Proverbs 30:9

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

Lest I be full {H7646}, and deny {H3584} thee, and say {H559}, Who is the LORD {H3068}? or lest I be poor {H3423}, and steal {H1589}, and take {H8610} the name {H8034} of my God {H430} in vain.

Complete Jewish Bible

for if I have too much, I might deny you and say, "Who is ADONAI?"And if I am poor, I might steal and thus profane the name of my God.

Berean Standard Bible

Otherwise, I may have too much and deny You, saying, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, profaning the name of my God.

American Standard Version

Lest I be full, and denythee, and say, Who is Jehovah? Or lest I be poor, and steal, And use profanely the name of my God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 30:9, a pivotal part of Agur's prayer, profoundly articulates a humble and wise request for divine protection from the spiritual perils associated with both extreme wealth and abject poverty. Agur recognizes that an abundance of possessions can foster self-sufficiency and lead to a denial of God's sovereignty, manifesting in the arrogant query, "Who is the LORD?" Conversely, he fears that destitution might compel him to steal, thereby dishonoring God's name through his desperate actions. This verse encapsulates a deep insight into human nature's susceptibility to temptation at the extremes of economic status, advocating for a life of moderate provision that cultivates ongoing dependence on God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 30:9 serves as the crucial justification and explanatory conclusion for Agur's preceding prayer in [Proverbs 30:7-8](/proverbs/30-7-8 "Proverbs 30:7-8 - Agur's Prayer for Moderation"). In these verses, Agur makes two specific petitions: "Remove far from me vanity and lies" and "give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me." Verse 9 then meticulously elaborates on the *rationale* behind this prayer for moderation, detailing the precise spiritual and moral dangers inherent in both being "full" (wealthy) and being "poor." It underscores Agur's profound self-awareness and his keen understanding of how external circumstances can profoundly influence one's relationship with God, making this prayer a timeless model of spiritual humility and wisdom within the broader collection of biblical proverbs.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs, including Agur's contribution, emerged from an ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition that highly valued practical wisdom for living a virtuous and prosperous life in covenant with God. In ancient Israel, while wealth was often perceived as a divine blessing, the wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, frequently cautioned against the dangers of trusting in riches (e.g., [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches Leads to Ruin")). Poverty, though sometimes a consequence of idleness or injustice, could also result from circumstances beyond one's control, often leading to desperation and social marginalization. The cultural milieu would have understood the intense pressure and profound temptation that both extremes could exert on an individual's character and faith. Agur's prayer reflects a mature theological understanding that true security and spiritual integrity are not found in material abundance or lack, but in a right and dependent relationship with the sovereign God, a theme deeply rooted in the broader biblical narrative concerning Israel's dependence on Yahweh for provision, as seen in the wilderness wanderings and the provision of [manna](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - God Provides Manna and Quail").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Proverbs and the broader biblical wisdom tradition. Firstly, it highlights the **perils of wealth**, demonstrating how self-sufficiency can tragically lead to spiritual arrogance and a denial of God's rightful place as the ultimate provider and sovereign. This is a recurring warning throughout Scripture, exemplified in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11-14 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity"). Secondly, the verse addresses the **temptations of poverty**, acknowledging that desperation can compel individuals to violate moral and divine laws, such as stealing, thereby bringing dishonor to God's name. This emphasizes the practical challenges of maintaining integrity in dire circumstances. Finally, the verse champions the profound theme of **dependence on God and moderation**, advocating for a balanced life where one's daily needs are met, fostering an ongoing reliance on God rather than succumbing to the pride of self-sufficiency or the desperation of destitution. This aligns with the broader biblical call for contentment and trust in God's faithful provision, as powerfully articulated in Jesus' teaching on seeking first [the kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seeking First the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **full (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** (H7646) This primitive root means "to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)." In the context of Proverbs 30:9, it refers to a state of being abundantly supplied, wealthy, or self-sufficient. Agur's fear is that this material fullness could lead to a spiritual satiety, causing one to forget the divine source of all provision and fostering an arrogant independence from God.
* **deny (Hebrew, _kâchash'_):** (H3584) This word signifies "to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)." When applied to denying God, it implies not merely a verbal rejection but a practical disloyalty, a withdrawal of allegiance, or a failure to acknowledge God's authority and provision due to one's perceived self-sufficiency and lack of need for Him.
* **steal (Hebrew, _gânab'_):** (H1589) This is a primitive root meaning "to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive." In this verse, it refers to the literal act of taking what does not rightfully belong to one, driven by the desperation and intense pressure of poverty. This act directly violates one of the Ten Commandments and brings profound dishonor not only to the individual but, by extension, to the God they claim to serve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lest I be full, and deny [thee],"**: Agur articulates a profound spiritual concern: that if he were to become materially abundant or "full," his heart might subtly turn away from God. This "denial" is not necessarily an explicit verbal rejection, but rather a practical disavowal, where his perceived self-sufficiency leads him to forget his absolute dependence on God, effectively disowning Him as his provider and sovereign.
* **"and say, Who [is] the LORD?"**: This rhetorical question vividly illustrates the pinnacle of spiritual arrogance that can accompany unchecked wealth. It signifies a profound spiritual amnesia, a defiant questioning of God's authority, relevance, or even His very existence in one's life. It implies a sense of self-reliance so complete that God is deemed unnecessary or irrelevant to one's prosperity and well-being.
* **"or lest I be poor, and steal,"**: Agur then pivots to the opposite extreme, acknowledging the severe moral dangers inherent in destitution. He fears that the overwhelming desperation born of extreme poverty might compel him to commit the sin of theft, thereby violating God's divine law and compromising his personal integrity and witness.
* **"and take the name of my God [in vain]."**: The act of stealing, motivated by poverty, is here directly linked to "taking the name of my God in vain." While this phrase is often associated with verbal blasphemy or irreverent speech, in this context, it refers to actions that bring disrepute, emptiness, or worthlessness to God's holy name. If a believer, claiming to serve God, resorts to stealing, it would bring shame upon God's name, making His name seem powerless, ineffective, or even false in the eyes of others, thus emptying it of its honor and authority.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 30:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and practical message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, which presents a stark contrast between two opposing states: being "full" (wealth or abundance) and being "poor" (poverty or destitution). This powerful juxtaposition highlights the distinct spiritual and moral dangers inherent in each extreme. The verse also utilizes a potent **Rhetorical Question** ("Who is the LORD?"), which is not intended to elicit an answer but rather to express a defiant, forgetful, or dismissive challenge to God's authority and sovereignty, emphasizing the spiritual pride that can accompany prosperity. Furthermore, there is a subtle yet profound **Irony** at play: material fullness can paradoxically lead to spiritual emptiness (a denial of God), while material emptiness can lead to moral bankruptcy (stealing and dishonoring God's name). The parallel structure of the verse, with its balanced clauses describing the distinct consequences of each extreme, powerfully reinforces the central theme of moderation and unwavering dependence on God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Agur's prayer in Proverbs 30:9 offers a profound theological insight into the human condition and our relationship with God concerning material possessions. It underscores the essential truth that neither wealth nor poverty is inherently good or evil; rather, it is the heart's disposition and response within those circumstances that determine spiritual outcomes. The verse teaches us about the deceptive nature of self-sufficiency, often bred by wealth, which can subtly lead to idolatry, replacing God with one's own resources or achievements. Conversely, it acknowledges the intense pressure and moral compromise that can arise from extreme need, highlighting the critical importance of God's faithful provision in sustaining both physical life and spiritual integrity. The ultimate theological point is the call for constant, humble dependence on God, recognizing Him as the sole source of all provision, the ultimate authority over all circumstances, and the one whose name must always be honored.

