In essence, this verse encourages daily reliance on God, avoidance of dishonesty, and gratitude for enough provision to remain both humble and faithful.
Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion. (v.8) This phrase comes from the wisdom of Agur, a figure mentioned within Proverbs who likely wrote or compiled his teachings sometime around the eighth or ninth century BC. Although very little is known about Agur’s precise identity, he is traditionally understood to be one of the wise voices God used to communicate truth and instruction to His people. In this verse, Agur prays for protection from dishonesty, expressing a desire to live a life defined by truth rather than falsehood. By asking that deception be kept away, he embraces moral integrity as foundational for spiritual and ethical living.
Agur continues his plea by requesting, Give me neither poverty nor riches, (v.8). This desire acknowledges his recognition that either extreme has the potential to draw him away from God. Insufficient means might cause him to doubt God’s provision, while an abundance of wealth might tempt him toward self-reliance and pride (Proverbs 30:9). In this way, the speaker shows a reverent approach to material blessings: he wants just enough so that he can remain dependent on the Lord. This resonates with the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament, who instructs believers to pray for daily needs (“Give us this day our daily bread”Matthew 6:11), emphasizing continual trust in God rather than in possessions.
Finally, the petition Feed me with the food that is my portion (v.8) reveals a desire for contentment in God’s wise provision. Agur is not seeking lavish wealth or conspicuous affluence but rather sufficiency that keeps him humbly reliant on the Lord’s care. This balanced approach to life highlights the freedom in trusting God’s goodness, acknowledging our dependence on Him for both physical and spiritual nourishment.
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Proverbs 30:8 meaning
Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion. (v.8) This phrase comes from the wisdom of Agur, a figure mentioned within Proverbs who likely wrote or compiled his teachings sometime around the eighth or ninth century BC. Although very little is known about Agur’s precise identity, he is traditionally understood to be one of the wise voices God used to communicate truth and instruction to His people. In this verse, Agur prays for protection from dishonesty, expressing a desire to live a life defined by truth rather than falsehood. By asking that deception be kept away, he embraces moral integrity as foundational for spiritual and ethical living.
Agur continues his plea by requesting, Give me neither poverty nor riches, (v.8). This desire acknowledges his recognition that either extreme has the potential to draw him away from God. Insufficient means might cause him to doubt God’s provision, while an abundance of wealth might tempt him toward self-reliance and pride (Proverbs 30:9). In this way, the speaker shows a reverent approach to material blessings: he wants just enough so that he can remain dependent on the Lord. This resonates with the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament, who instructs believers to pray for daily needs (“Give us this day our daily bread” Matthew 6:11), emphasizing continual trust in God rather than in possessions.
Finally, the petition Feed me with the food that is my portion (v.8) reveals a desire for contentment in God’s wise provision. Agur is not seeking lavish wealth or conspicuous affluence but rather sufficiency that keeps him humbly reliant on the Lord’s care. This balanced approach to life highlights the freedom in trusting God’s goodness, acknowledging our dependence on Him for both physical and spiritual nourishment.