We know nothing about Agur except what is recorded in this prayer, where he asked for deliverance from economic extremes, Proverbs 30:1 / Proverbs 30:8-9.
Agur is presumed to be a wise man of some reputation but of unknown date. We know that whatever he was going through, he was struggling but his trust was in God to help him prevail.
God and His ways are always a mystery to men. Agur shows his wisdom by confessing his ignorance. He appears to use sarcasm here because he knows that no one knows the answers to these questions except God Himself.
Once again, we’re reminded that God’s word doesn’t need adjusting, it doesn’t need words taken from it or added to, Deuteronomy 4:2 / Revelation 22:18-19 / 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Truthfulness should always come out of our lips. Too much money can be as dangerous as having not enough. Too much money may lead to us disowning God and self-reliance, 1 Chronicles 4:10 and not enough money may lead to us stealing to survive and dishonouring God.
We need to trust God on a daily basis to take care of our daily needs, Lamentations 3:22-23 / Matthew 6:11 / Matthew 6:25-34.
These are people with no respect for anyone. The blood-sucking horse-leech was common in Palestine and the people described here were just like them. However, this also reveals a common human problem, which is greed.
These are people who are never satisfied with anything they have. Those who say, ‘give, give’ are those who are always asking for favours. The eye that mocks, scorns, this is a sneering, scornful, defiant look of rebellion. Such a person will be denied a burial and their body left for the vultures birds to eat.
The eagle is a reference to its graceful flight. The serpent is without legs, yet it still moves. The way of a ship means to stay afloat. The way of a man in the process of courtship. Each reaches its objectives in wonderful and sometimes mysterious ways. Each one has to navigate difficult situations including the presence of a young girl.
This is a description of the person who acts like an adulterous woman. They are unconcerned and claim innocence, she regards sexual intercourse as casually as eating a meal; she is totally unconcerned about her conduct.
This is dealing with the imbalances which occur in society with intolerable consequences. Some believe these are sarcastic and not to be taken seriously. The reference to the unloved woman possibly refers to her as unloved because she was unattractive and unpopular. When she gets a husband, she appears to become arrogant.
The focus in these verses isn’t for scientific purposes, but to observe the lessons relevant to human life. Each is small but yet great, these tiny creatures demonstrate great wisdom! Notice each line begins with a limitation which each, in turn, overcomes.
The ants are used in reference to preparation. The hyraxes are used in reference to building. The locusts are used in reference to co-operation and order. The lizards are used in reference to fearlessness. These creatures are skilful and resourceful to gain security. They are organised and disciplined, not dependent on external forces to make them work.
Each of these, in its own way, set forth a positive example of leadership. In other words, the lesson here is that foresight and planning are needed to meet our future needs.
This chapter closes with another warning to the person who has allowed themselves or will soon allow themselves, to become proud and over-confident.
Agur is simply saying, we need to shut up or someone will give you a bloody nose. The point is simply this, do not provoke others because it will result in serious trouble and conflict.
"That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."