Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary

Adam Clarke Commentary

There be three things which go well - Here is another set of emblems; four things which walk beautifully and with majesty. 1. The lion. 2. The greyhound. 3. The he-goat. And, 4. A king.

1. Nothing can be more majestic than the walk of the lion. It is deliberate, equal, firm, and in every respect becoming the king of the forest.

The greyhound. מתנים זרזיר zarzir mothnayim, the girt in the loins; but what this beast is we do not distinctly know. It is most likely that this was the greyhound, which in the East are remarkably fine, and very fleet. Scarcely any thing can be conceived to go with greater fleetness, in full chase, than a greyhound with its prey in view: it seems to swim over the earth.

The goat, תיש tayish . This is generally allowed to be the he-goat; and how he walks, and what state he assumes, in the presence of his part of the flock, every one knows, who has at all noticed this animal. The ram also, which some suppose to be intended, is both fierce and majestic at the head of the sheep.

4. And a king, against whom there is no risi,nv up. That is, a king whose court, counsels, and troops, are so firmly united to him, as to render all hopes of successful conspiracy against him utterly vain. He walks boldly and majestically about, being safe in the affections of his people. But the Hebrew is singular; it makes but two words; and these are they, אלקום ומלך umelech Alkum, "and King Alkum." It is a doubt whether this may not be a proper name, as Agur abounds in them; see Ithiel, Ucal, and probably Alukah, Proverbs 30:15. But it is said, "We know nothing of a king named Alkum." True; nor do we know any thing of Agur, Ithiel, Ucal, to say nothing of Alukah. And this might have been some remarkable chieftain, who carried his victories wherever he went, and was remarkably fortunate. If, however, we separate the word into אל al, "not," and קום kum, "he arose," we may make the interpretation above given.

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible

6

"There are three things which are stately in their march,

Yea, four which are stately in going:

The lion, which is mightiest among beasts

And turneth not away for any;

The greyhound; the he-goat also;

And the king against whom there is no rising up."

"Strutting cock"[28] replaces `greyhound' in many of the ancient versions; and the RSV has followed them. However, "greyhound"[29] and "war-horse"[30] are also legitimate renditions. A significant thing about this whole chapter is that, "There is no philosophizing or moralizing in it."[31] The graphic, well defined pictures that are presented here are loaded with spiritual implications and moral teachings; but they are not pointed out. "The theological implications are left implicit, enriching the observer's delight, if he has eyes to see, but not intruding upon it."[32]

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

There be three things which go well,.... In a very orderly and composed manner; with constancy and cheerfulness, with great stateliness and majesty, intrepidly, and without fear;

yea, four are comely in going; very beautiful and lovely to look at as they walk.

John Trapp Complete Commentary

Proverbs 30:29 There be three [things] which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

Ver. 29. There be three things that go well.] And all for our learning, to teach us in our several stations to deport ourselves in all gravity, maintain our dignity, and show our magnanimity. "Only let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ," saith Paul. [Philippians 1:27] There is a το πρεπον, a comeliness and suitableness of carriage belongs to every calling, and this must be carefully kept. Vellem si non essem imperator, said Scipio to one that offered him a harlot: I would, if I were not a general. And remember that thou art a king’s son, said Menedemus to Antigonus; that will be a retentive to thee from unseemly practices. "Should such a man as I flee?" [Nehemiah 6:11] - et Turnum fugientem haec terra videbit? It is a pusillanimity to yield so much to men. The lion will not alter his gait though he die for it. We should learn regnum in pectore gerere, to be of noble resolutions. It is a common saying among us, Such a man understands himself well; that is, he understands his place, worth, dignity, and carries himself accordingly.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

That walk decently, and with great alacrity and courage; which are here commended to us to imitate in the management of our affairs.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged

There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely in going:

Three (things) ... go well ... are comely in going. As the former examples inculcated prudence and skill, so the four following inculcate stedfast and fearless progress in our right undertakings.