The Way to True HappinessSample

Lead us not into temptation

Proverbs provides wise advice on how to live to please God. This passage tells us about a man called Agur. He was a humble man, and he knew what makes a man unhappy. Agur detested any kind of pride. He observed how things are in the world, and invites you to see and think for yourself, not to be influenced by others. Agur was a sincere, religious man. We tend to overestimate our intellect, thinking that we know how to become happy. We are unaware how ignorant we are, and we have a limited view of reality. Agur was convinced that God was essential to his happiness. His prayer was that the Lord would not lead him into temptation (verses 7-9).

His fear is that he will be tempted to deny God. Therefore, he has a twofold request. His desire is to be trustworthy and honest all his life, and he is not striving for wealth, power, or fame. His prayer echoes the fourth request from the Lord's Prayer: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11 ESV). Agur prays that whether in poverty or wealth he will respond in the right manner.

Agur wants to worship God and walk in the truth. Therefore, he prays that he will not become a hypocrite, or a liar. He asks God to keep him from poverty or wealth, so that he will not be unfaithful to God. Agur wants to be trustworthy. In this, he wants to be like God, as Christians want to be like Jesus and reflect His image. Agur loves the Lord as well as fellow people, and desires to find happiness in that way. In fact, he also wants the first request of the Lord's Prayer to be granted: "Hallowed be Your name" (Matthew 6:9 ESV).