Reflections on TruthSample

There is not a lot written about the author of this proverb, Agur. The reference to “Massa” reveals that Agur possibly belonged to the tribe of the Kenites – the same tribe as Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro. His name may mean “collector” so Agur may have been a collector of wisdom literature.

At the beginning of this proverb, we see that Agur is a humble and honest man. He declares that he is “only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding.” In light of God’s exceedingly great wisdom, he boldly declares the truth that “Every word of God is flawless.”Psalmist David similarly declared that God’s Word was his delight and his counsellors (Psalm 119:24).

Agur knew that God was a shield to those who take refuge in him. God protects us as evidenced in the Passover story found in Exodus, and in Gideon’s defeat of the Midianites which resulted in a decisive victory, despite only having a troop of 300 men!

In Numbers 23:19we read “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” God is faithful to keep his promises concerning us. Don’t lean on your understanding, but acknowledge God in all your ways (Prov 3:5-6).

Agur reminds us about the need to be careful in how we speak about God to others. He knows the motives of our hearts. This warning is seen again in the Book of Revelation, “If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” (Revelation 22:18-19)

Whoever Agur was, he walked circumspectly before God. He knew the importance of storing up God’s word in his heart, in his work as a collector. He exhorted others to honour God and to be careful in their conduct and their speech.

May we, like Agur and David, desire and cherish the words of God and be circumspect in our conversations about God to those around us.

Prayer:

Thank you, God, for giving us your words of truth – the Bible.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you.
Thank you that your word is a guidebook for my life. Your words are like a plumbline, keeping me straight, and in truth, so I won’t deceived.
I can take refuge in you knowing that in your arms I am protected from my enemies.
Protect me and keep me safe from any people who would desire my harm.
Guide my steps today so I walk in your truth and on straight paths.
Guard my heart that I will not be deceived by heresies and liars.
Set a watch over my mouth that I may not sin against you in words or deeds.
I choose to rejoice in the midst of trials and sorrows, because I know you have overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil!
I am grateful that your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.

AMEN