Proverbs 30:8

KJV

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

KJV (with Strong's)

Remove far {H7368} from me vanity {H7723} and lies {H1697}{H3577}: give {H5414} me neither poverty {H7389} nor riches {H6239}; feed {H2963} me with food {H3899} convenient {H2706} for me:

Complete Jewish Bible

keep falsehood and futility far from me, and give me neither poverty nor wealth. Yes, provide just the food I need today;

Berean Standard Bible

Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion.

American Standard Version

Remove far from me falsehood and lies; Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is needful for me:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:8 encapsulates Agur's profound and balanced prayer, articulating a desire for spiritual integrity and material contentment. It is a petition to the divine to be preserved from the corrupting influence of falsehood and the spiritual perils associated with both destitution and excessive wealth. Instead, Agur humbly seeks God's wise and sufficient provision for his daily needs, demonstrating an abiding trust in divine wisdom and a keen awareness of human vulnerability to temptation across the economic spectrum. This verse stands as a timeless model for a life anchored in truth, moderation, and unwavering dependence on God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs chapter 30 constitutes a distinct literary unit within the broader Book of Proverbs, specifically attributed to Agur son of Jakeh. While Agur's precise identity remains somewhat enigmatic, his contribution is presented as divinely inspired wisdom. This chapter diverges from the typical Solomonic proverbs by including numerical sayings (e.g., the "four things" in [Proverbs 30:15-31](/proverbs/30-15 "Proverbs 30:15-31 - Numerical Sayings")) and, notably, a direct, personal prayer. Agur's prayer, spanning [Proverbs 30:7-9](/proverbs/30-7 "Proverbs 30:7-9 - Agur's Personal Prayer"), forms the theological and ethical core of his discourse. It immediately follows his humble confession of human intellectual limitations and the supreme, unalterable authority of God's Word ([Proverbs 30:1-6](/proverbs/30-1 "Proverbs 30:1-6 - Agur's Confession and the Authority of God's Word")). This strategic placement underscores the prayer as a practical outworking of a life submitted to divine truth, seeking wisdom not for personal aggrandizement but for righteous, God-honoring living. The verse itself is the central plea of a two-part request, framed by a profound desire for integrity and a clear recognition of the dangers inherent in both poverty and riches, leading directly into the rationale for his petition provided in [Proverbs 30:9](/proverbs/30-9 "Proverbs 30:9 - The Reason for Agur's Prayer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many pre-industrial agrarian cultures, was characterized by significant economic stratification. While the Mosaic Law contained numerous provisions designed to protect the poor and vulnerable (such as gleaning laws in [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Laws for Gleaning") and the institution of sabbatical years for debt release in [Deuteronomy 15:1-11](/deuteronomy/15-1 "Deuteronomy 15:1-11 - Laws Concerning the Poor")), extreme poverty was a pervasive and often brutal reality, frequently leading to desperation, social marginalization, and moral compromise. Conversely, great wealth, though often perceived as a divine blessing, carried its own distinct set of spiritual hazards. The Old Testament consistently warns against the dangers of pride, self-sufficiency, and the propensity to forget God that can accompany prosperity (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity")). Agur's prayer in [Proverbs 30:8](/proverbs/30-8 "Proverbs 30:8 - Agur's Prayer for Moderation") reflects a profound and nuanced understanding of these societal realities and the universal human tendency to deviate from God's path under conditions of either scarcity or abundance. It is a prayer for a "middle way," a state of balanced provision, recognizing that true security, spiritual health, and contentment are rooted in unwavering dependence on God, rather than in fluctuating material circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** This verse serves as a powerful articulation of several foundational themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **integrity and truthfulness**, as Agur's initial plea is to be preserved from "vanity and lies." This reflects a core tenet of biblical wisdom: the relentless pursuit of authenticity, sincerity, and the avoidance of deceit, which are presented as indispensable foundations for a righteous life and a right relationship with God. Secondly, the prayer highlights the crucial theme of **balance and contentment** in relation to material possessions. Agur astutely identifies the spiritual pitfalls associated with both extreme poverty (which, as articulated in [Proverbs 30:9](/proverbs/30-9 "Proverbs 30:9 - The Dangers of Poverty"), could lead to stealing and dishonoring God's name) and excessive riches (which could foster pride, self-sufficiency, and a denial of God, echoing warnings found in [Deuteronomy 8:12-14](/deuteronomy/8-12 "Deuteronomy 8:12-14 - Warnings Against Forgetting God in Prosperity")). This pursuit of a "golden mean" demonstrates the wisdom tradition's emphasis on practical piety and spiritual stability. Finally, the request to be "fed with food convenient for me" profoundly emphasizes the theme of **humble dependence on divine provision**. It is a recognition that true sustenance and flourishing come solely from God's benevolent hand, not from human striving or accumulation, thereby fostering a spirit of gratitude and unwavering trust. This resonates deeply with the later New Testament emphasis on seeking God's kingdom above all else and trusting in His faithful provision for all daily necessities ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **vanity (Hebrew, _shâvᵉʼ'_):** From H7723, meaning "evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, objective; also adverbially, in vain)." Agur's earnest plea to "remove far from me vanity" is a comprehensive request to be kept distant from all that is empty, futile, worthless, and deceptive. This encompasses both spiritual emptiness (such as idolatry or false worship) and moral deceit (guile, falsehood), recognizing their inherently destructive and corrupting nature on the human soul and one's relationship with God.
