Before I die

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Scripture: Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV)

“Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Devotion:

Proverbs 30:7-9 offers a rare glimpse into the heart of someone earnestly seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. The writer, Agur, brings a humble request before the Lord—one that reveals both self-awareness and spiritual maturity. Rather than asking for wealth, power, or comfort, Agur seeks honesty and sufficiency: “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches but give me only my daily bread.” This prayer stands in contrast to the desires we often find ourselves chasing in our modern world. Agur recognizes that the extremes of life—having too much or too little—can easily lead us away from God. Abundance may breed pride and forgetfulness of our dependence on God, while poverty may tempt us into dishonorable actions that betray our faith.

There’s wisdom in Agur’s request for “daily bread.” He echoes the heart of Jesus’ teaching in the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Both prayers remind us to trust God for our needs, day by day, and to resist the anxiety that comes from worrying about tomorrow. When we ask God for just enough, we acknowledge His provision and our dependence on Him. It is an invitation to live simply, truthfully, and gratefully, knowing that God’s faithfulness is renewed each morning.

Agur’s devotion also warns against the dangers of dishonesty. “Keep falsehood and lies far from me” is a plea for integrity—a desire to live authentically before God and others. In a world where deception often seems to pay off, it takes courage to choose the truth. This kind of honesty shapes our character and builds trust, allowing us to honor God’s name in everything we do.

As we reflect on Proverbs 30:7-9, let’s consider what we truly need and how we can pursue a life of honesty and contentment. May we ask God for integrity and daily provision, trusting Him to give us what is best. Let’s remember that true wealth is found not in what we possess, but in our relationship with God and our commitment to live for His glory.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for these words of wisdom. May we always strive to live by them. In our culture, there is a strong incentive to set aside the wisdom of this scripture and follow our own path. May we bring glory to your name and honor because we are honest and content in a world that is restless and untruthful. Amen.

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