Agur described himself as being “more stupid than any man” (Proverbs 30:2). Yet this man demonstrated that he possessed valuable insight and wisdom that we would do well to learn.
“Surely I am more stupid than any man, and I do not have the understanding of a man. Neither have I learned wisdom, nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son’s name? Surely you know!
“Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar” (Proverbs 30:2-6).
In these first few verses of this chapter, there are several bits of wisdom we should consider. Notice some of the things which this “stupid” man understood.
- He had reason to be humble – Agur was not arrogant, but recognized his shortcomings. Humility is a necessary prerequisite to acquiring wisdom (Proverbs 11:2) as it provides us with the proper mindset to receive instruction (cf. James 1:21).
- God is superior to all – God alone has power over Creation (cf. Colossians 1:16-17). He also “possessed [wisdom] at the beginning” and established it “from everlasting” (Proverbs 8:22-23). No man can compare with the wisdom and ways of God (cf. Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:25).
- The word of God is true – He described God’s words as being “tested.” Despite the changes in cultures, technologies, and man’s opinions, Peter wrote, “The word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25; cf. Isaiah 40:8). God’s “word is truth” (John 17:17) and always will be the truth.
- Strength is found in the Lord – Agur used the words “shield” and “refuge” to describe God. David used this same language: “My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my savior” (2 Samuel 22:3). When we serve the Lord, we can have confidence that He is with us and, therefore, we should not fear anything that may come against us (Hebrews 13:5-6; Matthew 10:28).
- Man cannot improve upon God’s word – Man, in his “wisdom,” believes he has invented various ways to improve upon God’s word. Yet as we have already noticed, the word of God is tested and true (Proverbs 30:5; John 17:17). To add to it, take away from it, or change it in any way will result in condemnation (Revelation 22:18-19; Acts 20:27; Galatians 1:8-9). Paul wrote, “Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar” (Romans 3:4).
If we wish to please God, we must have the same sort of humility and wisdom that Agur displayed. Earlier in Proverbs we find this instruction: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:7). Do not rely upon your wisdom or the wisdom of the world. Trust in God and in His word. Follow Him in all things.
