Agur’s Burden

Who was Agur? The Bible simply tells us he was called “the oracle.” The Hebrew words suggest that he had a burden with a message that grew out of his experience. He recognized his weaknesses, declaring that he was more “stupid” than any other person, realizing how little he understood.

When he thought about God, he realized that his life experiences could not compare. No one could rival His wisdom or knowledge. God is the creator, sovereign over all the earth.

Agur asked his readers a simple question: “What is His name or His Son’s name? Surely you know” (v. 4). He invited his readers to think through this process along  with him and to recognize the obvious conclusions. No one can fully grasp who God is just by observing creation (as noted earlier in that verse).

Agur knew, “every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him” (v. 5). He also recognized how easily we can interject our own interpretations and reject what we don’t understand. So Agur warned us not to add to God’s words (v. 6). He understood the principle, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).

Stay humble before God. Remember, you owe everything to Him. Trust Him. As you humble yourself before Him and study His Word, He promises to give you His wisdom and understanding.