* **lies (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_):** From H3577, meaning "falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol); deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying." This term specifically denotes untruth, deception, and anything that misrepresents reality. When coupled with "vanity," it intensifies the desire for a life utterly devoid of falsity, both in spoken word and in character, signifying a profound rejection of all forms of untruth and anything that stands in opposition to God's truth.
* **convenient (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** From H2706, meaning "an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage); appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task." This word is pivotal to understanding Agur's material request. "Convenient" here does not convey modern notions of ease or comfort, but rather refers to a "prescribed portion," a "due allowance," or a "statute-appointed measure." Agur is praying for precisely what is necessary and appropriate for his sustenance, a divinely appointed measure of provision—neither lacking nor excessive—that enables him to live righteously and dependently upon God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remove far from me vanity and lies:"** Agur commences his prayer with a profound spiritual and moral request, prioritizing integrity above all else. He implores God to keep him utterly distant from all forms of emptiness, futility, and falsehood. This is a plea for purity of heart, authenticity in character, and honesty in all aspects of living, recognizing that deceit, meaninglessness, and spiritual emptiness can profoundly corrupt one's relationship with God and with others. It is a desire to walk in truth.
* **"give me neither poverty nor riches;"** This clause transitions to a material request, expressing a deep-seated desire for moderation in possessions. Agur demonstrates a keen spiritual insight into the inherent dangers associated with both extremes of wealth. He understands that abject poverty can tempt an individual to steal and thereby desecrate God's holy name, while excessive riches can lead to destructive pride, a false sense of self-sufficiency, and ultimately, a forgetting or denial of the divine provider. This is a prayer for a balanced material state that actively fosters spiritual health and humble dependence.
* **"feed me with food convenient for me:"** The final clause specifies the nature of the desired provision. It is a humble, yet profound, request for daily sustenance, but specifically for a "convenient" or "prescribed" portion. This signifies a complete reliance on God's wise, measured, and appropriate provision, trusting Him to supply exactly what is needed—no more, no less—to sustain life in a manner that promotes righteousness, contentment, and an ongoing, humble dependence upon Him.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and nuanced message. **Antithetical Parallelism** is prominently featured in the second clause, "give me neither poverty nor riches," where two diametrically opposed concepts (poverty and riches) are presented in stark contrast to emphasize the desired middle ground. This creates a powerful tension that highlights the spiritual dangers inherent in both extremes. The verse also utilizes effective **Juxtaposition**, placing the plea for moral and spiritual integrity ("vanity and lies") immediately before the request for material moderation ("poverty nor riches"). This strategic arrangement suggests a deep, intrinsic connection between spiritual truthfulness and material contentment, implying that one cannot truly exist without the other. The entire verse functions as a direct **Prayer**, a personal and intimate address to God, which is a recurring and significant form within biblical wisdom literature used to express heartfelt desires and seek divine intervention. Finally, the concluding phrase "food convenient for me" employs **Metonymy**, where "food" serves as a representative for all necessary daily provisions, and "convenient" (or "prescribed portion") encapsulates the broader concept of God's divinely measured, appropriate, and sufficient supply for a life lived in humble dependence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Agur's prayer in Proverbs 30:8 is a profound theological statement concerning human dependence on God and the inherent dangers of both spiritual and material extremes. It powerfully underscores the biblical principle that true security, lasting contentment, and spiritual flourishing are not found in accumulated wealth or the absence of want, but rather in a humble, truthful, and dependent relationship with the divine provider. The fervent desire to be free from "vanity and lies" resonates deeply with God's very nature as absolute truth and light, standing in stark contrast to the deceit, emptiness, and darkness of sin. The balanced request for "neither poverty nor riches" reflects a keen understanding of human frailty and our universal susceptibility to temptation, whether arising from the desperation of scarcity or the arrogance of abundance. This prayer embodies a theology of sufficiency, trusting God to provide exactly what is needed, thereby fostering a spirit of gratitude and actively preventing the idolatry of either self-reliance or material possessions. It aligns seamlessly with the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering faithfulness in providing for His people, from the miraculous manna in the wilderness to the daily bread sought in the Lord's Prayer.

