Proverbs 30:1

Verse 1. Gatherer, and so forth or, as it is in the Latin, Congregans, the son of Vomens. The Latin interpreter has given us in this place the signification of the Hebrew names, instead of the names themselves, which are in the Hebrew, Agur, the son of Jakeh. But whether this Agur be the same person as Solomon, as many think, or a different person, whose doctrine was adopted by Solomon, and inserted among his parables or proverbs, is uncertain. Challoner.—Vomiter may denote David, who delivered many excellent canticles; Eructavit cor, Psalms 44. De Dieu translates, “The words of him who is recollected the son of obedience.” The author styles himself foolish, and asks for neither beggary nor riches, (verse 2, 8) which seems not to agree with Solomon; though there can be no doubt but this chapter is inspired. Calmet.—In effect, that great king might form this petition, being mindful of the instability of human greatness, and confess that of himself he was foolish.—Vision. Hebrew massa ( Bible.) generally implies something disagreeable, but here it is put for a collection of moral sentences.—With, and so forth Hebrew also, “to Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,” (Prot. Bible.) friends of Agur, ( Calmet.) or his children, ( Menochius.) or rather Solomon speaks to all the faithful. We never find Agur mentioned as a canonical writer; and if he were, he would have been placed after Solomon. Worthington.