It seems the writer of this proverb is going through a period where he feels like he doesn’t know God. “I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One” (Proverbs 30:3). In human relationships sometimes a friend will take us by surprise and do something we don’t expect. For example, they might move house, change jobs, or quit a university course and we’re left with the feeling that we really didn’t know them at all. Something similar can happen in our relationship with God. We pray and anticipate that God will act in a certain way. Then, if circumstances don’t work out the way we expect, we’re left feeling like we don’t know God at all. In reality, God is inviting us to go deeper with him. By staying humble and engaged in the relationship we can learn not just God’s deeds, but also his ways (Psalm 103:4).

Verse 4 is a series of questions, “Who has established all the ends of the earth?” etc. This seems to be for dramatic effect as the writer must know, that it’s only God who is creator and sustainer.

I like the way the writer uses illustrations in the rest of the proverb, particularly the “three things … four things” (v.15, 18, 21, 29). The examples of animals – badgers, locusts, and lizards are great word pictures that teach good values. I also like verse 19. How do you explain how or why people fall in love?