Introductory Thoughts
Riches and poverty both serve as some of man’s greatest pitfalls. Agur, in his wisdom (see Proverbs chapter 30), sought the Lord for a healthy balance somewhere between the two extremes. He feared riches because riches might cause him to become full and deny the Lord (Proverbs 30:8-9). Conversely, he also feared the outcomes of a life lived in poverty. This might lead him to steal and take the name of God in vain (Proverbs 30:8-9). In the end, Agur expressed a desire for the Lord to feed him with food convenient for him. Yet, he did not trust himself to know what was convenient (Proverbs 30:8). Perhaps, for some people, a greater amount would be convenient and yet a lesser amount for others. Agur recognized that only the Lord possessed the necessary wisdom to determine what balance would be right for him.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The Lord knew what His people would do when they were full (Deuteronomy 6:10-12). He told Moses to write a song about it to serve as a warning (Deuteronomy 31:19-20) which he did (Deuteronomy 32:10-15).
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(For everyone): Do you trust yourself to determine the convenient balance in your own life? Why is it important to seek the Lord for help in determining what is convenient for you?
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Can you think of anyone who has allowed riches to move him or her away from the Lord? Can you think of anyone who has allowed poverty to cause him or her to sin?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to feed you with food convenient for you.
- Thank God for His perfect provision.
Song
THANKS TO GOD
