Proverbs 30:8
Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This prayer isn't just a plea for basic needs; it's a desire to be protected from the temptations that come with extremes. Agur asks for neither poverty nor riches because both can lead him astray – poverty tempts him to lie and steal, while riches can breed pride and a forgetfulness of God.
This verse is part of a prayer by Agur, who is seeking wisdom and guidance from God. He's asking for a balanced life, free from the temptations that extreme poverty or wealth can bring, and he wants to be kept from dishonesty. His desire is for a simple, sustainable life where he can truly serve God without being distracted by worldly extremes or deceitful practices.
Why would someone pray against having riches? Agur's prayer reveals the hidden dangers in both poverty and wealth.
Agur understands that both extremes—poverty and riches—can lead us away from God.
The Perils of Poverty
Poverty can tempt us to distrust God and resort to dishonesty to survive. It can make us grasp for what isn't ours, even tempting us to 'take God’s name in vain' through false oaths to cover our actions.
The Traps of Riches
Wealth, on the other hand, can puff us up with pride and lead to self-sufficiency. It can make us forget our dependence on God, leading us to question His authority and ignore our spiritual needs. The pursuit of luxury can overshadow a life dedicated to Him.
Agur wisely asks for a middle path, a state of 'enough' that keeps him reliant on God and free from these particular temptations.
Agur’s first request isn't for comfort, but for truth. Discover why 'falsehood and lying' are the most dangerous enemies.
Agur’s prayer begins with a plea to be kept far from 'falsehood and lying.' This isn't just about avoiding lies in conversation; it encompasses a deep-seated desire for inner truth and integrity.
What 'Falsehood' Encompasses
Agur recognizes that a heart filled with emptiness and deceit is a heart far from God. He desires a life that is solid, true, and durable, rooted in reality, not illusions.
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.
This passage directly echoes Agur's prayer for provision with the phrase 'give us this day our daily bread,' highlighting the shared desire for God's sustained care and sufficiency.
Philippians 4:11-12Paul's declaration of contentment in all circumstances, whether in abundance or need, reflects the wisdom behind Agur's plea for moderation, emphasizing inner peace over external wealth.
1 Timothy 6:8This verse directly supports Agur's prayer by stating the sufficiency and godliness found in having 'food and clothing,' presenting a clear biblical perspective on contentment.
Jeremiah 15:18The prophet's lament about God seeming like a 'deceitful brook' or 'unreliable spring' parallels Agur's prayer against 'lies,' showing a deep-seated human need for truth and faithfulness from God.
Psalm 23:1The shepherd imagery of God as the one who provides and guides, as in 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,' offers a profound reassurance that underlies Agur's trust for daily provision.
pooleProverbs 30:8: "Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:"
Remove far from me; from my heart, and from the course of my life. This is the first of Agur’s petitions. Vanity; either, 1. All vain and false opinions concerning God, or the things of God; all unbelief, idolatry, or misbelief. Or, 2. All vanity of heart and life; a vain conversation, an affectation of the vain things of this world, as riches, pleasures, or honours, the…
pulpitProverbs 30:8: "Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:"
Verse 8. - Here is the first request: Remove far from me vanity and lies. Shay, "vanity," is inward hollowness and worthlessness, and "lies" are the expression of this in words. The prayer might indeed be taken as an entreaty against being polluted with the companionship of the evil, like "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil;" but it is best taken subje…
This prayer isn't just a plea for basic needs; it's a desire to be protected from the temptations that come with extremes. Agur asks for neither poverty nor riches because both can lead him astray – poverty tempts him to lie and steal, while riches can breed pride and a forgetfulness of God.
This verse is part of a prayer by Agur, who is seeking wisdom and guidance from God. He's asking for a balanced life, free from the temptations that extreme poverty or wealth can bring, and he wants to be kept from dishonesty. His desire is for a simple, sustainable life where he can truly serve God without being distracted by worldly extremes or deceitful practices.
This verse is part of a prayer by Agur, who is seeking wisdom and guidance from God. He's asking for a balanced life, free from the temptations that extreme poverty or wealth can bring, and he wants to be kept from dishonesty. His desire is for a simple, sustainable life where he can truly serve God without being distracted by worldly extremes or deceitful practices.
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What does it mean to be 'fed with the food that is needful'? It's more than just daily meals; it's about trusting God's provision.
The final request, 'feed me with the food that is needful for me,' is the culmination of Agur’s prayer. It’s a prayer for divine contentment and trust.
'Food of My Portion'
The phrase 'food that is needful for me' (literally, 'the bread of my portion') speaks of receiving what God has specifically appointed for us. It's not about demanding a certain lifestyle or abundance, but about accepting with gratitude whatever is provided through God’s providential care.
Trust Over Demand
This echoes Jesus' teaching in the Lord's Prayer ('Give us this day our daily bread'), but Agur’s emphasis is on the 'portion' allotted by God. It’s a recognition that God knows best what we truly need for our sustenance, our well-being, and our service to Him. This prayer fosters humility and reliance, ensuring we don’t grasp for more than we need or resent what we have.
"Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me," — This prayer isn't just a plea for basic needs; it's a desire to be protected from the temptations that come with extremes. Agur asks for neither poverty nor riches because both can lead him astray…
