The Words of Agur
“The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.” Proverbs 30.1-3
A true mark of godliness is humility.
James expresses the means to finding spiritual success when he writes: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4.10) And, Peter follows up with: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (I Peter 5.6, 7)
There is a world of difference between being put into subjection and being humble. Entering into an unwanted relationship of servitude is slavery; however, willingly submitting to authority is a choice of those who have gained much knowledge of the one to whom we submit – a choice to be humble as we realize the awesomeness of God.
It is interesting that this chapter comes at the end of the book of Proverbs. Agur had every opportunity to learn from the wisdom of the first twenty-nine chapters – the wisdom of Solomon as he explained the true source of wisdom. The beginning of this wisdom is found in the knowledge of the holy – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1.7) Furthermore, the proper knowledge leads us to a proper understanding of the greatness of God. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9.10)
As we submerge ourselves in the knowledge of God, we gain wisdom. As we gain wisdom, we gain the understanding that God is so much greater than anything or anyone anywhere.
Just as Agur looked at himself and realized his position when placed beside the One who offers true wisdom, he views himself as a brute completely devoid of understanding. This man, a prophet of God, who spoke words from God and had learned from the best realized how small he was as he stood before the all-wise God.
As he looked at his God, he became so overwhelmed by God’s holiness and majesty that he could only fall on his face in submission and humility.
So many today speak of their being humbled (which is a wrong usage of the word) when honors are bestowed upon them; however, true humility is found in a person who has measured himself against the Creator of all things and understands His greatness and their smallness.
James expresses the means to finding spiritual success when he writes: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4.10) And, Peter follows up with: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (I Peter 5.6, 7)
There is a world of difference between being put into subjection and being humble. Entering into an unwanted relationship of servitude is slavery; however, willingly submitting to authority is a choice of those who have gained much knowledge of the one to whom we submit – a choice to be humble as we realize the awesomeness of God.
It is interesting that this chapter comes at the end of the book of Proverbs. Agur had every opportunity to learn from the wisdom of the first twenty-nine chapters – the wisdom of Solomon as he explained the true source of wisdom. The beginning of this wisdom is found in the knowledge of the holy – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1.7) Furthermore, the proper knowledge leads us to a proper understanding of the greatness of God. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9.10)
As we submerge ourselves in the knowledge of God, we gain wisdom. As we gain wisdom, we gain the understanding that God is so much greater than anything or anyone anywhere.
Just as Agur looked at himself and realized his position when placed beside the One who offers true wisdom, he views himself as a brute completely devoid of understanding. This man, a prophet of God, who spoke words from God and had learned from the best realized how small he was as he stood before the all-wise God.
As he looked at his God, he became so overwhelmed by God’s holiness and majesty that he could only fall on his face in submission and humility.
So many today speak of their being humbled (which is a wrong usage of the word) when honors are bestowed upon them; however, true humility is found in a person who has measured himself against the Creator of all things and understands His greatness and their smallness.
Copyright © 2024 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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