Proverbs 30:8-9
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Agur asks for "food that is needful for me," not just what's basic, but specifically tailored to his God-appointed life and circumstances. This isn't just a plea for daily bread, but for sustenance that fits the unique path God has laid out for him.
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)
This verse comes from the writings of Agur, who is presenting a prayer for a balanced and honest life. He acknowledges his own weakness and the temptations that both extreme poverty and wealth can bring, therefore asking for a life free from deceit and an absence of extremes in his material circumstances, so he can live a life focused on true sustenance.
Ever feel like life's a tightrope walk between having too much and too little? Agur's prayer gets it.
Agur understands that both poverty and riches are loaded with unique temptations.
Poverty's Peril
Riches' Risk
Agur's prayer isn't about despising either state, but recognizing the spiritual hazards that come with them. He wants a life where he can serve God without these extreme pressures.
What's the ultimate goal when asking God for what we need? Agur connects our daily bread to a life free from deceit.
Agur's prayer isn't just about physical sustenance; it's deeply spiritual.
Removing Vanity and Lies
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The 'Bread of My Portion'
His request for 'needful food' is inextricably linked to his request for purity. True contentment comes from God's provision, which frees us from the desperation that leads to deceit.
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.
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.
This passage directly echoes Agur's prayer for daily sustenance, highlighting the shared desire for God's provision for immediate needs rather than accumulating excess.
1 Timothy 6:8Paul's encouragement to be content with 'food and covering' aligns perfectly with Agur's plea for 'food that is needful,' emphasizing the wisdom of desiring sufficiency over abundance.
Philippians 4:11-12Paul's testimony of learning to live in 'plenty and in want' reflects a similar spirit to Agur's prayer, as both acknowledge that true contentment comes from God, not from external circumstances of wealth or poverty.
James 1:5This verse speaks to the wisdom needed to navigate life's circumstances, which is precisely what Agur seeks in his prayer to be shielded from the temptations inherent in both extreme poverty and excessive wealth.
Psalm 23:1The psalmist's declaration 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want' resonates with Agur's prayer, illustrating a profound trust in God's provision and guidance that removes the need for either excessive riches or the desperation of poverty.
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…
Agur asks for "food that is needful for me," not just what's basic, but specifically tailored to his God-appointed life and circumstances. This isn't just a plea for daily bread, but for sustenance that fits the unique path God has laid out for him.
This verse comes from the writings of Agur, who is presenting a prayer for a balanced and honest life. He acknowledges his own weakness and the temptations that both extreme poverty and wealth can bring, therefore asking for a life free from deceit and an absence of extremes in his material circumstances, so he can live a life focused on true sustenance.
This verse comes from the writings of Agur, who is presenting a prayer for a balanced and honest life. He acknowledges his own weakness and the temptations that both extreme poverty and wealth can bring, therefore asking for a life free from deceit and an absence of extremes in his material circumstances, so he can live a life focused on true sustenance.
"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…" — Agur asks for "food that is needful for me," not just what's basic, but specifically tailored to his God-appointed life and circumstances. This isn't just a plea for daily bread, but for sustenance t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
