Wisdom
by Liz Griffin
Agur makes an amazingly humble statement in Proverbs, Chapter 30. He says, ‘I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man’s understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One’. But I am quite impressed at his valuable insight and wisdom about life.
He asks questions about the creation of the world which cause us to consider the infinite power and sovereignty of God. Like the questions of God in Job 38–39, these questions point to things that only God can do. He then encourages us by saying, ‘Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him’. And then he gives us wise advice, ‘Do not add to his words’.
In the world we live in today this advice is so relevant. We need to pray that God will protect us from all deception. As Christians we need to cling to the eternal truths of God’s word. The Word of God is without error and is a shield to those who trust in Him. We should be careful that we do not corrupt it and adding something extra on to God’s word will distort it and cause confusion.
Agur prays a wonderful prayer, ‘Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God’.
Like Agur, we can also pray that God will supply our daily needs (in line with the prayer Jesus taught His disciples) and that our hearts would not become hardened through seeking after riches, or bitter through struggling with poverty. Agur understands that the most important thing in life is our relationship with God.
Job also understood that, and we find the answer to the question, “But where shall wisdom be found?” ‘God understands the way to it, and he knows its place’ (Job 28:23). ‘…then he saw it and declared it; he established it, and searched it out. And he said to man, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding”’ (Job 28:27-28).
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your word, where we can learn all about You and how You want us to live. Thank You for Jesus and all that He did on the cross to bring us into a close relationship with You. I pray that You will teach me Your truth and keep me from all traps of the enemy to draw me into deception. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Liz Griffin lived for 20 years as an expatriate in South Africa, Bahrain and Japan, as her husband Paul worked for an international oil company. Paul and Liz became involved with Ellel Ministries in 1991 as part of the ministry team and joined the full-time team at Ellel Grange in 1995. Paul and Liz teach and minister to those seeking healing in their lives and together have written two books, 'Anger - How Do You Handle It' and 'Hope and Healing For The Abused'.
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