Neither Poverty nor Riches
B. Beddome, M.A. Proverbs 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: I. GENERAL REMARKS ON AGUR'S PRAYER. 1. It is short, concise, but full and comprehensive. 2. It is singular with respect to its matter, as well as the manner in which it is expressed. How few of us have ever offered up such a petition! Moderation in our desires and pursuits after worldly good is an eminent attainment, but how little of it do we possess ourselves, or observe in others! 3. It discovers much heavenly-mindedness and self-denial. A man's own heart would not suggest it to him; it is a dictate of the Spirit of God. II. CONSIDER ITS IMPORT OR THE PARTICULARS INCLUDED IN THE PRAYER ITSELF. 1. It implies that both riches and poverty come from God, and are not merely the result of second causes. "The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposal thereof is of the Lord." 2. It supposes that there is a medium between poverty and riches which is most desirable and ought to he the object of every one's request. The idea of a competency must be regulated by the extent of our actual necessities, both personal and relative. Competency must also be determined by our station and condition in life. That which is sufficient, and more than sufficient, for one, is not in all respects sufficient for another. The more we possess, the greater will be our responsibility, and the greater our danger. Learn to judge of a competency not by the sentiments of mankind, but by reason and the Word of God. If Providence has placed us in the middle state between indigence and affluence, let us learn to esteem it as the most desirable. (B. Beddome, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: WEB: Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me;