Commentary on Proverbs 30:7
Proverbs 30:7 states: "Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die." This verse captures a profound plea for wisdom and moderation in life’s provisions. The request encapsulates essential desires that resonate deeply with the human experience.
Contextual Overview
This proverb is attributed to Agur, who is unnamed in biblical narratives beyond this context in Proverbs. Agur’s wisdom is a humble approach to life, recognizing both his limitations and the dependence on divine provision.
Insights from Public Domain Commentaries
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry emphasizes the significance of Agur’s request, highlighting the spiritual and practical implications behind it. He notes:
- Humility in Request: Agur demonstrates humility by recognizing his needs before God, indicating a heart that is aware of its limitations.
- Desiring Balance: The two requests signify a desire for balance, advocating for a life not weighed down by excess or lack.
Henry observes that Agur’s life is centered around seeking both provision and character; he wishes for neither too much nor too little, reflecting a biblical principle of moderation.
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes provides practical insights into the nature of the requests Agur makes. He interprets the two things as:
- Lest I be poor: This reflects a fear of poverty that can lead to despair and discontent, detracting from one’s focus on God.
- Lest I be rich: Wealth can cultivate pride, leading individuals away from reliance on God and towards self-sufficiency.
Barnes suggests that understanding these requests gives insight into God's overarching will for humanity—a life marked by reliance on divine providence rather than human achievement.
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke approaches the verse with a focus on the nature of true contentment:
- Spiritual Richness: Clarke notes that true wealth is not in material possessions but in spiritual fulfillment, which can sustain one through life's difficulties.
- The Dangers of Extremity: He underscores the dangers of both extreme poverty and wealth, suggesting they can lead to different forms of temptation—either a lack of dependence on God or discontent within one’s means.
Clarke’s commentary reinforces the notion that wisdom lies in recognizing one’s needs and aligning them with God’s provision.
Theological Implications
The profound nature of Agur’s request reveals foundational theological truths:
- Divine Dependency: Agur reflects the essence of the believer’s life—an acknowledgment of reliance on God for provision.
- Balance and Moderation: The request reflects God’s call for moderation in all things, as extremes may hinder spiritual growth.
- Pursuit of Wisdom: This passage emphasizes the need for discernment in what we request from God, aligning our desires with His will.
Applications for Today’s Believer
Agur’s request provides rich applications for modern believers:
- Pray with Intent: Like Agur, believers should approach prayer with specific intentions, recognizing our needs while seeking God’s wisdom in them.
- Seek Balance: In a world that often promotes excess, Christians should pursue balance in their lives, reflecting on what it means to live simply and in accordance with God’s desires.
- Trust in God’s Provision: The encouragement is to trust God for our daily bread, relying on His promises rather than our understanding of abundance.
Conclusion
Proverbs 30:7 serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance that believers must maintain between desire and dependence. Agur’s humble request encapsulates a heart that yearns for contentment and wisdom, exemplifying a life grounded in prayer and moderation. In our pursuit of God, let us remember Agur's prayer as a guide toward true fulfillment and divine wisdom.