The wisdom of Agur, the son of Jakeh – a truly modest beginning to a chapter filled with truth. It is believed Agur lived in the same era as Solomon, but the only thing we know about him is found in the 30th chapter of Proverbs. His name comes from the Hebrew meaning “collector” and some Bible scholars believe the names that follow, Ithiel and Ucal, refer to Hebraic terms meaning, “I am weary, I am tired out.” Ever felt that way? I certainly have! Agur claims no high status, but what we glean from his words are powerful exhortations as to how we are to live.
Agur was a humble man, not given to lofty estimations of his own wisdom (vv. 2-4), instead resting his life on the truth of God’s words (vv. 5-6). This entire chapter is filled with practical advice for godly and meaningful living, but I want to focus on verses 7-9 by referring to my own experience.
I often find myself humming this chorus from my childhood days: “All that I need, He will always be; all that I need ‘til His face I see; all that I need through eternity; Jesus is all that I need.”
Too often my (and dare I say, our) prayer requests are filled with requests for “me, myself and I” when, in fact, we’re exhorted to thank Him for meeting our needs, then encouraged to reach out to help others in their needs. Even in our most challenging times, we are blessed beyond the imagination of millions of people around the world. Here’s how Agur prayed:
“Two things I request of You, remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches … lest I be full and deny you … or lest I be poor and steal.” (vv.7-9)
That’s true Christianity in action!
