30 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the [a]oracle.
The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:
2 Surely I am more stupid than any man,
And I do not have the understanding of a man.
3 Neither have I learned wisdom,
Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has ascended into heaven and descended?
Who has gathered the wind in His fists?
Who has wrapped the waters in [b]His garment?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is His name or His son’s name?
Surely you know!5 Every word of God is tested;
He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
6 Do not add to His words
Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.
We’ve finished the teachings of Solomon and now we have this Agur, who is called an oracle. Funny thing about the Hebrew word which has been translated to “oracle”, it can also be translated as “burden”. Seems strange, but it begins to make sense when you think of what he had to do. An oracle would not have been seen to speak his own words, but the words God had given to him.
That’s a weighty burden indeed, as he better not get it wrong. Had Agur known his words would be canonized into scripture, he may have shirked his duty. But lets be thankful he did not, nor should we. Though our words will not be canonized, if we teach God’s Word, that is not much less weighty of a responsibility.
And many do teach who would not call themselves teachers, family who pour in to the lives of young people, who help show them the “way in which they should walk”, friends, elders, etc. Let us be humble like Agur, who esteemed himself as lesser than any man. He knew the weight, the burden of speaking of that which he could never fully know.
Compared with the reality of who God is, what we know is a mere shadow. Yet we seek God anyway, because He has called us to know Him. So we “take refuge in Him” because every word of God has been tested, it is our comfort, our peace, our shield and strength. We should not add to His words, because there is no need.
God is enough, and so is His word. Though it be only a shadow of things to come, it is all we need for life this side of Heaven. Embrace it, study it, learn it, and live it. Every day, let God’s words call you onward and upward, closer to the One who lights your way. Share them with others, even debate them with others, but do not shirk away from them, no matter how weighty they seem. His words are life. (Deut. 32:47 & John 6:63).