Proverbs 30:6 warns you not to add anything to what God has said, because doing so can expose you as someone who speaks falsely about him. The verse is part of a short prayer-like statement attributed to Agur, a sage whose name appears only here in the Bible, and it is addressed to the reader as a direct command.
Don’t you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.
Proverbs 30:6 (WEB)
What Proverbs 30:6 Means
The verse begins with a plain instruction: do not add to his words. The “words” in view are the words of God that have just been called flawless in the verse before. The warning is that if you insert your own ideas, extra rules, or claims into what God has spoken, and present them as his, you misrepresent him. The second half names the consequence. God may reprove you, that is, correct or rebuke you, and you may be found to be a liar, because you have spoken for him when he did not say it.
Notice what the verse does not say. It does not forbid you from explaining, applying, or teaching God’s word, which Christians have always done through sermons, study, and conversation. The concern is adding material and claiming divine authority for it. It also does not teach that God rebukes every mistake in a dramatic way. The point is that falsehood about God is serious, and the safest response is to keep your words close to his.
The Context of Proverbs 30:6
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings traditionally associated with Solomon, along with other named contributors, and the closing chapters include the words of Agur and of King Lemuel. Agur opens this section by confessing that he has not learned wisdom and does not know the Holy One fully. Verses 4 and 5 then ask a series of questions about God’s power over creation and affirm that every word of God is pure and that he protects those who trust him. Verse 6 follows directly from that affirmation of God’s reliability.
Read in that setting, the verse is less about a rule for theologians and more about humility. Because God’s words are flawless, they do not need improving, and because Agur admits his own limited knowledge, he has no standing to rewrite them. Verses 7 through 9 then move into his personal request for honesty and modest provision, which shows that truthfulness before God shapes both how you speak about him and how you live.
Key Phrases in Proverbs 30:6
Revelation 22:18
I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, may God add to him the plagues which are written in this book.
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This verse in Revelation contains a similar warning against adding to the words of the prophecy, and it shows that the concern about adding to God’s word runs throughout Scripture, closing the canon with the same caution found in Proverbs.
Deuteronomy 4:2
You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
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Moses tells Israel not to add to or take away from the commandments he gives, linking faithful obedience to the integrity of God’s word. Read beside Proverbs 30:6, it underscores that God’s instructions are complete enough to need no human supplements.
A Short Prayer From Proverbs 30:6
Lord, you have spoken, and your words are pure and trustworthy. Keep me from adding my own opinions to what you have said and from speaking for you when you have not. Where I have already done so, show me gently, and lead me back to your truth. Help me to be honest about what I know and what I do not, and let my words about you come from your word rather than from my pride. Amen.
