Proverbs 30:6

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Proverbs 30:6 (KJV)

Context

Proverbs 30 records the wisdom of Agur, the son of Jakeh. He speaks with humility about his own limits and about the greatness of God. In this verse, Agur warns against adding to the words of God. His warning fits the chapter’s theme: human wisdom must bow before divine truth.

Meaning

The phrase “his words” points to the words of God. Agur teaches that God’s revelation is complete and sufficient. No human addition can improve it. To add means to claim that God said something He did not say, or to treat human traditions as equal to Scripture. It also includes setting up personal dreams or revelations as if they carried the same authority as the Bible. Such actions distort the truth and misrepresent the Lord.

The warning carries a clear consequence. If a person adds to God’s words, God will reprove him, and that person will be found a liar. The word “reprove” means to correct or expose. Adding to God’s Word is a serious offense because it calls God’s truth into question. It implies that His revelation is lacking and needs human help.

Biblical connections

This verse echoes the broader teaching that Scripture is inspired by God and carries divine authority (2 Timothy 3:16). Because the Bible comes from God, it must not be altered or supplemented. The warning also connects to the command not to add to or take away from God’s commands (Deuteronomy 4:2). Both passages stress the sacredness and integrity of divine revelation.

Application

Believers should handle Scripture with reverence and accuracy. This means teaching what the Bible actually says, not mixing it with personal opinions or cultural ideas. It also means being careful not to present private dreams or human traditions as if they carried the same authority as God’s Word. When we speak about God, we must speak faithfully, based on what He has revealed.

Humility is essential. We do not improve God’s Word by adding to it. Instead, we submit to it. The Bible is sufficient for faith and life. Our role is to study it, understand it, and obey it, not to reshape it for our own purposes. Avoid the pride of thinking one can improve upon or complete God’s revelation.

Reflection

Do we treat Scripture as the final authority? Do we ever add our own ideas to what God has said? This verse calls us to examine our hearts. It invites us to trust the completeness of God’s revelation and to honor Him by speaking only what He has truly spoken.