path. A king, when he appears in his majesty, is approached with awe, and people know there is no safe way to rise up against him. No one can match him or challenge him without danger, and if that is true of an earthly ruler, how much more of the Maker who formed us.

From these creatures and from a king, we should learn several useful lessons. The lion teaches courage and steady endurance in every good duty, so we do not turn away when things become hard. The greyhound teaches quickness and readiness. The goat teaches care for our household and those under our charge. The king teaches that children should be kept in proper obedience and seriousness. From all of them together, we learn to walk well, ordering our conduct so that we are not only safe, but also fitting and graceful in our way of life.

The next warning is about keeping our temper under all kinds of pressure, especially when a king is involved, or anyone with higher authority. The principle is always the same. We must not let resentment run too far, and we must be careful not to push back proudly when we are corrected. If we have lifted ourselves up in pride, or resisted those over us, we have acted foolishly. Those who behave in a lofty or insulting way only shame themselves and show their own weakness.

Even if we have only thought evil, we should put our hand over our mouth. That means we should humble ourselves for what is wrong, and keep our evil thoughts from turning into evil words. Job used this kind of language when he repented of speaking foolishly (Job 40:4). A convicted leper also covered his upper lip as a sign of shame and uncleanness. If we have done wrong, it is better to be quiet and own our fault than to defend ourselves stubbornly. Silence can often help calm those we have offended.

We must also stop evil thoughts from breaking out into speech. Do not give such thoughts permission to spread. Hold them back, even if that takes strong self-control. It is bad to think evil, but it is worse to speak it, because speaking it shows agreement with the sin and can spread it to others. Christ would not allow evil spirits to speak, and we should not allow sinful thoughts to rule our mouths.

We must also be careful not to stir up other people’s anger. Some people are so provoking in what they say and do that they seem to force wrath, making others angry whether they want to be or not. That kind of behavior leads to strife, and where strife grows, confusion and every evil work soon follow. Just as churning milk brings out butter, and squeezing a nose hard can draw blood, so anger forced and pressed will bring out harm and waste what is good in a person. One angry word leads to another, and then another, until bitter quarrels and lasting feuds appear. So let nothing be said or done with violence, but everything with gentleness and calmness.