A Wise Prayer (Proverbs 30:1-33) INTEGRITY

Published on Jun 22, 2025

“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
Proverbs 30:7-9

Agur earnestly asked God for two things, on this side of eternity. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Proverbs 30 is a collection of wisdom from Agur son of Jaekh, a man known only in this chapter of the Bible. The author recognizes his tendency to forget God when life is too easy and to turn in desperation away from God when life is hard. 

Agur has two requests. The first is for personal integrity. He wanted to be a man known by truth, not lies. He didn’t want the deceptiveness of wealth and poverty anywhere near him. While riches give the impression, we don’t need God, poverty makes us feel that God is of no help or that His laws are impossible to keep. 

Agur’s second request was, give me neither poverty nor riches. He wanted to be satisfied with God’s provision in his life. Agur’s concern was that either extreme might lead him to profane the name of God. He didn’t want to arrogantly deny God because he felt he was so rich he didn’t need God. Nor did he want to be so poor that he would use poverty as an excuse to sin. 

Agur was a wise man and yet if he felt tempted to allow riches to profane the name of God, how much more each of us. 

God’s glory motivated Agur’s prayer. What motivates yours?

Lord, that my prayers would be motivated by your glory, I pray.

Extended Reading — Proverbs 30-31


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THE POTTERS WHEEL – In a world filled with noise and distractions, “At the Potter’s Wheel” is a companion to the Bible that beckons readers to a place of stillness and connection, encouraging introspection and guiding readers toward a deeper relationship with God.
Author

Preethi Alice Jacob

Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.

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