An Outward Look
10.09.24
At the beginning of Proverbs 30, Agar took at Upward Look. He gave praise to God and to the Word of God. Verses 5, 6a are excellent—Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.
In the next section he takes an Outward Look. He will point out seven truths, and for each he will give four examples. We will look at some of these today.
Agar’s first topic is arrogance (11-14). The word ‘generation’ comes from the word for ‘pile,’ and is derived from the circular shape at the base of a pile. It thus refers to the circle of life—birth, life, death. It also refers to a group of people that have things in common.
Agar describes this group as having a wrong attitude towards four other groups. They disdain their superiors as pictured by their parents (11). There is a generation that curses their father, and does not bless their mother. They resist parental authority, despise their reproof, defile their name, and covet their substance. We see several biblical examples of these attitudes: Cain, the sons of Eli, Lot, and the prodigal. Sadly, these attitudes are timeless, seen in every generation in every land.
They also have a wrong attitude toward themselves (12). There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. They are self-righteous.
They may even seek religious purification, but inwardly they are vile.
They have trouble with the world at large (13). There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. For whatever reason, be it background, ethnicity, or station in life, they look down upon others.
The last group at which they thumb their nose is their supposed inferiors (14). There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. Their pride leads them to take advantage of the disadvantaged: the poor and needy. We have seen this in our world throughout history in the enslavement of others, and the neglect of the poor.
Agar’s second topic is discontent (15, 16). The horse-leech has two daughters, crying, ‘Give, give.’ There are three things that are never satisfied, yes, four things say not, ‘It is enough:’ (16) the grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that says not, ‘It is enough.’
Once again, he describes this in four ways. First is the gruesome word-picture that is painted. The suckers at each end of a leech picture the greed of man. Both of their names are ‘Give me,’ and they continually cry out for more and more blood.
He then presents other examples of unfulfilled cravings. There is always room for one more body in a cemetery. The barren womb never quite quits yearning for a child. The parched earth can use every drop of water it receives. And, as long as there is fuel, fire is unquenchable.
Unfortunately, Agar offers no solution. Fortunately Paul does. Written from a Roman prison, he urges us to be content (1 Timothy 6:6-10; Philippians 4:12, 18, 19). It is only Christ who can provide true and eternal contentment.
We will plan to continue to consider the words of Agar next time. Until then, if we at Immanuel Baptist Church can be of any help to you, please feel free to call upon us.