TEACHING NOTES Introduction In this series we’re learning about prayer by studying several prayers recorded for us in the Bible. The biblical authors recorded these prayers so that God’s people would have a trusted guide for prayer. It’s as if God knew that His people would struggle with prayer, so He provided examples to help us. Today, we’re going to study a prayer in Proverbs 30 about trusting God to provide for our needs. Proverbs 30:1–3 1 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle. The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out. 2 Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. 3 I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One. Agur son of Jakeh = The names Agur and Jakeh are not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. This is not uncommon as the very next chapter (Prov. 31) is from “King Lemuel” and we do not know anything about him either. ‌ The oracle = The Hebrew phrase here is ha massa, which is also the name of a region in northern Arabia where the descendants of Ishmael settled (Gen. 25:14). This means that Agur son of Jakeh was not an Israelite. ‌ I am weary, worn out O God = This prayer begins with the honest complaint. The Hebrew words here refer to a man being so weary that he is about to cease (die). This is a prayer of a man who is suffering. ‌ The Hebrew phrase here is difficult to translate. Some English Bibles say, “to Ithiel and to Ukal” as if this is addressed to two people named Ithiel and Ukal. However, the ancient Greek OT (the Septuagint) says “This is what the man says to those who trust in God: ‘I am ceasing’” Since the Septuagint is based on an older version of the Hebrew Bible, “I am weary” is likely the correct reading. ‌ I am too stupid = Heb. baar - senseless, foolish, implying arrogance or stubbornness. This claim is unusual for Proverbs as the author usually begin with a claim of wisdom, not ignorance. Usually the author claims the reader should listen because he has wisdom to share. This Proverb begins with the author’s claim to a lack of knowledge. However, this should understood as humility because the Proverb goes on to give wise advice. ‌ Nor have I knowledge of the Holy One = This man understands that his knowledge of God and His way are extremely limited. We’re told in Isaiah 55:8–9 “8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” The phrase “the Holy One” may refer to the Messiah, meaning this man is struggling to understand who the Messiah will be and when He will arrive. ‌ Proverbs 30:4 4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know! Note: This section is very similar to Job 38 where God asked Job “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” and “Who determined its measurements—surely you know!” By the way, the book of Job is actually a kind of parable about the Messiah. ‌ Who has ascended to heaven and come down? = The only people who ever ascended to heaven were Enoch (Gen. 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), but they did not come back down. Has anyone ascended and descended? Jesus answers this question in John 3:13 “No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” ‌ Who has established the ends of the earth? = This question is very similar to what God asked Job in Job 38:5. Similar rhetorical questions also appear in Isa. 40:12, a passage which is quoted in the New Testament in regards to John the Baptist preparing the way for the Messiah (Matt. 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23). ‌ What is his son’s name? = This man assumes that God has a Son, but does not know the name. Keep in mind that Proverbs was written centuries before Jesus was born. It seems that people already knew that God had a Son who would come as the Messiah. ‌ Proverbs 30:5–6 5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Every word of God proves true = The Hebrew word for “proves true” is serupah, which means “completely refined, flawless.” The Septuagint reads, “all the words of God are tried by fire.” Therefore, every word of God is tried and true. In regards to prayer, this is why our prayers need to be guided by Scripture. Praying God’s Word is a tried and true practice that will never mislead us. ‌ He is a shield = A shield is a vital part of a soldier’s armor because it provides protection against attack. The phrase “those who take refuge in him” can also mean “those who put their trust in him” or “those who are faithful to him.” ‌ Do not add to his words = Since “every word of God proves true” there is no need to add to his words. In fact, adding to God’s Word is to act as if it is incomplete or incorrect. This command is also found in Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Rev. 22:18. In modern Christianity, we may not try to literally add or subtract words from the text of the Bible, but many often attempt to reinterpret the Bible to fit our culture or to be less offensive to our culture. New interpretations of the Bible are essentially adding or taking away from God’s original intent. The result is God rebuking us as liars. ‌ Proverbs 30:7–9 7 Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: 8 Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9 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. Remove falsehood and lying = Since the previous verse states that adding to God’s Word is equal to lying, this man prays that falsehood and lying would be removed far from him. Many modern people fail to realize or admit that “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick” (Jer. 17:9). This means that our minds are full of falsehood and we are constantly lying to ourselves. ‌ Give me neither poverty nor riches = This may be the most unAmerican prayer in the Bible. In our culture, we all want riches and luxury. Some “Christian” groups even teach that God wants His people to be rich—the prosperity gospel. This is wildly unbiblical. The Bible consistently teaches us to pray and trust God for our daily needs. The Bible repeatedly warns us about the dangers of riches. Jesus did not teach us to pray “Give us today riches and luxury” but “Give us today our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). This is a prayer of contentment and trust. It is a prayer for enough, not excess. ‌ Lest I be full and deny you = The Bible consistently teaches that riches are more likely to draw us away from God. The wealthy struggle to see their need for God because they have more than they need. The wealthy also are at risk of arrogance—thinking that their wealth comes from themselves. ‌ Lest I be poor and steal = When a person is poor and hungry, at some point they may need to steal what they need to survive. This man is afraid of this because stealing would “profane the name of my God.” Notice the connection between sin and God’s reputation. When believers sin, it not only effects our reputation but also ruins our Christian testimony. ‌ Proverbs 13:25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want [wants more]. ‌ Proverbs 23:4 NASB Do not weary yourself to gain wealth; Stop dwelling on it. Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV He who loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. ‌ Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ‌ How Prov. 30 Guides Prayer: Proverbs 30 teaches us to trust in God’s Word, to stop chasing the world, and to be content with what God has given us. How to Respond ‌Prayer: Ask God to reveal what needs to change. ‌Repentance: Agree with God and repent of sin. ‌Worship: Thank God for what He is doing in you. ‌Communion: Take Christ in and renew faithfulness.