Agur the Philosopher
Proverbs 30:1-9
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spoke to Ithiel, even to Ithiel and Ucal,…


Who Agur was is not known.

I. A DEVOUT PHILOSOPHER.

1. He was conscious of his ignorance. The first lesson for every man who would get knowledge to learn is that he knows nothing.

2. He was conscious of universal mystery. Compare Job 7:9, 12. He must be God Himself who could wholly comprehend the works of God.

II. AN INTELLIGENT BIBLEIST. He was more than a naturalist; he was a Bibleist.

1. He regarded the Word of God as pure. Pure in its essence and in its influence. It commends itself to universal conscience.

2. He regarded it as trustworthy. God's Word is Himself — Himself revealed; he who trusts it is in safe keeping.

3. He regarded it as sufficient. It is like a vital germ — you can neither attempt to add anything to it nor take anything from it without injuring it.

III. AN ENLIGHTENED SUPPLICANT. He asks —

1. Deliverance from moral evil.

2. A moderate amount of worldly goods. The man was fully alive to the power of circumstances upon character, and devoutly desired that his external circumstances should be such as to conduce to spiritual excellence.

(D. Thomas, D.D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,

WEB: The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle: the man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:




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