Give Me Neither Poverty Nor Riches

Daily Devotional – Thursday, March 17, 2022

Give me neither poverty nor riches

Proverbs 30:8 (NKJV)

Arguably, every poor person would want to be rich. Poverty is dehumanizing. It takes away one’s dignity. That is why people use it as motivator to acquire wealth through diligence.

However, being rich or poor comes with risks – including spiritual ones. Agur’s prayer exposes the traps of lack and snares of wealth. He asked God, “Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food allotted to me” (Proverbs 30:8).

Lest I Be Full and Deny You

Most of us, given the chance, would pray, “Give me riches and not poverty.”

Thank God, Agur did not leave us with questions. He stated the reason for his prayer:

Lest 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.” (Proverbs 30:9).

The rich are at risk of denying God. They may feel that their own intelligence and might has  brought them wealth. Have you heard of churches in wealthy Western nations that are now entertainment joints, for lack of worshippers?  

Putting God First

On their part, the poor risk stealing and profaning God because of the ravages of poverty. It is possible to lose hope and faith in God, believing He does not care about one’s plight.

Like Agur, our safety is in the middle ground. However, if God blesses us with wealth, we should use to it glorify Him. If we are needy, we should prioritize God, work diligently and wait upon the Lord because He is the one that gives us wealth.

Prayer

Almighty God Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food allotted to me.