Purity and Contentment

The prophet Agur, son of Jakeh, prophesied in the Book of Proverbs a simple yet profound truth concerning purity and contentment before God. “Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” Proverbs 30:7-9.

Agur asks of God two simple things, purity and contentment. The prophet makes a request of God that he keep him pure and holy by removing pride and falsehood far from him. Agur realized that vanity leads to pride, and pride leads one away from God. God states through his prophet- “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Proverbs 8:13. God makes it plainly clear that he hates pride, arrogance, evil, and froward, or perverse actions. Agur also recognized that God hates lies, as the inspired writer claims- “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood…” Proverbs 6:16-17.

Agur also realized the importance of contentment before God. Agur asks of God that he neither make him rich or poor; simply give him what he needs to live, and no more. Contentment is a characteristic that God loves in his creation. Paul said “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Timothy 6:7-8. We need to learn, as Agur did, that contentment is pleasing to God. It is very sad that people who have prospered the most in this world frequently deny God. Paul goes on to say in I Timothy 6:17 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded; nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” Jesus likewise said in Mark 10:24 “And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” We need to trust in God, not in our material possessions, and realized that it is God who gives us all the wonderful blessings we enjoy.

Please remember to always be content with the things God has given you in this life. Let us all be like Agur the prophet and request purity and contentment from God.