* [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11-14 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")
* [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment: Do Not Misuse God's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Agur's ancient prayer remains remarkably relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless guide for navigating the complexities of material desires and circumstances in a fallen world. It challenges us to honestly examine our hearts, asking whether our contentment and trust are truly rooted in God or in our fluctuating financial state. When we are "full" – experiencing abundance, security, or success – do we subtly begin to believe our achievements are solely due to our own efforts, diminishing God's sovereign role, or do we remain humble and profoundly grateful, acknowledging Him as the ultimate provider and source of all blessings? Conversely, in times of "poverty" – experiencing lack, hardship, or scarcity – do we succumb to desperation and compromise our values, or do we cling to God's promises of provision, maintaining our integrity and trust in His faithfulness? The verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of contentment in all circumstances, recognizing that true security, peace, and spiritual flourishing come not from the abundance or absence of possessions, but from an unwavering, moment-by-moment dependence on God. It encourages us to pray for "food convenient for me" – enough to sustain us without tempting us to forget God or to violate His commands, ensuring that our lives, regardless of our economic standing, consistently bring glory to His holy and revered name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might being "full" (having abundance, success, or security) subtly tempt you to deny God or question His active relevance in your daily life?**
* **How might periods of "poverty" (lack, hardship, or perceived scarcity) tempt you to compromise your integrity, violate ethical principles, or dishonor God's name through your actions?**
* **What does "food convenient for me" truly look like in your life, and how can you actively cultivate a heart of deep contentment with God's provision, whatever it may be?**
* **Considering your current financial situation, how can your daily actions, choices, and attitudes consistently honor and glorify God's name in the eyes of the world?**

