What is the meaning of Proverbs 30:1? These are the words of Agur son of Jakeh • Scripture introduces a new human author, Agur, reminding us that God used many voices while preserving one unified, Spirit-breathed message (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). • “Words” signals that what follows is intentional teaching, like the collected sayings of Solomon earlier in Proverbs (Proverbs 1:1–2). • Agur’s name appears nowhere else in Scripture. His obscurity underscores that wisdom is not limited to famous figures; God delights to raise up unexpected servants (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). • “Son of Jakeh” anchors him in real history. By placing wisdom in a concrete family line, the text rejects the idea that biblical counsel is merely mythical or abstract (compare Luke 3:23-38 for similar historical rooting). • Taken literally, this opening phrase invites us to receive Agur’s teaching with the same seriousness we grant to the better-known proverbs of Solomon, because the ultimate Author is the same (Psalm 12:6). The burden that this man declared to Ithiel • The Berean Standard Bible renders the Hebrew word as “oracle,” but the older English “burden” captures the weight of the message (see Isaiah 13:1; Nahum 1:1, where prophetic oracles are likewise called burdens). • Calling his words a burden suggests three things: – He has felt the message’s gravity in his own soul before sharing it (Jeremiah 20:9). – The content may confront complacency, pressing listeners toward humility and dependence on the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-7). – Delivering God’s truth is both privilege and responsibility; teachers will give account for every word (James 3:1). • Agur directs the oracle “to Ithiel”—and, in the full text, “to Ithiel and Ucal.” These individuals, likely students or companions, represent every reader who longs for wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-5). • Personal address hints at discipleship: truth is best conveyed in relationship, older to younger, friend to friend (2 Timothy 2:2). Just as Ithiel needed Agur’s burden, we need seasoned believers who speak God’s Word into our lives (Hebrews 10:24-25). I am weary, O God, and worn out • Many manuscripts read, “I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out,” conveying Agur’s exhaustion. Other ancient traditions translate, “to Ithiel and to Ucal,” but the footnotes the alternate reading, preserving both ideas. • Either way, Agur begins with humility, confessing limitation before imparting wisdom (Proverbs 30:2-3). His fatigue reminds us that even godly people reach the end of their own resources (Psalm 73:26). • Honest admission of weakness is the doorway to true understanding; “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34). • This weariness mirrors the psalmists’ cries (Psalm 6:6; Psalm 69:3) and foreshadows Jesus’ invitation, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened” (Matthew 11:28). • When Agur turns his tiredness toward God rather than away from Him, he models faith. Our limits are not liabilities in God’s economy; they are opportunities to lean on His limitless wisdom (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Isaiah 40:28-31). summary Proverbs 30:1 introduces Agur as a trustworthy, Spirit-inspired voice. His “words” carry divine authority, his “burden” underscores the seriousness of the message, and his confession of weariness highlights the humble posture required to receive true wisdom. By tethering deep truth to real people, real relationships, and real human frailty, the verse invites every modern Ithiel to listen, learn, and rely wholly on the Lord who gives wisdom generously to those who ask. |
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