Read
11Some people curse their father
and even their mother;
12others think they are perfect,
but they are stained by sin.
13Some people are stuck-up
and act like snobs;
14others are so greedy
that they gobble up
the poor and homeless.
Reflect
These words were written a long time ago at a time when the author’s environment was markedly different from ours. In spite of all these differences and all the changes that have occurred over the past centuries, what Agur describes here clearly shows that the heart of man has not really changed at all. Man is still gripped by the same tendencies to do wrong. When we compare ourselves to Agur’s generation, we discover that we are no better than they were.
These few sentences introduce us to four attitudes that are arrogant and detestable from God’s viewpoint: rebellion, illustrated by the lack of respect toward parents; hypocrisy, exemplified by self-righteousness; pride, demonstrated by a proud look and lastly, opression, evidenced by greed and the exploitation of the vulnerable. What a contrast to Agur’s prayer in verses 7 to 9, where he prays for the moral strength to be honest and asks to be a person of integrity who depends on God!
God’s word communicates principles to us, that if practised, will enable us to live and to conduct ourselves in a way that pleases God and inspires others. In his letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 2:14), Paul wrote that our lives could indeed manifest the sweet and pleasant aroma of Christ, attracting those around us to Jesus Christ and making him known.
The gospel is good news, a pleasant perfume that we carry with us on our person. Could it possibly be that our life may be the only Bible that people will ever read?!
Respond
Lord, I am thankful that you revealed yourself to me. May my life reflect Jesus Christ everywhere and in all circumstances. May I be that pleasant, agreeable and a perfume-scented letter from you to absolutely everyone I meet! You have saved me and you reign over my life! Amen.
Donald Tardif
Donald has worked as a custom broker and international freight forwarder. His Biblical training was with L’Institut Biblique du Québec. In 2006, he took an early retirement and assumed the leadership of La Ligue pour la lecture de la Bible in Quebec, after having been on the board of directors for a few years. He retired from Laligue pour la lecture de la Bible in 2017. Donald is married to Jeannine and they have 3 adult children and 8 grandchildren.