Agur, whose identity is unknown, is acknowledging his ignorance as a mere human being which is the cause of humility. He is asking for wisdom from God and God's son
NOTE: At the time of this writing Jesus' name was unknown. God's name
is ELOAH.
He knows that God's word is pure and true. Agur is petitioning for two things.
1. Keep deceit and lies from me.
2. Cause me to eat the food alloted to me.
Verses 11-14 all start with: there is a generation that . . . curse their father and doesn't bless their mother(11). are pure in their own eyes and are not washed from their own filthiness(12). have lofty eyes with eyelids lifted up(13). whose teeth are as swords and their jaw teeth as knives to devour the poor from off the earth and the needy among men(14). Could this be our generation? Do we see people like that now?
The horseleech mentioned in 15 is a reference to the blood sucking horseleeches that were common in Palestine. Then he gives a list of things that are never enough, always wanting more.
Chapter 31 are the words of King Lemuel. Nothing is known elsewhere of him, but many believe this to be Solomon. He warns us not to drink wine because it can effect our judgment but to give strong drink to those who are about to perish. Strong drink was offered to those facing crucifixion to help deaden their misery. This was offered to Jesus when he went to the cross but he declined it because he wanted his mind to be clear to the end.
In verses 10-27 it tells us the ways of a virtuous woman followed by 28-29 describing the praise given to her by her family. Marvin Tate, in the Broadman Commentary Proverbs Pg 99 states:
"The real worth of a woman is her devotion to God. She should be
given the praise she deserves. She is no slave to a master husband
but a person in her own right who takes a full and honored place in
the life of home and community."
As we leave the Psalms and Proverbs, may we go on with our reading remembering these pearls of wisdom we have learned.
What a wonderful journey we've had through proverbs ladies! I've been convicted more than once (on a daily basis) for sure! ;) And oh, the haunting proverbs 31 woman. I like what your commentary said Ms. Boots- "The real worth of a woman is her devotion to God." Lord help me remember that. "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
ReplyDeleteMs. Boots - that DEFINITELY sounds like the generation of people living today! God's Word is just so very TIMELESS! I love the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 because it helps us to keep a goal in mind...something we should be striving for on a daily basis, just as we are striving to become more and more like Christ everyday. I cannot tell all of you ladies how my life has been changed for all eternity jouneying through Psalms and Proverbs with you! You all are such a gifted group of ladies and are to be highly commended for your commitment to this blog and more importantly to the WORD!!!
ReplyDeleteMs. Boots - thanks for your great post today. I believe verse 30 in Proverbs 31 is the key to being the virtuous women - "the fear of the Lord." That's what I want more than anything in my life!
ReplyDeleteI also have loved the Psalms and Proverbs and have learned so much from these two books. I thought I "knew" Psalms - but I found out differently! Live and Learn . . .
I remember my father reading us a chapter from the Proverbs every day when I was little. It is amazing how much Scripture sinks down into your soul with repeated exposure. I love the Proverbs and have been blessed by our journey.
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