Proverbs 30:12
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Original Language Analysis
דּ֭וֹר
There is a generation
H1755
דּ֭וֹר
There is a generation
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
טָה֣וֹר
that are pure
H2889
טָה֣וֹר
that are pure
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
2 of 6
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
in their own eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
in their own eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 6
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וּ֝מִצֹּאָת֗וֹ
from their filthiness
H6675
וּ֝מִצֹּאָת֗וֹ
from their filthiness
Strong's:
H6675
Word #:
4 of 6
excrement; generally, dirt; figuratively, pollution
Cross References
Luke 18:11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.Proverbs 16:2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.Jeremiah 2:35Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.2 Timothy 3:5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.Proverbs 21:2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.Luke 16:15And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.Ezekiel 36:25Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.Isaiah 1:16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
Historical Context
Ritual purity laws in Leviticus distinguished clean from unclean. True purity required both external washing and internal reality. Prophets like Isaiah (1:16) and Jeremiah (4:14) called for heart-cleansing beyond ceremonial washing. Agur sees a generation confusing external appearance with internal reality.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of your life feel 'pure in your own eyes' but might need God's cleansing examination?
- How does comparing yourself to others rather than to God's holiness enable self-deception?
- What spiritual practices help maintain honest self-assessment before God who searches the heart?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes—The second corrupt generation: ṭāhôr (טָהוֹר, pure) in ʿênāyw (עֵינָיו, own eyes) is self-righteousness, the most dangerous delusion. And yet is not washed from their filthiness—ṣôʾâ (צֹאָה, filthiness) is excrement, emphasizing the grotesque gap between self-perception and reality.
This describes the Pharisees whom Jesus condemned as whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:27)—outwardly righteous but inwardly defiled. Self-deception about sin prevents repentance. Only those who see their filth seek cleansing (1 John 1:8-9). Isaiah's vision of God's holiness exposed his uncleanness (Isaiah 6:5). The Gospel first convicts before it cleanses.