Proverbs 30:26 kjv

The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

Proverbs 30:26 nkjv

The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they make their homes in the crags;

Proverbs 30:26 niv

hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;

Proverbs 30:26 esv

the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs;

Proverbs 30:26 nlt

Hyraxes ? they aren't powerful,
but they make their homes among the rocks.

Proverbs 30 verses

MeaningProverbs 30:26 describes the rock badger, a small and physically unthreatening creature, yet it is characterized by an innate wisdom in establishing its dwelling. Despite its lack of physical might, this creature prudently and effectively secures its home within the protective, unyielding clefts of rocks and crags. This proverb conveys the profound truth that true security and flourishing do not spring from inherent physical strength but rather from strategic wisdom, particularly the wisdom of finding and utilizing an unshakeable, God-provided stronghold for refuge.

Cross References

ContextProverbs 30 forms part of "the words of Agur, son of Jakeh," a unique section within the book of Proverbs, preceding King Lemuel's mother's advice. Verses 24-28 introduce a list of "four things on earth that are small, yet exceedingly wise." The rock badger is presented as the third example, following the ant and before the locusts and lizards. This collection serves to underscore that wisdom is not exclusive to the physically powerful or intelligent in human terms, but is profoundly evident in God's intricate design of even the smallest creatures. The overarching theme is to perceive and learn divine wisdom from creation. For the ancient audience, rock badgers (shfannim) were common sights in the rocky terrains of the land, and their habits would have been well-known, making the analogy clear and compelling. The concept of sela' (crag or rock) as a natural sanctuary would also have been readily understood, and it carries profound biblical connotations as a symbol for God Himself as a secure refuge.

Word analysis

• The rock badgers (שְׁפַנִּים, shfannim): These are small, timid, furry mammals (commonly known as hyraxes or conies). Their physical description highlights their inherent vulnerability and lack of physical defense mechanisms like sharp claws, teeth, or significant speed, making them an ideal subject to illustrate wisdom's triumph over natural weakness.

• are a people (עַם, ʻam): The use of "people" for animals is a metaphor that points to their distinct collective identity, their structured, social behavior, and their shared, strategic instinct. It emphasizes a unified approach to their survival.

• not mighty (לֹא־עָז, lōʾ ʻāz): Lōʾ signifies "not," and ʻāz means strong, powerful, or fierce. This phrase explicitly states the rock badgers' physical inadequacy, stressing their inability to defend themselves through sheer force. This stark absence of inherent power sets the stage for their counter-intuitive method of survival.

• yet they make their homes (וַיָּשִׂימוּ בַסֶּלַע, wayyāsîmû bassela’): Wayyāsîmû denotes a deliberate, intentional act ("they set" or "they put"), not a random or accidental occurrence. It implies an active choice and intelligence in establishing their dwelling place.

• in the crags (בַסֶּלַע, bassela’): Sela’ refers to a sturdy, massive rock, cliff, or crag—a naturally fortified and secure place. The preposition ba- ("in" or "into") signifies their complete immersion within these strongholds. This term is vital biblically, symbolizing God as a steadfast, unshakeable refuge (e.g., Ps 18:2; Deut 32:4). The badgers' wisdom is shown in discerning and utilizing this external, superior protection.

• their homes (בֵּיתָם, bêṯām): Refers to their established dwelling, signifying a place of settled habitation and secure refuge, not just a temporary hiding spot. It indicates a sustainable, protected living arrangement achieved through wise strategic positioning.

• A people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the crags: This is the crux of the proverb’s paradoxical wisdom. It highlights the principle of strategic adaptation: recognizing one's inherent limitations and, instead of attempting to overcome them directly through strength one lacks, utilizing a greater external power for security. The badgers find their invincibility not within themselves but through a prudent alliance with the naturally impenetrable rock. Spiritually, this emphasizes humility in recognizing one's own weakness and the superior strength found in God, who is the ultimate "Rock."

CommentaryProverbs 30:26 presents a powerful and counter-intuitive lesson through the rock badger: true security and effectiveness do not stem solely from innate strength but from discerning wisdom. This seemingly insignificant creature, naturally "not mighty," thrives because it wisely chooses to establish its "home" in the "crags," utilizing nature's strongholds for protection. Its survival strategy is not to combat its predators directly, but to retreat to an unassailable sanctuary. This divinely embedded wisdom allows the weak to overcome existential threats.

For the believer, this proverb serves as a vital blueprint for life. Humans are spiritually "not mighty" in their own capacity to navigate sin, temptation, or the world's adversities. The profound wisdom for us lies in acknowledging this inherent weakness and, instead of relying on self-sufficiency, intentionally and strategically making our "home" in God, who is our ultimate "Rock" and "fortress." Just as the physical crag offers insurmountable safety to the badger, God provides unwavering refuge and strength to His people. This requires humble self-assessment and a proactive decision to lean on God's omnipotence, proving that reliance on God is not a sign of weakness but the pinnacle of true wisdom and strategic living.

• Examples for practical usage:
  • In times of spiritual temptation, instead of attempting to conquer sin through sheer willpower, retreat to God's Word, prayer, and the support of the believing community.
  • When faced with overwhelming worldly pressures or fears, remember personal limitations and purposefully place trust in God's provision and guidance, seeking refuge in His unchangeable nature.
  • Recognize that in areas where one feels weakest or most vulnerable, there is an opportunity to rely more completely on God, allowing His perfect power to be made manifest.

Bonus sectionThe selection of the rock badger within this numerical proverb highlights the theme of "skillful action." The wisdom it demonstrates isn't academic knowledge or sheer physical prowess, but rather an instinctive, practical intelligence in adaptation for survival. This serves as an encouraging model for God's people: even in our perceived smallness or weakness, divine wisdom empowers us to choose the most secure path and align ourselves with a greater, invincible power. This principle points indirectly to the greater "Rock"—Christ Himself—as the secure foundation upon which believers can build their lives and find refuge against all the forces that threaten them, reinforcing that true strength is found not in self-reliance, but in complete reliance on God.