Proverbs Study – Lesson 46 (Proverbs chapter 30:1-5)
Young's Literal Translation
30:1 Words of a Gatherer, son of an obedient one, the declaration, an affirmation of the man: -- I have wearied myself for God, I have wearied myself for God, and am consumed.
30:1 Words of a Gatherer, son of an obedient one, the declaration, an affirmation of the man: -- I have wearied myself for God, I have wearied myself for God, and am consumed.
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V. 1-5 We come to an interesting part of the book of Proverbs, nearing the end of this book. Not only does it have a somewhat different personality or flavor here in the last two chapters, but there is some differing opinions as to who the author here in chapter 30 is. Most of the book of Proverbs to this point speaks with a confidence stating the confidence and surety that one may have in applying these principals and eventually getting or obtaining the implied benefit for doing so. However, even thought the precepts and principles are still stated with confidence and assurance here in chapter 30, man’s ability to apply these principles comes into question. It is obvious that the author, Agur spoken of here, is a learned and respected man to say the least. We can be sure of that because of what is said in this chapter and its inclusion in such a prominent text. But, because of the opening statements of this chapter there is differing opinions as to who this person Agur is.
Different commentators deduce differing conclusions using various logical approaches to reach their conviction. Some come to the conclusion that it is some unknown person as far as the historical record is concerned being prominent at the period having a reputation of spiritual wisdom. Others believe this to be Solomon being found here with more of a descriptive name of him, Agur meaning gather, instead of the use of his proper name. A similar example is found in Ecclesiastes 1:1 where he is called preacher. Others still believe that it possibly refers to someone during the time of Hezekiah who helped gather and compile the ancient proverbs.
However, whatever conviction one might hold as to who this person is one would have to admit that this chapter opens with some interesting descriptive words about the author. The tone of the description of himself one would have to admit is certainly different than the confident spirit expressed in the preceding chapters of this book. In saying this it is good to make the point here that even though it may appear to be out of character for the author being a learned man to make such statements about himself, especially if considering this person to be even Solomon, that it may not be out of character at all and is an aspect that we must consider when approaching and applying the complete body and practical application of this book. In other words, it may not be as important as to who this is as much as what is said and how they expressed their heart here. In getting or really understanding the practical benefit of the words in this book what is said here makes perfect sense and may be, or is, a perfect destination if these Proverbs have really found a place in our heart. As we will see others in the Bible record have ended up here and as we will see it in actuality is not a bad place to end after studying this book.
First, it may provide helpful information to give a brief definition of the names listed here:
Agur means gatherer…could mean gather of wise sayings or proverbs. For this reason some believe that this name is a reference to Solomon.
Jakeh means pious, blameless or obey..obedient. For this reason some make this out to be David.
Ithiel means God in me in the Hebrew and Ucal means I am strong, power, prevalence. Some have said that because of the meanings of these names that they may make reference to Christ.
The purpose of this class is not to spark a debate and another opinion as to who these people named here are. But, the jewel of this passage may well be the spirit shown here of the one who understands the real purpose of the Proverbs. It is interesting when we take a look at the book of Proverbs as a whole that it begins with the same spirit that it is ending with, that is with a ‘humble’ position before an Almighty God. Prov. 1:7 admonishes us to approach God and the truth that He has for us with the right spirit saying that ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’. It makes the point that when all else is said and done it is our reverent humble position before Him that allows wisdom to take hold in our life.
Some in our world want just the product, caring nothing for the Creator or Inventor of the benefit or product that they seek. ‘Just give it to me…I will apply it so that I may get the benefit’ is their attitude. Many non believers come to the Proverbs in this way and do receive great benefits. But, in the principles and practical application of these wise sayings there is more. In understanding and seeing the wisdom behind them one who really begins to understand that there is Someone behind all of this and when we begin to see this One we will begin also to see our inadequacies and come to the same conclusion as Agur did that we really don’t have much to offer him. We are more on the receiving end…a humble place to be.
Some make the point that this could not refer to Solomon because he would never refer to himself as unlearned or lacking in wisdom. The person here in v. 2 of chapter 30 actually refers to himself as being stupid, even feeling less knowledgeable than even other men. Ever been there? This is a common perception and response for one caught in the Presence of God. Knowledge by itself tends to exalt or puff up. But, understanding tends to bring us low realizing our dependence upon God.
The Apostle Paul came to this point in the 7th chapter of Romans where he said in v. 24 ‘Oh, wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?’ And, then states the Answer to this dilemma in v. 25. Paul also makes the statement in the beginning of chapter 3 of Romans that we all truly find ourselves in this place if we understand the position of man in relation to God. Even righteous Job when he found himself in the Presence of God really had nothing to say in response to the Almighty’s questioning of him. Job 38, 39 and 40:1-5. And, Solomon himself when he had tried life on his own, applying his own version of wisdom came to the end that life on our own is vanity and giving us his conclusion in Ecc. 12:13-4 telling us that in the end it is our reverence for God and not our self confidence that matters.
So, as Proverbs begins in humility, Prov. 1:7, it also ends with a humble reminder. As we take a look at the last two chapters of this book, if we have really begun to understand the wisdom and true content of this book it will like Job prompt us to have the right attitude toward God and the wisdom He has shared with us bringing us to the place that we find Agur here in chapter 30. It is true that the ‘Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’. It is important that in applying this wisdom that we get it ‘right’ representing God’s version and intent and not our own making it work for our benefit alone. A true knowledge and application of Proverbs should prompt us to worship and reverence walking confidently in His precepts and principle, but also walking humbly.
In the end, could this Agur have been Solomon referring to him as the collector of sayings? Possibly? Even though he spoke of himself in an uncommon and seemingly inappropriately way, it would not be inconsistent to find even a truly wise man to be saying such things. As a matter of fact it is very possible that a truly wise person would be faced with such an encounter. That being said we really do not know who this Agur was, but that is really not the important point of these passages. What is important is the spirit and position that Agur found himself before God prompting his reverence and devotion to God and the wisdom found here.
An article that I found interesting that may go along with today’s study containing thoughts about these passages and those named here in these passages can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
Posted by Mart De HaanJune 1st, 2008
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