* [Deuteronomy 8:17-18](/deuteronomy/8-17 "Deuteronomy 8:17-18 - Warning Against Self-Reliance and Forgetting God")
* [Matthew 6:11](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - Pray for Daily Bread")
* [1 Timothy 6:6-10](/1_timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6-10 - Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Agur's prayer in Proverbs 30:8 provides a timeless and profoundly relevant blueprint for cultivating a life marked by spiritual integrity and material wisdom. In a contemporary world often relentlessly driven by the insatiable pursuit of "more" or tragically plagued by the despair of chronic lack, this verse calls believers to embrace a radical contentment rooted firmly in God's faithful provision. It challenges us to engage in honest introspection: Do we harbor secret cravings for excessive wealth, erroneously believing it will bring ultimate security, happiness, or fulfillment? Or do we, when faced with scarcity or financial pressure, succumb to desperation and compromise our ethical or spiritual integrity? Agur's ancient wisdom serves as a powerful reminder that both material extremes possess the insidious power to draw us away from a vibrant relationship with God. The true path to spiritual flourishing lies in actively seeking truth, rigorously rejecting all forms of falsehood and deceit, and humbly entrusting God with our daily, sufficient needs. This posture fosters a profound spirit of gratitude, liberates us from the corrosive grip of anxiety, and allows us to focus our energies on what truly matters: our intimate relationship with God and our compassionate service to others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I struggle with "vanity and lies," either in my internal thoughts and motivations or in how I present myself to others and the world?**
* **How does the pursuit of either excessive wealth or the paralyzing fear of poverty subtly or overtly influence my daily decisions, my priorities, and ultimately, my relationship with God?**
* **What does "food convenient for me" truly look like in my life today, extending beyond literal nourishment, and how can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent trust in God's faithful provision for all those needs?**
* **How can Agur's prayer serve as a practical guide to help me cultivate a greater sense of contentment, spiritual freedom, and liberation from anxiety in my daily walk with Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who was Agur, and why is his prayer significant?**

Answer: Agur, son of Jakeh, is a wise man whose identity is not fully known, appearing uniquely in [Proverbs chapter 30](/proverbs/30 "Proverbs 30 - The Words of Agur"). His prayer in [Proverbs 30:7-9](/proverbs/30-7 "Proverbs 30:7-9 - Agur's Personal Prayer") holds significant importance because it offers a rare and intimate glimpse into a personal petition within the broader wisdom literature. Unlike many proverbs that present general observations or maxims, Agur's prayer is a direct, humble, and deeply personal request addressed to God, revealing a profound spiritual maturity and a remarkably balanced understanding of both human nature and divine provision. It serves as an enduring model for believers seeking to cultivate integrity, moderation, and unwavering dependence on God for their daily needs.

