As we come to the last two chapters of the book of Proverbs we find an appendix, a supplement, to this book. As we open Chapter 30, we see a subtitle that says, “Sayings of Agur.”
So, who’s Agur? I asked the same question and here’s what I found: He is described as being wise, humble, and righteous in the Proverbs section of the Bible. Agur serves as a mentor and teacher, providing guidance and information to the people of Israel.
An interesting fact about him is that the name Agur comes from a Hebrew word meaning “collector.” His collected proverbs offered insight into his thoughts on life.
One commentary said this: “He did not consider himself wise and he considered God’s words completely true. In Proverbs 30: 7-9, Agur expresses to God a request that the Lord remove lying from him and give him neither riches nor poverty.”
At this point when writing this, he appears to be worn out and weary, yet profoundly wise. As he writes he declares this truth:
“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Proverbs 30: 5
He speaks on the importance of honoring fathers and mothers. He documents that those who see themselves as better than they really are will be corrected.
Midway in the chapter, he points out this:
“There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I don’t understand:
…the way of the eagle in the sky,
…the way of a snake on a rock,
…the way of a ship on the high seas, and
…the way of a man with a maiden.” Proverbs 30: 18-19
Wow! This guy is a deep thinker!
He continues:
“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:
…ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;
…coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;
…locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;
…a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings palaces.” Proverbs 30: 24-28
Let’s look at these scriptures and the analogies that they are giving us. Let’s break them down.
In case you are wondering what’s a coney anyways? It’s a hyrax or rock badger, a small rodent-type of creature, that has their home in the crags–a refuge or shelter for them.
Remember locusts advance together as an army. In the book of Joel, they are portrayed as a mighty army.
Last, but not least, lizards climb stone walls easily.
As, Agur, concludes this chapter he ends with a warning saying,
“If you have played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth! For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.” Proverbs 30: 32-33
These last couple of verses exhort us to recognize that pride is condemned and that plotting evil should be stopped immediately.
This chapter with Agur’s writings is intended to show the necessity of humility, the awareness of God’s infinite wisdom, and the complexity of human life.
He also emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s own limitations compared to God’s understanding.
So, then, what should we conclude? Here it is:
He Knows All–Past, Present, and Future.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on My Beloved’s Voice
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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