As we move toward the closing two chapters of Proverbs, we find a clear contrast between the futility of human wisdom and the honor God’s grace gives. For it is His grace alone that covers a multitude of sin and only He can fill a human heart and mind with true wisdom. Just as He gave King Solomon wisdom, He promises to give wisdom to all who ask earnestly. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, (James 1:5).
As we begun to look at Proverbs, a question arises. Who is Agur, son of Jaketh. There are many varying ideas. Some believe him a descendent of Ishmael. Others think he is a foreign sage, while notations in other Bible commentaries believe he was a person close to Solomon who gathered the information for Solomon. Yet, perhaps the one I lean most toward is that indeed it was pseudonym (fictious name used by Solomon to hide his identity as the writer). If so, this would read, “he who first gathered words together, the one who spat out the words of God”. Then proclaiming, “I am weary, O God, I am weary and faint”.
After all was it not Solomon who grew too comfortable in himself? He believed he could defy the very wisdom God had given him to proclaim. Marrying many wives, living a life or indulgence, and thought he would not be drawn away to idolatry. Yet alas he was. How befitting it would be King Solomon under the disguise of a pseudonym would write this chapter.
Proverbs 29
Surely [b]I am more brutish and stupid than any man,
And I do not have the understanding of a man [for I do not know what I do not know].
3
I have not learned [skillful and godly] wisdom,
Nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One [who is the source of wisdom].
4
Who has ascended into heaven and descended?
Or has gathered the wind in His fists?
Who has bound the waters in His garment?
and has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name, and what is His Son’s name?
Certainly you know!
5
Every word of God is tested and refined [like silver];
He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him.
6
Do not add to His words,
Or He will reprove you, and you will be found a liar.
When we walk away or in pride believe that we know, forgetting that without Him we have no wisdom, we are brutish (stupid). He alone is the true wisdom, the truth, and the way. Ah, would it not be King Solomon in his later years who could proclaim the futility of human wisdom.
As a nurse practitioner the most valuable quality I must have to provide the best care to my patients is to “know what I do not know”. Only then will I seek guidance at the appropriate times. If I indeed believe I know it all, I will merely cause more harm than good to my patients. The same is true as a Christian. If I believe I know all there is, then I will fail to grow into His likeness. Furthermore, if I choose to make my decisions without His wisdom guiding me; I will like Solomon grow weary of life itself.
The Futility of Human Wisdom
Thus, it is important we look at the words of Proverbs 30 because therein is a lesson to all of us as we journey through life.
Proverbs 30: 5
Every word of God is tested and refined [like silver];
He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him.
6
Do not add to His words,
Or He will reprove you, and you will be found a liar.
Solomon would know this all too well, for he had wandered so easily after having been granted so much of God’s wisdom. Ah, but in the end, he realized the futility of human wisdom as he wrote in Ecclesiastes 12
9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set[c] in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find [d]acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of [e]scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
14 For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil.
There fore his prayer became:
Proverbs 30:
7
Two things I have asked of You;
Do not deny them to me before I die:
8
Keep deception and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with the food that is my portion,
9
So that I will not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or that I will not be poor and steal,
And so profane the name of my God.
Ah, but were it not for Grace?
Were it not for Grace we would all be lost forever in our hearts of self-exaltation, pride, and the futility of human wisdom! But that is where Jesus stepped into our reality, taking on our sin, that might be justified before a holy, righteous God. He paid the full price for our sins and all we must do is accept His gift of salvation by believing that He is the only begotten Son of God, co-creator of the Universe as part of the triune God (one in essence and three in person). Beyond that, we recognize that we are spiritually dead, separated from God and unable to save ourselves. Our only hope of salvation is to accept the atonement provided us by Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Savior and Lord of our lives. Therefore, we by faith believe and by mouth confess Him as Lord, Master of our lives.
Acts 4: 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
So, cast aside the futility of human wisdom and seek God with all your heart, mind and soul.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previously
https://myglorytoglory.com/blog/god-makes-my-way-perfect-how/
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2020
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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Amplified Bible (AMP)
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New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.