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READ: Proverbs 30:1-9
When the man learned he had won hundreds of millions of dollars, he expressed noble desires. He wanted to start a charitable foundation, put laid-off workers back on the job, and do nice things for his family. Already wealthy, he told reporters that this wouldn’t change him.
A few years later, a follow-up article described a different outcome. Since winning, the man had run into legal problems, lost his personal reputation, and squandered away all of his money.
A thoughtful man by the name of Agur wrote words that anticipate such heartbreak. Brought low by the awareness of his own natural inclinations (Prov. 30:2-3), Agur saw the dangers of having too much or too little. So he prayed, “Give me neither poverty nor riches—feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God” (vv.8-9).
Agur saw the special challenges that come both with wealth and poverty, but also with our own tendencies. Each gives us reason for caution. Together they show our need for the One who taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” —Mart DeHaan
Lord, as we seek Your face today to ask for what we
need, help us to keep in mind that You are as wise in
what You don’t give us as what You do give us. So often,
You rescue us from our own sinful tendencies. Thank You.
Discontentment makes rich people poor, while contentment makes poor people rich.
Insight
The book of Proverbs is known for its practical wisdom. It provides insight into relationships, work ethic, wealth, education, and many other topics. Yet despite the many words of instruction intended to make us wise and help us to live rightly, there are reminders to be humble regardless of our level of wisdom or knowledge. Agur’s humility (30:2-3) came from recognizing who God is and who he is in relationship to God (vv.4-5). Proper recognition of God leads to an appropriate response to Him (vv.7-9).
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