What does Proverbs 30:17 mean?
Proper burial was an important part of ancient culture. Especially degrading was leaving a body to be slowly eaten by scavengers. This is the fate predicted by Agur (Proverbs 30:1) for those who show no respect for their parents. In this context, his reference is not narrowly reserved for that sin. Nor is the gruesome image meant to be taken as a literal prophecy. Rather, the mocking, scoffing attitude is associated with those who are rebellious and stubborn. Those who constantly reject authority set themselves up for dire consequences (Proverbs 1:8; 13:1; 19:26). A similar sin was mentioned earlier in Agur's wise words (Proverbs 30:11).Natural consequences for sin—basic cause and effect—can be severe. Beyond that, God punishes sin. Romans 6:23 assures us that "the wages of sin is death." Consider the death of Absalom, David's rebellious son. Second Samuel 18:9–15 reveals that Absalom's mule went under the branches of an oak tree. Absalom's hair got tangled in the branches and he was suspended above the ground. When Joab, leader of King David's forces, heard this, he went to Absalom and threw three javelins into Absalom's heart. Then Joab's armorbearers surrounded Absalom, struck him, and ensured he was dead.
