Explain This

​Meditation
Proverbs 30:2-3--I am more stupid than any other man, and I lack man’s ability to understand. I have not gained wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One.

When I read Agur, son of Jakeh’s words in the book of Proverbs, my first thought was: If he is immensely stupid, why is his writing part of wisdom literature? How does a man with zero knowledge of God have his musings included with Solomon? Explain this.  Also, verse three stands in stark contrast to Pro. 9:10.
            
So, I knew I had to keep reading.  And therein lies the lesson of context. If all Agur had to write were those two verses, they would not be part of our Bible. What makes them valuable is the summation of his collected thoughts.
            
In verses 4-6, Agur establishes the inconceivable greatness of God. He cannot expound on what he has not experienced and cannot understand. His prelude is making more sense.
In verses 7-9, the man from Massa asks two things of his readers which convey a plea for balance in his life and which reveals his ability to learn.
Verse 10 is a warning not to slander a servant.
In verses 11-14, Agur addresses problems with a generation. Sound familiar today?
In verses 15-17, a numeric device amplifies what cannot be satisfied.
Verses 18-19 reveal a thoughtful man filled with wonderment.
Verse 20 shares an observation about the adulteress and an unrepentant heart.
Verses 21-31 employs more numerical devices—a collection of astute observations about creatures.         
Verse 32-33 ends the proverb with advice regarding self-exaltation and scheming.
In summary, Agur reveals wisdom that comes from humility. His early abasement may be hyperbole, written to arouse our curiosity.
            
In a world framed by sound bites, Agur would be ruined by those who quoted only verses 2 and 3. Context is not just important; it is the key to wisdom and drawing accurate conclusions. Context requires examination, reflection, patience, and thoughtfulness.  Perhaps only verses 1-9 are Agur’s words—Bible scholars are unsure.[1] Regardless, if Solomon compiled the wisdom sayings we find in Proverbs, he approved of Agur’s insights, and so did God. 
            
Inspiration
Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise.  Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it.  There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.—Charles H. Spurgeon
 
©2022 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the "Click here to receive weekly devotionals" box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)
 


[1] Zondervan Bible Commentary. (2008). Zondervan Academic.