Proverbs 30:1-14

1The words of Agur son of Jakeh— an oracle this man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal:

2“Surely I am more stupid than any man and do not have a man’s understanding.

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

4Who has gone up into heaven, and come down? Who has gathered the wind in the palm of His hand? Who has wrapped the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name and what is the name of His son—if you know?”

5Every word of God is purified. He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

6Do not add to His words, or else He will rebuke You and prove you a liar.

7Two things I ask of You— do not refuse me before I die:

8Keep falsehood and lies far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches, but feed me with my allotted bread,

9lest I become satisfied and deny You and say, “Who is Adonai?” Or lest I become poor, and steal and profane the Name of my God.

10Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you pay for it.

11There is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother.

12There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, and yet is not cleansed from its filth.

13There is a generation whose eyes are so haughty, whose eyelids are lifted up disdainfully.

14There is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose molars are knives, to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humanity.