Proverbs 30:7-9
Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "deny them not to me before I die" isn't just about getting these requests eventually, but about receiving them now, so the rest of his life can be lived in the state he describes. It highlights a deep yearning to live whole life aligned with God's will, not just to have a good end.
The speaker, Agur, begins a series of prayers by earnestly asking God for two crucial things he needs for the rest of his life. These aren't trivial requests, but fundamental needs for his spiritual well-being and faithfulness, setting the stage for the specific petitions that follow in the next verses. He doesn't want these vital provisions withheld while he still lives.
This isn't a casual wish; it's a desperate plea spoken with a sense of urgency. What makes this prayer so vital?
Agur, the author, frames his requests with immense gravity: 'Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die.' The Hebrew word used here, 'sha'al', signifies a deep, earnest request, not a trivial one.
He's not asking for fleeting pleasures or earthly riches. He's asking for foundational elements that will shape his entire life, from this moment until his last breath. The phrase 'before I die' emphasizes that these are not requests for the afterlife, but for the quality of his earthly existence. He wants these things granted now to live the remainder of his days in a way that honors God and benefits his soul.
Agur’s prayer is surprisingly specific, asking to be kept away from two dangerous extremes. Why these two?
Agur identifies two specific dangers he wants to avoid: vanity (or emptiness) and lies, and then poverty and riches. These aren't random requests; they represent a desire for a balanced, grounded life.
The Danger of Deception
The Peril of Extremes
Understand the original words
shaw · Hebrew Noun
A comprehensive term for anything that is not true, deceptive, or vain. In Scripture, it represents a departure from the character and reality of God.
dabar kazab · Hebrew Noun phrase
The deliberate act of speaking untruths; it stands in direct opposition to God, who is the Truth, and reflects a corrupt heart.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the Creator God of Israel, the covenant-keeping God who is self-existent and holy.
taphas/taphastiy · Hebrew Verb
To treat something holy as common or unclean; in this context, it refers to dishonoring or blaspheming God's reputation by one's sinful behavior.
This passage directly echoes Agur's second petition, showing Jesus teaching His disciples to pray for 'daily bread,' which aligns with Agur's desire for sustenance appropriate to his needs, not excess.
Philippians 4:11-12Paul's contentment, learned in both plenty and want, reflects the spirit of Agur's prayer for a middle way, emphasizing inner peace regardless of external circumstances.
1 Timothy 6:8This verse speaks to the same theme as Agur's prayer, advising that 'having food and clothing, let us be content,' highlighting the wisdom of desiring only what is necessary.
Romans 12:3The exhortation not to think of oneself more highly than one ought to think, found here, parallels Agur's prayer to be kept from 'vanity' and 'lies,' which can stem from arrogance.
pooleProverbs 30:7: "Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:"
Have I required; I do earnestly and especially desire Deny me them not before I die , Heb. withhold them not from me before I die, i.e. whilst I live, as things of great and continual necessity for thy honour and service, and my own good.
clarkeProverbs 30:7: "Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:"
Two things have I required of thee - These two petitions are mentioned in the next verse; and he wishes to have them answered before he should die. That is, he wishes the answer now, that he may live the rest of his life in the state he describes.
The phrase "deny them not to me before I die" isn't just about getting these requests eventually, but about receiving them now, so the rest of his life can be lived in the state he describes. It highlights a deep yearning to live whole life aligned with God's will, not just to have a good end.
The speaker, Agur, begins a series of prayers by earnestly asking God for two crucial things he needs for the rest of his life. These aren't trivial requests, but fundamental needs for his spiritual well-being and faithfulness, setting the stage for the specific petitions that follow in the next verses. He doesn't want these vital provisions withheld while he still lives.
The speaker, Agur, begins a series of prayers by earnestly asking God for two crucial things he needs for the rest of his life. These aren't trivial requests, but fundamental needs for his spiritual well-being and faithfulness, setting the stage for the specific petitions that follow in the next verses. He doesn't want these vital provisions withheld while he still lives.
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Agur understands that both extremes can easily lead him astray from a life of faithfulness and contentment.
Elohim · Hebrew Proper Noun
The Hebrew word often used for God as the Almighty, the strong and sovereign Creator who is entitled to the reverence and service of His creatures.
"Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you…" — The phrase "deny them not to me before I die" isn't just about getting these requests eventually, but about receiving them now, so the rest of his life can be lived in the state he describes. It hi…
