Proverbs 30 – Proverbial prayer
Nearing the end of the book, Proverbs 30 includes many themes, all the words of Agur, son of Jakeh. Unfortunately, we’re not completely sure who Agur is; some say Agur is a nickname for Solomon, others say Agur was someone in Solomon’s court, and other scholars believe that he was a gentile from northern Arabia. Regardless of his origin, he leaves us with some of the most mysterious sayings, numerical riddles, and interesting sections in all of Proverbs.
One of the most interesting parts that makes Proverbs 30 stand out amongst the rest is verses seven through nine. Verses seven through nine consist the only prayer found throughout Proverbs, and it speaks to the real concerns of the author. Particularly, the prayer has two concerns in the form of two requests the author makes of the Lord. First, the author wants the Lord to keep her/him away from falsehoods and lying – to keep her/him within the realm of honesty. Second, the author wishes the Lord to give her/him only what s/he needs.
Regarding falsehood and lying, the author’s first request reflects the larger theme found throughout Proverbs of honesty. Throughout Proverbs, there are various warnings given to the audience to remain honest in telling the truth; however, there are also many advices about things that inherently accompany dishonestly of any kind (see Pr. 6.16-19, 29.6). The author wishes to remain in the realm of honesty, and thereby remain in the realm of righteousness before the Lord.
Additionally, the author asks the Lord to, “Give [her/him] neither poverty nor riches; feed [her/him] with the food that is needful for [her/him]” (Pr. 30.8, ESV). In other words, the author asks to only be given what is needed – no less, no more. Additionally, the wish is followed by the author’s warning about the dangers of both poverty and riches in verse nine. Whereas the proverb reflects a desire to serve the Lord and remain in righteousness in a Jewish mindset, the request also strikes a chord with Christians insofar as it echoes a line in the Lord’s Prayer. In the sixth chapter of Matthew, Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray upon their request, and one line specifically lists a request of the Lord – to supply their daily bread; no less, no more – only what is needed (Mt. 6.11).
As we draw close to the end of Proverbs, may we remember the themes of the only prayer found in Proverbs – to remain in the realm of honesty before the Lord and to only receive what we need. May we remember to pursue righteousness before the Lord in honesty and humility. May we remember to pursue the Lord, and to put the Lord before all things. Amen.
Blessings,
Carson