CHAPTER THIRTY

This Proverb was written by Agur. The origin of these sayings is not clear. Nothing is known about Agur except that he was a wise teacher who may have come from Lemuel's kingdom. Lemuel penned the sayings in Proverbs 31. Little is known about Lemuel as well, except that he was a king who received wise teachings from his mother. His name means "devoted to God." Some believe both Agur and Lemuel were both from the kingdom of Massa in northern Arabia.

Right out of the gate Agur shows us his true emotions and thoughts. Haven't we all said this a time or two. I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. When it comes to life in general I don't feel like I know anything! What's going on? How did I get here. If there was ever a good time to do it, beam me up Scotty. The reality is that as small as we are and as overwhelming as life gets sometimes, God cares. If we will just trust Him and listen, He will protect us and lead us down the right path.

Agur begs God for two things. (1) Never tell a lie. (2) Don't give me riches and don't give me poverty. Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. He says in verse 9, if I grow rich I may deny you and if I am poor I might steel. Either way we do not honor the Holy One. By falling into the first category, telling lies, we do not imitate our Father in heaven, we imitate Satan the father of lies. A life built on lies is really a funnel aimed straight toward hell. At the top of the funnel there is all kinds of room to move, but slowly you slide into a narrow tunnel that takes you and spits you out. O that we would just do it God's way. Save yourself some heartache and let the master lead and guide you.

PB