Chapter 30
Verses 1–6
Agur speaks of himself as wanting a righteousness, and having done very foolishly. And it
becomes us all to have low thoughts of ourselves. He speaks of himself as wanting revelation to
guide him in the ways of truth and wisdom. The more enlightened people are, the more they lament
their ignorance; the more they pray for clearer, still clearer discoveries of God, and his rich grace
in Christ Jesus. In ver.#(4), there is a prophetic notice of Him who came down from heaven to be
our Instructor and Saviour, and then ascended into heaven to be our Advocate. The Messiah is here
spoken of as a Person distinct from the Father, but his name as yet secret. The great Redeemer, in
the glories of his providence and grace, cannot be found out to perfection. Had it not been for Christ,
the foundations of the earth had sunk under the load of the curse upon the ground, for man's sin.
Who, and what is the mighty One that doeth all this? There is not the least ground to suspect anything
wanting in the word of God; adding to his words opens the way to errors and corruptions.
Verses 7–9
Agur wisely prayed for a middle state, that he might be kept at a distance from temptations; he
asked daily bread suited to his station, his family, and his real good. There is a remarkable similarity
between this prayer and several clauses of the Lord's prayer. If we are removed from vanity and
lies; if we are interested in the pardoning love of Christ, and have him for our portion; if we walk
with God, then we shall have all we can ask or think, as to spiritual things. When we consider how
those who have abundance are prone to abuse the gift, and what it is to suffer want, Agur's prayer
will ever be found a wise one, though seldom offered. Food convenient; what is so for one, may
not be so for another; but we may be sure that our heavenly Father will supply all our need, and
not suffer us to want anything good for us; and why should we wish for more?
Verse 10
Slander not a servant to his master, accuse him not in small matters, to make mischief.Verses 11–14
In every age there are monsters of ingratitude who ill-treat their parents. Many persuade
themselves they are holy persons, whose hearts are full of sin, and who practise secret wickedness.
There are others whose lofty pride is manifest. There have also been cruel monsters in every age.
Verses 15–17
Cruelty and covetousness are two daughters of the horseleech, that still cry, “Give, give,” and
they are continually uneasy to themselves. Four things never are satisfied, to which these devourers