Agur
“Possibly 'gatherer' or 'hireling'”
Summary
Son of Jakeh and author of the sayings recorded in Proverbs 30, known for his humble wisdom and the celebrated 'Prayer of Agur.'
☩Identity and Authorship
Agur is identified in Scripture as the son of Jakeh, author of the precepts delivered to Ithiel and Ucal in Proverbs 30. Many rabbinical authorities and church fathers believed Agur was a symbolic name for Solomon, rendered as 'collector' (one who holds a congregation), but this view is disputed since his father's name is given rather than 'son of David' as elsewhere. Most modern scholars consider him an otherwise unknown Hebrew sage.
☩Character and Approach
Agur displays a distinctive humility and reverential agnosticism toward transcendent things. Compared to other wisdom writers, his range of thought is more practical and grounded, yet he shows tender reverence and awe before God. His sayings employ the form of numerical proverbs, a rather artificial literary construction.
☩The Prayer of Agur
His most notable utterance is the celebrated Prayer of Agur, which expresses a charming golden mean of practical ideals. He asks for neither poverty nor riches, lest in fullness he deny God or in want he steal and profane God's name. This prayer exemplifies contentment and trust in divine provision.
Related Verses1 mention
Proverbs· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Agur," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Agur," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).