Proverbs 30:1-9
Q.1. What was Agur contemplating when he came to his conclusions about himself? Why did creation bring thoughts of a Creator? – (Prov.30:1-4 c.f. 1 Kgs.4:29-30; Jn.3:13)
Agur was meditating on God – especially His holiness and exceeding great power. By comparison, Agur felt very insignificant, and humbly wrote -Surely, I am more stupid than any man, and I do not have the understanding of a man (Prov.30:2). Any honest consideration of the creation will point to a Creator and Designer. This led Agur to want to know Him – Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son’s name? Surely you know! (Prov.30:4). He mused that such wonder must be crafted for someone, so asked further – What is His Son’s Name!? Solomon gave the answer – 22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. 23 “From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth. 24 “When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water … 30 Then I was beside Him, as a master workman; And I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him, 31 Rejoicing in the world, His earth, and having my delight in the sons of men (Prov.8:22-24, 30-31). Creation was not just for the benefit of people but was also for the Son of God.
Q.2. What makes God’s word reliable? Why should we refuse to change what God has spoken? – (Prov.30:5-6 c.f. 1 Pet.1:23-25; Rev.22:18-19)
We can rely on the Word of God – 5 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. 6 Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar (Prov.30:5-6). So much has already been fulfilled. God’s Word is already tried and tested. God never has to retract what He has spoken. Moreover – the Word of the Lord endures forever (1 Pet.1:25). To tamper with God’s Word by adding or taking from His Word, will only result in proving that we are liars (Prov.30:6).
Q.3. Where is it crucial to have discernment? What was the writer’s petition? What makes extreme poverty or prosperity a danger? – (Prov.30:7-9)
It is crucial to understand life from God’s point of view. That requires us to show discernment, and to resist deception and lies. We can protect ourselves against error, by knowing the Bible. The writer was wary of the two extremes of poverty and prosperity. He noted that prosperity can erode our confidence in God (Prov.30:8 c.f. Mt.13:22). He also feared that poverty can also damage our testimony of trust in God (Prov.30:9 c.f. Mt.13:21). Thankfulness and generosity can help us express our dependence on God and testify to Whom we belong.