The Proverbs :: A Guidebook for MenSample

A noticeable change in style here is a result of a new author. In Proverbs 30, we find ourselves reading the work of Agur, son of Jakeh. While Agur isn’t a name you may have memorized as a child or know very much about, he demonstrates an understanding of himself that we should all seek to emulate.

“I am weary, God, (we feel that)

but I can prevail. (Amen)

Surely I am only a brute, not a man; (been there)

I do not have human understanding. (Yep)

I have not learned wisdom, (oh boy)

nor have I attained the knowledge of the Holy One. (Really trying.)

It’s a fine line to have a low opinion of yourself vs. thinking poorly of yourself.

The wisdom of God isn’t meant to turn you into a man whose shoulders are hung in defeat. You are a Son of God, a child of the King who paid for you with His blood. God Himself has chosen you, and that relationship should humble you.

Proverbs 30 begins with a beautiful confession of ignorance that, once again, Agur has failed to grasp the wisdom of God.

Who among us hasn’t? We started this journey together in Proverbs 1, realizing our need for repentance, a condition that stays with us through our entire lives. God is merciful, and the process of becoming more like Him is unending. So keep Agur’s confession close to your heart today, and just like him, remind yourself that through God’s power, you can prevail.

“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”

Here, confession transitions to admission as we reflect on the unfailing nature of God and His standing as our unflappable Defender. He has never lost a battle or uttered a lie, and it is because of those truths that we can follow Agur’s lead and ask for His protection from the attacks of the enemy:

“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

Agur knows what is most dangerous to a man’s heart. Our failure to trust in God’s daily provision can lead us towards the temptation to steal what is not ours or hoard what has been given to us, both of which dishonor Almighty God and shortchange our intended purpose in life. Examine your life. Where are the moments where you have failed to put your hope in the generosity of God’s hands? Where did it lead you?

Today, adopt the rhythm of Agur: Repent, Confess, and then Ask. God is with you.

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God, I confess I’m not worthy to come before You. But in the power of the Holy Spirit and through the work of Jesus, I ask You to cleanse my heart. Bring me closer to You so that I can know You better. Bless my thoughts, my words, my work. Guard me so that I don’t commit the same sins again. Amen.