Two Things to Ask For

# Lesson 350 Two Things to Ask For

"Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." - Proverbs 30:8

Chapter 30 of Proverbs was written by Agur. We do not know much about who he was, only that he was "the son of Jakeh" (Proverbs 30:1); and we also do not know who Jakeh was; only the names of these two people are mentioned here. The name Agur comes from a Hebrew word meaning "collector." Some believe that perhaps Agur explained words of wisdom to his beloved students, much like the physician Luke spoke to Theophilus. Proverbs 30 is a collection of sayings written by an unknown sage, likely a student of wisdom in the time of King Solomon. Agur reflects a spirit of humility (verses 1-4); a deep hatred of arrogance (verses 7-9); and a keen theological mind (verses 5-6). In Proverbs 30, there is a wise and humble prayer of Agur that we should imitate and pray for ourselves. Agur earnestly asks the Lord for two things; he recognizes that he is weak, easily tempted, and might chase after the ways of the world and forget God's grace.

First, he asks the Lord to "...keep falsehood and lies far from me" (Proverbs 30:8). Falsehood and lies are among "...six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community" (Proverbs 6:16-19). We human beings carry a nature of sin that constantly influences us to do evil, as God's Word says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). Therefore, we need the power of the Holy Spirit to help us avoid deception and the wickedness of darkness in this world. The apostle Paul pointed out the sins of the Gentiles: "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen...They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice..." (Romans 1:25, 29). God's Word tells us, "The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves" (Proverbs 13:5); "Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Psalm 40:4). Our Lord is faithful and true; His character is perfect, the opposite of deceit and lies. Therefore, we must change for the better each day, to become more like God's image. This is why Agur wanted the Lord to help him "...keep falsehood and lies far from me." This is the first step toward purity and spiritual holiness. We need to ask the Lord for this, just as King David asked, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10); so that we may walk in the Truth and live according to God's Word; forsaking deceit and lies. "The way of the righteous avoids evil; whoever guards their steps guards their life" (Proverbs 16:17).

The second thing Agur asks for is, "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." Extreme poverty can lead a person to desperation and violence; as the ancients said, "Poverty breeds thieves." However, wealth and prosperity—surely everyone desires these; but Agur was a wise man. He did not ask the Lord for poverty, nor did he desire wealth; because he understood the consequences of both poverty and riches. He said, "Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:9). When wealthy and comfortable, people tend to forget God more easily; as the apostle Paul expressed, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction" (1 Timothy 6:9). Therefore, Agur only wanted "daily bread" and enough clothing. He expressed a life of contentment, having just enough—neither lacking nor having too much! King David expressed his experience of God's provision, "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread" (Psalm 37:25). The apostle Paul tells us that God always provides abundantly for us: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8); "And my God will meet all your needs according the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19); "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:7-8). Moreover, in our spiritual life, God has given us His Word. When tempted by the devil, "Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'" (Matthew 4:4).

Let us use Proverbs 30:8 to ask the Lord to help us avoid evil and sins that He abhors; and ask the Lord to keep us in contentment with all His abundant provision, "Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground" (Psalm 143:10). "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

May we give thanks to the Lord for His abundant provision and His protection of us from the temptations of this world! We pray that the Lord will help us overcome sinful and deceitful acts, lies and wrongdoing, greed and the desire for worldly wealth; grant us our daily bread, and keep us always content with His abundant provision for all our needs; teach us the path of holiness according to His Word, help us live to glorify His name, and show His love to those around us! Amen!

Guard my soul, O Lord, Keep far from me the stench of deceit and lies! May Your will guide my way, My spirit alive, resting in You! Content with all things, how blessed, Enough food and clothing each day in peace, Hardship and trials matter not, With all my heart, trusting in all You provide!

Ngoc Huynh Bich

Topics