by Ester yusufu | 6 June 2023 08:46 pm06
Proverbs 30:7–9
“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.”
— Proverbs 30:7–9
1. A Prayer for Balance, Not Extremes
This prayer by Agur (the author of Proverbs 30) is a rare but powerful example of spiritual maturity. While many of us pray for abundance, Agur prays for just enough. He’s not asking out of fear or laziness—but from a heart that understands human weakness. Theologically, this prayer reflects the principle of dependence on God for daily needs, as echoed in Jesus’ prayer:
“Give us today our daily bread.” — Matthew 6:11
Agur’s concern is that too much might lead him to self-sufficiency—a kind of pride that forgets God. And too little might lead to sin out of desperation. This reveals a deep understanding of human depravity (Romans 3:23) and the dangers of both excess and lack.
2. The Idol of “Having It All” — Material and Spiritual
Most of us can easily pray not to be poor. But how many of us can honestly pray, “Lord, don’t make me rich”?
In today’s culture—both in the world and sometimes in the church—there’s a growing obsession with accumulating: more wealth, more status, even more spiritual gifts. But Scripture warns us:
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires…”
— 1 Timothy 6:9
And not just materially—this can apply spiritually too. Many people, even pastors or ministers, begin to crave all the gifts and all the titles. But Paul teaches that spiritual gifts are given by God according to His will, not our ambition:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers…
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?”
— 1 Corinthians 12:27–30
The answer is clearly no. Not everyone is called to have everything. Ministry is not about position or comparison, but about faithfulness in your assigned role.
3. Contentment Is Theological
Agur’s prayer also connects deeply with the theology of contentment. Paul says:
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
— Philippians 4:11–12
This contentment is not passive resignation, but active trust in God’s provision and wisdom. We honor God not by having everything, but by trusting Him with what He’s given us.
4. A Servant’s Heart — Not a Self-Made Spirit
Even Elijah, a prophet full of God’s power, reached a point of deep humility and exhaustion:
“…He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’”
— 1 Kings 19:4
Elijah didn’t see himself as superior—even after mighty victories. He knew the weight of his calling. That humility is what made him usable in God’s hands.
5. What Does This Mean for Us Today?
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…”
— 1 Peter 4:10
Pray for Enough, Live with Purpose
Let’s ask God not just for abundance, but for what fits the calling He’s given us. Let us not chase wealth, position, or spiritual superiority—but seek to serve faithfully with what we have today. In doing so, we avoid pride, avoid sin, and honor the name of our God.
May the Lord give us grace to be content, faithful, and focused—today.
Shalom.
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