Agur’s Burden

Who was Agur? We don’t know his background or accomplishments. We simply know he was called the “oracle.” The Hebrew word suggests that he had a burden.

What was that burden? His message grew out of his experience and how much he recognized his weaknesses. He declared that he was more “stupid” than any other person…how little he really understood!

When he thought about God, he realized that his life experiences could not compare. No one had God’s wisdom or knowledge, and no person could rival His perspective. He was the Creator, sovereign over all the earth.

Agur then 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. (His reference to “His son” seems to be a foreshadowing of Jesus, the Son of God.)

His own perspective might have been flawed, but Agur knew that “every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him” (v. 5). He also recognized how easily we can be tempted to add our own interpretations and reject whatever we don’t understand. So Agur warned, “Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar” (v. 6). He understood this foundational principle: “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).

In your life, remember to stay humble before God. You owe everything to Him. Trust in God and His Word. As you humble yourself before Him, He promises to give you His wisdom and understanding.