Proverbs 30:24 (BSB)

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

From Proverbs 30. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 30:24

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 30:24-28: I. Agur, having specified four things that seem great and yet are really contemptible, here specifies four things that are little and yet are very admirable, great in miniature, in which, as bishop Patrick observes, he teaches us several good lessons; as, 1.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 30:24: There be four things which are little upon the earth,.... Small in bulk, that have little bodies, are the lesser sort of animals; but they are exceeding wise; show a great deal of art and wisdom in what they do; or "but they are wise, made wise" (e) by the instinct of nature, by the direction of Providence, by which they do things that are surprising.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 30:24: These verses provide two classes of apt illustrations of various aspects of the moral world, which the reader is left to apply. By the first (Pro 30:25-28), diligence and providence are commended; the success of these insignificant animals being due to their instinctive sagacity and activity, rather than strength. The other class (Pro 30:30-31) provides similes for whatever is majestic or comely, uniting efficiency with gracefulness.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 30:24: There are four [things which are] little upon the earth, but they [are] very wise: (n) They contain great doctrine and wisdom.