The wisdom of Agur, the son of Jakeh 鈥� a truly modest beginning to a chapter filled with truth. It is believed that 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 鈥渃ollector鈥� and some Bible scholars believe that the names that follow, Ithiel and Ucal, refer to Hebraic terms meaning, 鈥淚 am weary, I am tired out鈥�. 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鈥檚 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. 聽
I often find myself humming this chorus from my childhood days: 鈥淎ll that I need, He will always be; all that I need 鈥榯il His face I see; all that I need through eternity; Jesus is all that I need.鈥�
Too often my (and dare I say, our) prayer requests are filled with requests for 鈥渕e, myself and I鈥�; when, in fact, we鈥檙e 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鈥檚 how Agur prayed:
鈥淭wo things I request of You, remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches鈥est I be full and deny you鈥r lest I be poor and steal.鈥� (vv.7-9)
That鈥檚 true Christianity in action!
