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Proverbs 30:2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, And do not have the understanding of a man. (NKJV)
There are times when I feel like having that verse tattooed across my forehead backwards, so I can read it in the mirror every morning!
Remember the line in the movie “Forrest Gump”: “Mama says stupid is as stupid does”. Well Forrest’s mama didn’t make that up. Ol’ Agur did a few thousand years ago. Mrs. Gump just put her own little twist on it.
Agur is the writer of Proverbs 30. Who is he? I have no clue. He was probably a student of King Solomon’s. His name means “gatherer” or “collector” and nothing further about him is known other than his words in Proverbs.
Proverbs 30 is a great chapter, one of my favorites. The first six verses convey a deep understanding of man compared to God. It sets mankind in proper perspective when comparing ourselves to the Creator of the Universe.
Proverbs 30:2-6
- 2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, And do not have the understanding of a man.
One sure sign of a man who is NOT very wise, is the to hear him pronounce how wise he is. As a person learns more and more about true wisdom, God’s wisdom, they understand just how stupid they really are compared to God.
A true computer expert is the first to admit how little they actually know compared to ALL there is know about computers. A good doctor will be the first to say he can’t possibly know everything about medicine. A good Bible teacher is quick to admit how little they actually know compared to all of Scripture.
The truly wise and knowledgeable are generally very humble about it because they realize the limitations of man’s ability to know ALL about anything.
So Agur is beginning his discourse by stating that compared to God, he is stupid. Exactly the correct starting point for anyone who genuinely wishes to be wise. - 3 I neither learned wisdom, Nor have knowledge of the Holy One.
The writer acknowledges that wisdom is only found in God. Despite his human attempts at gaining knowledge, it is all “stupidity” without God. - (answers mine) 4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? (Not me!) Who has gathered the wind in His fists? (Not me!) Who has bound the waters in a garment? (Not me!) Who has established all the ends of the earth? (Not me!) What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, If you know?
Agur echoes the sentiments of Job, Solomon, Isaiah and Paul by asking questions that cannot be answered without God revealing Himself to us. We can observe the results of WHO is doing these things (blowing wind, water boundaries, etc.), but we can never know Who is the cause unless Who reveals the answer.
What is His name? I AM. Who is His Son? The Lamb of God. - 5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
After admitting his stupidity (compared to God), and recognizing the true source of wisdom (God and His Son), Agur now proclaims the certainty and sufficiency of true wisdom.
The Bible is the only book in the world that can get away with using all-inclusive words (every, all, none, never, etc.). Why? Because God is the only one who can back up such words. He knows everything, sees everything and commands everything. So He can accurately make all-inclusive statements.
EVERY word of God is pure. Each word can be trusted. God is the protector of those who put their trust into His pure words. - 6 Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
We are stupid compared to God. God is the source of all true wisdom. Every word from God is pure. We are not to add to, correct, revise or give alternate explanations for God’s word. Every person who attempts to correct God, or tell Him that He left something out, will ultimately be found a liar.
Do you want to be a wise person? Recognize your own utter stupidity without God. Turn to Him as your true source of knowledge. Only then will true wisdom be found.
Holy One, help us to know the depths of our stupidity compared to Your knowledge. You are the only source of true wisdom. Every word from You is pure and true. Help us to trust in You only. In Jesus Name, amen.
Contemplation: Where do you seek wisdom, if you seek it at all? Books? Preachers? Trends? Fads? Psychology? Self-help? Which of those groups or people have ascended to heaven, grasped the wind in their fist, bound the waters in their clothes, or set the limits of the ends of the earth?
Application: God is the only source of true wisdom. All other books, commentaries, seminars, teachers or churches are only as wise as the degree in which they proclaim exactly what God says.
James 1:22 – But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (NKJV)
- What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?
- What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?
- What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?
(seriesid:22)