**What does "vanity and lies" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: In [Proverbs 30:8](/proverbs/30-8 "Proverbs 30:8 - Agur's Prayer for Moderation"), "vanity" (Hebrew: *shâvᵉʼ*) refers to emptiness, futility, worthlessness, or anything that is deceptive or leads to ruin. It can encompass false worship, idolatry, or a life lived without true purpose or substance. "Lies" (Hebrew: *kâzâb*) specifically denotes falsehood, deception, or untruth, whether in word or deed. Together, "vanity and lies" represent a comprehensive rejection of all that is false, empty, misleading, or morally corrupting, both in one's internal thoughts and external actions. Agur is earnestly praying for a life characterized by genuine integrity and absolute truthfulness before both God and humanity.

**Why does Agur ask for "neither poverty nor riches"? Aren't riches a blessing?**

Answer: While the Bible certainly acknowledges riches as a potential blessing from God, it also frequently and soberly warns of their inherent spiritual dangers. Agur's request for "neither poverty nor riches" in [Proverbs 30:8](/proverbs/30-8 "Proverbs 30:8 - Agur's Prayer for Moderation") demonstrates a profound spiritual insight into human vulnerability and the corrupting power of extremes. Extreme poverty can lead to desperation, tempting an individual to steal and thereby dishonor God's holy name, as explicitly stated in [Proverbs 30:9](/proverbs/30-9 "Proverbs 30:9 - The Danger of Poverty"). Conversely, excessive wealth can foster destructive pride, a false sense of self-sufficiency, and a tendency to forget God, potentially leading to a denial of God's role in one's life, echoing the warnings found in [Deuteronomy 8:12-14](/deuteronomy/8-12 "Deuteronomy 8:12-14 - Warning Against Forgetting God"). Agur wisely seeks a balanced material state where he is neither tempted by the desperation of want nor corrupted by the arrogance of abundance, allowing him to maintain humble, consistent dependence on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Agur's profound prayer in [Proverbs 30:8](/proverbs/30-8 "Proverbs 30:8 - Agur's Prayer for Moderation") finds its ultimate fulfillment, perfect embodiment, and living answer in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly lived out the rejection of "vanity and lies," for He Himself is the very embodiment of truth, declaring, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He consistently exposed the falsehoods, hypocrisies, and empty rituals of His day, calling His followers to worship God in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Furthermore, Jesus lived a life utterly free from the corrupting influence of both poverty's desperation and riches' arrogance. He embraced a humble, dependent existence, famously having "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus Has No Place to Lay His Head")), yet never succumbing to the temptation to steal or compromise His divine integrity. Conversely, He resolutely rejected the devil's temptation to gain all the kingdoms of the world and their glory ([Matthew 4:8-10](/matthew/4-8 "Matthew 4:8-10 - Temptation to Worldly Power")), demonstrating unequivocally that His kingdom was not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). His foundational teaching on trusting God for daily bread ([Matthew 6:11](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - Our Daily Bread")) and His comprehensive instruction not to worry about material possessions ([Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25-34 - Do Not Worry About Your Life")) perfectly align with and amplify Agur's desire for "food convenient for me," emphasizing a gracious sufficiency granted by a faithful heavenly Father. In Christ, we behold the perfect model of one who lived in complete and unwavering dependence on God, utterly free from the spiritual and material extremes that so often ensnare humanity, offering us not merely a prayer to emulate, but the very life of truth, contentment, and abundant provision.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 6:6

¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:8

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Psalms 62:9

Surely men of low degree [are] vanity, [and] men of high degree [are] a lie: to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity.

Psalms 62:10

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Luke 11:3

Give us day by day our daily bread.

Psalms 119:37

¶ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in thy way.