This verse teaches that genuine wisdom is rooted in heartfelt petitions to God, seeking only the essentials that sustain a righteous life.
Agur, the son of Jakeh, composed these words as part of his collection of wise sayings, believed to date sometime around the reign of King Hezekiah in Judah, approximately in the late 8th century BC. “Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die;” (v.7) expresses a deeply personal prayer. Rather than encountering a complicated list of requests, this verse shows the simplicity with which Agur approaches God, desiring practical help for his spiritual life. He begins by stressing that what he is asking for is vital for his existence and well-being, implying an urgent desire to align his life with righteousness.
By invoking “Two things I asked of You” (v.7), Agur sets the stage for a sincere dialogue with the Lord. His direct address points to the trust he places in God to fulfill genuine needs. In the broader context of Proverbs 30, Agur’s humility is evident as he acknowledges his own limitations and seeks only what is necessary, reminiscent of Jesus’ teaching in the New Testament to pray for daily provisions (Matthew 6:11). Agur’s posture of humility conveys that wisdom often begins by recognizing our fundamental dependence on God, much like the childlike faith commended by Christ.
The phrase “Do not refuse me before I die” (v.7) underscores the urgency and the brevity of life. Agur’s earnestness reflects a desire to be molded and guided before his time on earth ends. There is no direct mention of a specific location in this verse, but the historical context of these writer-scribes suggests a time when Israel and Judah had established monarchies, and wisdom literature was being meticulously preserved. This simple but powerful prayer invites readers to reflect on what truly matters in their own lives and to focus on those things that have eternal significance.
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Proverbs 30:7 meaning
Agur, the son of Jakeh, composed these words as part of his collection of wise sayings, believed to date sometime around the reign of King Hezekiah in Judah, approximately in the late 8th century BC. “Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die;” (v.7) expresses a deeply personal prayer. Rather than encountering a complicated list of requests, this verse shows the simplicity with which Agur approaches God, desiring practical help for his spiritual life. He begins by stressing that what he is asking for is vital for his existence and well-being, implying an urgent desire to align his life with righteousness.
By invoking “Two things I asked of You” (v.7), Agur sets the stage for a sincere dialogue with the Lord. His direct address points to the trust he places in God to fulfill genuine needs. In the broader context of Proverbs 30, Agur’s humility is evident as he acknowledges his own limitations and seeks only what is necessary, reminiscent of Jesus’ teaching in the New Testament to pray for daily provisions (Matthew 6:11). Agur’s posture of humility conveys that wisdom often begins by recognizing our fundamental dependence on God, much like the childlike faith commended by Christ.
The phrase “Do not refuse me before I die” (v.7) underscores the urgency and the brevity of life. Agur’s earnestness reflects a desire to be molded and guided before his time on earth ends. There is no direct mention of a specific location in this verse, but the historical context of these writer-scribes suggests a time when Israel and Judah had established monarchies, and wisdom literature was being meticulously preserved. This simple but powerful prayer invites readers to reflect on what truly matters in their own lives and to focus on those things that have eternal significance.