proverbs-30-5-copyAs a reminder of an earlier study in Proverbs 30: Some scholars believe someone other than Solomon may have written this chapter. Others speculate that “Agur” was a nickname for Solomon and he is the author.  We know that two men came to Agur seeking wisdom and understanding (30:1b) and he was overwhelmed with the task of instructing others in godly wisdom.

In his opening statements, Agur declared the majesty of God as the Creator and Sustainer of creation (30:4). He expressed his confidence in the Word of God and His promises (30:5-6). Agur continued in Proverbs 30:7-9 with a prayer and petition to the Lord.

Proverbs 30:7-9 – “Two things have I required [ask; desire] of thee; deny [withhold; refrain; hinder] me them not before I die: 8  Remove far [remove far away; distance] from me vanity [emptiness; deceit] and lies: give [grant; deliver] me Proverbs 30:8-9 (KJV)neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food [bread; meat; fruit] convenient [due; necessary; appointed] for me: 9  Lest I be full [satisfied; filled], and deny [fail; deal falsely] thee, and say, Who is the LORD [Jehovah; Eternal, Self-existent God]? or lest I be poor [impoverished], and steal [steal away; be carried away], and take [grasp; take hold of] the name of my God [God’s honor, character, reputation] in vain.”

Having seen the folly of men blessed with an abundance of riches and possessions, Agur prayed that the Lord would give him neither poverty where he would be left wanting nor riches less his heart turn away from the Lord.

I have seen that same malady too often in our society where parents are slaves to their child’s passions and sons and daughters grow up to neither love or appreciate the sacrifice of their parents.

What a man of insight and wisdom!  Agur had seen the danger of riches and knew the heart of a man with wealth and possessions was easily turned from God.

daily-breadAgur prayed, “Lord, do not give me so much that I become vain and independent of my God; nor so little that I want and resent what others possess and deny your name and character.”

The majority of parents reading this simple devotional have given their children wealth and possessions that exceed any generation before us. Do you realize the danger of possessions and how they can rob your sons and daughters of the joy of love and dependence on God?

A wise parent will recognize their child’s character and bent and determine to instill in them a love for God, an appreciation of hard work and the joy of being a conduit of God’s blessings in the lives of others.

Is it not time to model for your children the spirit of giving and serving?