Two things I asked of Thee, Do not refuse me before I die: Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches, Lest I be full and deny Thee and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or lest I be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9
Agur’s prayer here in Proverbs 30:7-9 includes two requests, though the second is longer and perhaps the most important. These petitions almost appear to arise out of his soul’s desperation, acknowledging a proneness to wander from finding full satisfaction in constant fearing of the Lord.
The first thing he asks for is that God would keep him away from being a fraud. Agur seems afraid of his own weakness. He prays that God would “keep deception and lies far from” himself. I don’t think this is just an appeal to keep cheats and imposters and liars out of his life. Instead, as he knows himself, he solicits God’s work of placing the guardrails of truth and forthrightness along his path.
The second thing he asks for is God’s balancing of the extremes of privation and affluence. Even more it is a request to be satisfied in God Himself. The subtle sin of worldliness can emerge even from our most basic need, the need to eat, and it can materialize from either having too much or too much want.
This second request especially reveals the intricate impact of the so-called ‘practical’ on the spiritual. It is a question of where - or to whom - we look for filling. “God is glorified when we aim our behavior at being most satisfied in Him” (Piper). This is exactly what is at stake in either extreme. God will not be glorified nor will we be truly content if we forget the Giver by focusing on His gifts. And His name will be “profaned” if we mutter and mumble about how much more we ‘deserve,’ let alone actually robbing others to feed ourselves.
God of provision, help us to submit to Your “portion” for us in life, that we might not forget You either in little or much. Work in our souls the need for You alone.
