III’s and IV’s:  Trinities and Quads

Proverbs 30

Trinities and Quads

The trinities of scripture are many.  I have not seen them before other than The Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God has used the Trinity throughout scripture to define who He is and how He functions in relationship to man.  However, Proverbs gives us some additional trinities.  The number three, a trinity, in the Hebrew is used to “establish firmly or emphasize;”  four, a quad, is “an expression of completeness in form or function.”  So, we see Solomon’s grandson teaching his grandsons important lessons using numbers of similar groupings.  

Importance of a Name

The two boys are Ithiel and Ucal, the sons of Jakeh who was taught by Agur.  Here is our first trinity:  Father, son, grandsons. (vs 2)   Agur means compiler, knowledgeable, collector or gatherer.  In other words, his name defines what he has done, which is gather wisdom and teach it to others.  Jakeh means to obey.  Jakeh is possibly a son of Solomon.  This would make Ithiel and Ucal great-grandsons of King Solomon. 

The name Ithiel, has as its root a variation of the word of (אוֹתּ) meaning “sign” and can be rendered as “the words of God,” “he who understood the signs,” or “he who understood the alphabet of God.” Relating to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, the root word it also signifies “letters.”  The name Ucal means power or prevalence.  Names are important in scriptures or they would not be included. (Wikipedia) These names are NOT a coincidence!

Teaching Method

Agur is attaching wisdom too well known pictures seen in nature or relationships to provide a way to remember these “words of God.”  Association is a highly recognized teaching method even today.  The most frequent trinity we see in proverbs is the trinity of understanding, knowledge, and wisdom.  Earth’s domain is described by the trinity of land, sky, and sea.  The law is defined by commands, statutes, and reproofs.  People are either wise, foolish, or scoffers (prideful).  Wisdom is seen in the prudent, discreet, and humble.  People learn by knowing, perceiving, and receiving.

Profound Prayer

Proverbs 30 contains a prayer we would all be wise to pray:  “Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die):  Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches–Feed me with the food You prescribe for me lest I be full and deny You and say ‘Who is the Lord?’ and profane the name of my God.”  

This collection of wisdom also contains a prophecy.  Did you catch this just prior to the prayer?  It is a prophecy of the Messiah! (vs 2-6) 

Quads:  A Complete Picture

The first quad we see is the generational characteristics. (vs 11-15) These describe our world today.  Next, is the quad of things never satisfied:  things that consume us, those we love, and our world.  Then, four actions that are WONDERFUL:  the movement and rhythm of life.  There are four experiences we cannot tolerate.  Then, look at the four small but extremely wise critters the Lord has placed for our observation.  Lastly, the proverb reminds us of the exquisite beauty of a stately gait (a stride with dignity, courage, strength, and confidence).  

Parental Plea

The last tidbit of wisdom is a reminder of all they have heard growing up:  don’t be foolish, arrogant, follow evil, and by all means keep your mouth shut!  Four admonitions of our God to prevent our unnecessary struggle.  (vs32-33). This may be the most important quad of all.

All these proverbs are directed at young hearts to keep their eyes on the LORD. Remember Agur’s confession in verses 2-3? “Surely I am more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man.  I neither learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One.”   I suspect these lessons he learned the hard way!  

Wisdom Song by Laura Woodley Osman