Thursday 2 October 2025
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (v. 5)
Background
You may notice that the style of writing in today’s passage changes from short, two-line contrasts to longer reflections. This section in Proverbs is titled 'The sayings of Agur'. This is the only time that his name appears in the Hebrew scriptures. We don’t really know who he was and speculation doesn’t take us very far. What does seem clear is that these last two chapters of our book of Proverbs were a sort of addendum to the general collection of sayings. In the Greek version of Proverbs this section occurs after chapter 24:22, suggesting that these verses once circulated independently from the rest of the book.
Verses 1-4 warn against any human arrogance. In language which is strongly reminiscent of God’s speech to Job (Job 38:4ff), we are reminded that human beings, on their own, do not have the wisdom to understand the things of God or how they might live a good life. We are dependent on the word of God. However that word is not only true, it offers protection as well.
Ancient wisdom often commended 'the middle way', and in verses 7-9 we find an example of it. If we are too wealthy, there is the danger that our goods and financial reserves become the primary concern of our lives and insulate us from any sense of God or the desire to be with God’s. people. If we are destitute, the very fight for survival and the sense that we have been dealt with unjustly may turn us, embittered, away from God. The deep realism of this prayer speaks to every generation, not least our own.
To Ponder:
- Verse 4 takes us briefly into the wonders of God’s creation. Take time to be aware of something wonderful in the world around you now, and be astonished by it.
- Are your possessions, or your lack of them, undermining your trust in and relationship with God?
Prayer
Gracious God, creator of this whole majestic, energetic, beautiful, expanding universe, I am astounded by the thought that you know me, and even more that you love me. As I reach out to grasp you, help me to sense that you hold me and that nothing can separate me from your love. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Donald Ker
Donald Ker is a supernumerary minister, originally from Ireland where he served in a number of different appointments, but now living in Solihull on the Birmingham Circuit.