Who is Agur and why should I care?

Most people attribute the Book of Proverbs' authorship to Solomon, but he did not write the entire book. Others wrote the final two chapters. However, although the writers are different, the wisdom is no less insightful and is well worth consideration.

A man named Agur wrote the first nine verses of chapter thirty, but we do not know much about him. Scripture identifies him as the son of Jakeh, but that is about all historians know for sure. Some historians do not believe he was an Israelite.

Although we do not know much about him, these nine verses contain practical wisdom that we can all apply to our lives. This passage is most notable for his prayer for deliverance from economic extremes. However, there are other verses worth examining as well.

In verse two, we can immediately recognize that Agur was a humble and intelligent man. How do we know this? Because he immediately stated his lack of understanding and need for enlightenment from God. Usually, if a person is candid enough to admit the need for God's wisdom, it is a good indicator that he or she is truly intelligent.

In verse four, Agur asked a series of rhetorical questions that emphasized God's greatness, and that He is the source to which all people should turn for life's answers. Just as people today attempt to answer life's questions without His help, we need to follow Agur's advice and look for daily help from God. If we lean too heavily on our own knowledge, we risk being led astray.

In verses five and six, he emphasized that God is perfect, and He is available to us for comfort and guidance. Knowing that God is perfect helps us because it means He is completely dependable. Relationships with people may come and go in our lives, but He will always be there no matter what.

The passage's final three verses contain Agur's plea for protection. He wanted God to protect him from falsehoods and lies and the dull aching pain they can bring. He also wanted protection from poverty and riches.

Agur was obviously aware of the impact materialism can have on us. If he had too little, it would be tempting for him to steal to provide for himself, bringing dishonor to God. If he had too much, it might lead to arrogance in which he viewed himself as the source of his wealth and not God. In America, we certainly have problems when it comes to material wealth and the impact it has on us.

Though this passage is only nine verses in length, it resonates with themes that are still true today. The passage breaks down the complexity of our lives in ways that bring much needed simplicity. If for no other reason, these nine verses deserve our study.