A Practical Prayer Tucked Away in Proverbs

“Two things I ask of You; deny them not to me before I die:  Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny You and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.” –Proverbs 30:7-9 (ESV).

I do not recall noticing any comment in previous studies I have done that pointed out the only prayer recorded in the Proverbs is the one in the focal passage above.  The prayer, according to the name given for the author, was Agur, son of Jakeh, the oracle, of Massa.  His identity is unknown, occurring no other place in the Bible.  Some scholars see Agur as a nickname for Solomon; others think he was a court counselor to King Solomon.  We actually cannot determine for sure whether Solomon or another wise man penned the words of the only prayer in Proverbs.

However in the midst of the many wise sayings this prayer is given, specifying that the plea is for two things.  The one praying hopes the Lord will answer it before the man’s death.  The first petition is “remove far from me falsehood and lying.”  The next request is combined into the second plea:  “give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,” which seems to be prelude to the request in the Lord’s Prayer: “give us this day our daily bread.” Note how comprehensive are these two prayer requests:  “Remove from me falsehood and lying”implies that the one praying neither wants to become a liar nor does he want to have lies told to him.  It is a plea for seeking truth, hearing truth, being able to ascertain truth from error.  How ingenious is that request when it comes to both speaking and knowing truth?  Jesus taught us, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32).  Agur’s second petition in prayer: “give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me” touches on the all-important aspect of not trusting in material possessions or even being greedy about daily needs such as food needed for sustenance.  A balance needs to be struck, one that is adequate but not over-abundant.  Note Agur prayed that his two requests be granted so that he would not forget who the Lord is nor profane or dishonor the name of the Lord by having to steal for his needs.  I have read this prayer several times, making it the sincere plea of my own heart.  I hope you will do likewise. –Ethelene Dyer Jones 02.17.2013.