Contemplative Bible Reading

Proverbs 30:8 (New Living Translation)

8 First, help me never to tell a lie.
Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!
Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.

This is a saying of Agur son of Jakeh. He begs two favors of God and he desires to have them before he dies. What two things do I want from God before I die? Huh? Well, here is Agur’s request.

1. Keep me from telling a lie.
2. Give me enough to satisfy my needs.

Of course the two are connected. If people know that what I say is the truth, they will understand my words for what they are. “I need more of your time.” Truth. An expression of needs. The other person would understand and would be more likely to grant more time.

And these two connect to God. God, you have given me the ability to only speak the truth. Now I am requesting enough to satisfy my needs. If I ask for more money, that is needed. That is not wanted or wished or some other frivolous statement. More money is needed to satisfy my needs.

I am greatly blessed—far more than I deserve. I have much more of just about everything to satisfy my needs. Food, shelter, clothing? That is what I need. I have those in abundance and I have many other things far beyond those needs.

I am impressed with the wisdom and humility of this Agur son of Jakeh. He knew what was necessary for a blessed life on earth. His requests of God were simple, yet powerful. Please God, grant me the wisdom of Agur.