### FAQ

**What does Agur mean by "deny thee" when he is full?**

Answer: When Agur says "deny thee" in the context of being "full" (meaning wealthy or self-sufficient), he is expressing a profound fear that material abundance could lead to a spiritual arrogance or a practical independence from God. This denial isn't necessarily an explicit verbal rejection of God, but rather a subtle, practical disavowal. It implies forgetting God's sovereignty and provision, becoming self-reliant, and no longer acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all blessings. The subsequent rhetorical question, "Who is the LORD?", powerfully highlights this spiritual amnesia and defiant questioning of God's authority when one feels they have everything they need without Him. This echoes the solemn warnings found throughout Scripture, such as in [Deuteronomy 8:11-14](/deuteronomy/8-11-14 "Deuteronomy 8:11-14 - Warning Against Forgetting God in Prosperity"), about the dangers of forgetting the Lord when prosperity comes.

**How does stealing "take the name of my God in vain" in this verse?**

Answer: In this specific context, "taking the name of my God in vain" (or "for emptiness/worthlessness") refers to actions that bring disrepute, shame, or discredit to God's holy name. While the phrase is most commonly associated with verbal blasphemy or using God's name irreverently, here it extends to a believer's conduct and moral integrity. If Agur, as a worshipper of God, were driven by poverty to steal, his actions would not only be a direct violation of God's law (specifically the eighth commandment, [Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - The Eighth Commandment: Do Not Steal")), but they would also make God's name appear trivial, ineffective, or even false in the eyes of others. It would imply that God is not sufficient to provide for His people, or that His followers do not truly live by His righteous standards, thereby bringing dishonor to His reputation and the faith. This broader understanding aligns with the spirit of the third commandment in [Exodus 20:7](/exodus/20-7 "Exodus 20:7 - The Third Commandment: Do Not Misuse God's Name"), which warns against misusing God's name in any way that renders it empty, worthless, or profane.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 30:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Agur's prayer for moderation, born of a profound understanding of human frailty and susceptibility to temptation, perfectly anticipates the life of the One who lived in absolute and unwavering dependence on the Father, embodying the ideal balance between abundance and lack. Jesus, though "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Poverty for Our Riches")), never succumbed to the pride of "fullness." Despite His inherent divine nature and boundless power, He consistently gave all glory to the Father, declaring, "I can of mine own self do nothing" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus' Dependence on the Father")). Nor did He, in His earthly poverty, hunger, and intense temptation, ever resort to sin or dishonor God's name; rather, He perfectly obeyed the Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Jesus consistently taught against the deceitfulness of riches and the impossibility of serving both God and money ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve God and Money")) and powerfully identified with the poor and marginalized ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying with the Least of These")). His life is the perfect answer to Agur's prayer, demonstrating how to live in complete trust and obedience to God, regardless of material circumstances, thereby bringing ultimate glory to God's name and providing the spiritual riches and true satisfaction that truly endure ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")).

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

Hosea 13:6

According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.

Deuteronomy 31:20

For when I shall have brought them into the land which I sware unto their fathers, that floweth with milk and honey; and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and waxen fat; then will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, and provoke me, and break my covenant.

Ezekiel 16:49

Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

Ezekiel 16:50

And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw [good].

Deuteronomy 8:10

¶ When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

Deuteronomy 8:14

Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

Job 31:24

¶ If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, [Thou art] my confidence;