Proverbs 30:1-12

The Words of Agur

30:1 The words of Agur, the son of Jakeh; an oracle:

This man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ukal:

30:2 Surely I am more brutish than any other human being,

and I do not have human understanding;

30:3 I have not learned wisdom,

nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One.

30:4 Who has ascended into heaven, and then descended?

Who has gathered up the winds in his fists?

Who has bound up the waters in his cloak?

Who has established all the ends of the earth?

What is his name, and what is his son’s name? – if you know!

30:5 Every word of God is purified;

he is like a shield for those who take refuge in him.

30:6 Do not add to his words,

lest he reprove you, and prove you to be a liar.

30:7 Two things I ask from you;

do not refuse me before I die:

30:8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me;

do not give me poverty or riches,

feed me with my allotted portion of bread,

30:9 lest I become satisfied and act deceptively

and say, “Who is the Lord?”

Or lest I become poor and steal

and demean the name of my God.

30:10 Do not slander a servant to his master,

lest he curse you, and you are found guilty.

30:11 There is a generation who curse their fathers

and do not bless their mothers.

30:12 There is a generation who are pure in their own eyes

and yet are not washed from their filthiness.