RIGHTEOUSNESS & CONTENTMENT

“And then he prayed,
"God, I'm asking for
two things before I die;
don't refuse me.”
Proverbs 30:7
The Message Bible

Although the authorship of Proverbs is usually attributed to Solomon, chapter thirty is written by a person named Agur. Not much is known about Agur, only that he is the son of Jakeh. Even though much is not known about him, this wise sage offers two petitions which are quite thought provoking. The two requests are not because he is on his death bed, but he desires this favor upon his life until the time comes for his death.
The first request, in general, is that he might be delivered from sin. In particular, he requests that God will deliver him from deception, lies and falsehood. He did not want to have empty thoughts, words or actions. He requests that he be delivered from all sorts of sinful acts. The request resembles the petition in Matthew 6:13 that says, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” How many people make excuses for deception or ‘little white lies.’ Oh, that we would be delivered from falsehood, flattery, unprofitable thoughts and worthless words! Matthew 12:36 says “And I tell you that on the Judgment Day people will be responsible for every careless thing they have said.” Agur asks for purity of heart and mind.
The second petition is just as profound as the first. Agur asks that he not be given poverty so that he won’t have to steal and bring shame on the name of the Lord. Proverbs 10:15 says, “but the need of the poor is what destroys them.” But, he also goes on to request that he NOT be given riches! Agur says riches may cause him to trust in his wealth and see his fortune as a refuge instead of God. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Matthew 6:22 says, the deceitfulness of riches choke out the word and cause the hearer to be unfruitful. Agur wants only what is ‘convenient’ or his ‘prescribed portion’.
We can learn from this insightful petition to desire righteousness and contentment. Agur was aware of his sinfulness and did not deny it. He was also aware of going to extremes, so he requested balance. As believers, we don’t make allowances and excuses for sin, but rather repent and desire cleansing of the flesh and spirit so that we can perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. I Timothy 6:6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” Desire righteousness and just enough satisfy your needs.