Proverbs 30:1-14

1The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle: The man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal:

2Surely I am more brutish and stupid than any man, And I do not have the understanding of a man [for I do not know what I do not know].

3I have not learned [skillful and godly] wisdom, Nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One [who is the source of wisdom].

4Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name? Certainly you know!

5Every word of God is tested and refined [like silver]; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him.

6Do not add to His words, Or He will reprove you, and you will be found a liar.

7Two things I have asked of You; Do not deny them to me before I die:

8Keep deception and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion,

9So that I will not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I will not be poor and steal, And so profane the name of my God.

10Do not slander or malign a servant before his master [stay out of another’s personal life], Or he will curse you [for your interference], and you will be found guilty.

11There is a generation (class of people) that curses its father And does not bless its mother.

12There is a generation (class of people) that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness.

13There is a generation (class of people)—oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are raised in arrogance.

14There is a generation (class of people) whose teeth are like swords And whose jaw teeth are like knives, To devour the afflicted from the earth And the needy from among men.