Give Me Neither Poverty Nor Riches

 

 

The words of Agur son of Jakeh. An oracle.

 

Thus says the man: I am weary, O God, I am weary, O God. How can I prevail? Surely I am too stupid to be human; I do not have human understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the holy ones. Who as ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in the hollow of the hand? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is the person’s name? And what is the name of the person’s child? Surely you know!

 

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or else he will rebuke you, and you will be found a liar.

 

Two things I ask of you; do not deny them to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that I need, or I shall be full, and deny you, and say, “Who is the LORD?” or I shall be poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God.

 

Proverbs 30:1-9

 

Prosperity and adversity are equal opportunity destroyers. The extremes of life can be hazardous because a person with too much may encounter as much difficulty as one with too little.

 

Proverbs 30 focuses on circumstances, while the song centers on the state of our heart. We should pray that God guard us from both extremes. When we invite the Lord to place His mark of ownership on our lives, we acknowledge His wise and loving provision for all our needs.

 

Contentment is realizing that God

 has already given me all I need.

 

Our Daily BreadJuly 26, 2006