Proverbs 30:1-14

1The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle. The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out.

2Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man.

3I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

4Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know!

5Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

6Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

7Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die:

8Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,

9lest I be full and deny you and say, "Who is the Lord?" or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

10Do not slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.

11There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.

12There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth.

13There are those—how lofty are their eyes, how high their eyelids lift!

14There are those whose teeth are swords, whose fangs are knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, the needy from among mankind.