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Proverbs 30:24

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 30:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “There are four things which are little upon the earth, But they are exceeding wise:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

There are four things which are little upon the earth, But they are exceeding wise:
Proverbs 30:24 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 30

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21For three things the earth doth tremble, And for four, [which] it cannot bear:
22For a servant when he is king; And a fool when he is filled with food;
23For an odious woman when she is married; And a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.
24There are four things which are little upon the earth, But they are exceeding wise:
25The ants are a people not strong, Yet they provide their food in the summer;
26The conies are but a feeble folk, Yet make they their houses in the rocks;
27The locusts have no king, Yet go they forth all of them by bands;
← Proverbs 30:23Proverbs 30:25 →
← Full Chapter 30 Proverbs Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Exceeding wise - Some prefer the reading of the Septuagint and Vulgate: “wiser than the wise.” The thought, in either case, turns upon the marvels of instinct, which, in their own province, transcend the more elaborate results of human wisdom. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“30:24-28 Another example of number parallelism. Here, small, insignificant animals are surprisingly powerful and resourceful.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“little: Job 12:7 exceeding wise: Heb. wise, made wise Proverbs 30:25”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 30 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification