Two things I ask of You—This phrase introduces a prayerful request, highlighting the humility and dependence on God. The number "two" signifies completeness in Hebrew culture, suggesting a comprehensive request. This echoes Solomon's prayer for wisdom in
1 Kings 3:9, where he asks for discernment to govern the people. The act of asking God directly reflects a personal relationship and trust in His provision, reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in
Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and it will be given to you."
do not refuse me before I die:
The plea "do not refuse me" indicates a sense of urgency and earnestness. The phrase "before I die" underscores the brevity of life and the desire to live righteously. This reflects the biblical theme of seeking God's favor and wisdom throughout one's life, as seen inPsalm 90:12, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." The request is made with the awareness of human mortality, emphasizing the importance of spiritual priorities over temporal concerns.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AgurThe author of
Proverbs 30, Agur is a relatively obscure figure in the Bible. His name means "collector" or "gatherer," and he is known for his wisdom and humility. Agur's sayings are distinct in their candidness and earnestness, reflecting a deep desire for integrity and truth.
2.
GodThe ultimate recipient of Agur's request. Agur's prayer is directed to God, indicating a personal relationship and trust in God's provision and wisdom.
3.
ProverbsA book of the Bible that is part of the wisdom literature. It contains sayings and teachings that provide guidance on how to live a life pleasing to God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Prayerful RequestsAgur's approach to God with specific requests highlights the importance of bringing our needs and desires before God in prayer. It encourages believers to be intentional and thoughtful in their prayers.
Seeking Balance in LifeAgur's request for neither poverty nor riches underscores the value of a balanced life. It teaches that contentment and reliance on God are more valuable than material wealth.
Trusting in God's ProvisionBy asking God not to refuse his requests, Agur demonstrates trust in God's wisdom and provision. This teaches believers to rely on God's understanding rather than their own.
The Pursuit of IntegrityAgur's prayer reflects a desire for a life of integrity and truth. It encourages believers to seek honesty and righteousness in their daily lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 30:7?
2.How can we apply Proverbs 30:7's request for truth in our daily lives?
3.What does Proverbs 30:7 teach about the importance of integrity and honesty?
4.How does Proverbs 30:7 connect with the commandment against bearing false witness?
5.In what ways can we seek God's help to avoid falsehoods today?
6.Why is it crucial to prioritize truthfulness as described in Proverbs 30:7?
7.What is the significance of asking for only two things in Proverbs 30:7?
8.How does Proverbs 30:7 challenge the pursuit of wealth and poverty?
9.Why does the author of Proverbs 30:7 request to be kept from falsehood?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 30?
11.Proverbs 30:7–9 emphasizes neither poverty nor riches; how do we reconcile this with other passages that promise material blessings?
12.Who is the Second Person of the Trinity?
13.Proverbs 30:15-16 personifies a leech and lists things never satisfied; what evidence supports or refutes these claims scientifically?
14.Why does the final chapter (Job 42) seemingly contradict earlier statements about divine justice and fairness, hinting that God's blessing can be won through passive endurance?What Does Proverbs 30:7 Mean
Two things I ask of You“Two things I ask of You…” (Proverbs 30:7)
• Agur models humble dependence, recognizing God as the only source of wisdom and provision (seePsalm 121:1–2).
• Limiting his request to “two things” shows focused priorities rather than a scatter-shot wish list, recalling Solomon’s single request for discernment in1 Kings 3:9.
• Scripture encourages specific petitions—Philippians 4:6 urges believers to “present your requests to God,” whileJames 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask.
do not refuse me“…do not refuse me…” (Proverbs 30:7)
• The phrase expresses childlike trust that God hears and answers prayer, echoingPsalm 27:7 andMatthew 7:11.
• It also acknowledges God’s sovereignty: Agur asks, but leaves the granting in God’s hands, mirroring Jesus’ “not My will, but Yours be done” inLuke 22:42.
• Confidence in God’s character—His faithfulness inNumbers 23:19 and His generosity inRomans 8:32—fuels bold yet submissive prayer.
before I die“…before I die.” (Proverbs 30:7)
• The time marker underscores life’s brevity (Psalm 39:4;James 4:14) and the urgency of walking rightly with God while opportunity remains (Ephesians 5:16).
• It places the requests in the realm of present obedience, not mere future hope—similar toPsalm 90:12, “teach us to number our days.”
• Death is certain (Hebrews 9:27); Agur wants his heart aligned with God now, so he finishes well (2 Timothy 4:7).
summaryProverbs 30:7 reveals a heart that seeks focused, God-honoring requests, trusts God’s readiness to answer, and feels the urgency of life’s fleeting nature. Agur’s opening words invite us to prioritize essential spiritual needs, pray with confidence in God’s goodness, and pursue godliness today, knowing our earthly days are limited yet fully under the Lord’s care.
(7)
Two things have I required of thee.--The commencement of a series of numerical proverbs. (See above on
Proverbs 6:16.)
Before I die--i.e., while life lasts.
Verses 7-9. - A mashal ode, containing two requests, and a
rationale of the latter. The matter of the two prayers connects it with ver. 6, whether we consider that the limitation of man's desire follows naturally the limitation of his knowledge (Plumptre). or that the warning against being reproved as a liar is corroborated by the prayer against vanity and lies (but see below, on ver. 9). It is the first of Agur's numerical proverbs.
Verse 7. -
Two things have I required of thee. The personal pronoun applies to God, who, according to our interpretation, has been invoked in ver. 1; otherwise it stands without reference to anything preceding.
Deny me not before I die;i.
e. grant me these two things for the rest of my life. Septuagint, "Take not grace (
χάριν) from me before I die."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Twoשְׁ֭תַּיִם(ta·yim)Number - fd
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)things I askשָׁאַ֣לְתִּי(šā·’al·tî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7592:To inquire, to request, to demandof You—מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי(mim·men·nî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofdo notאַל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notrefuse meתִּמְנַ֥ע(tim·na‘)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4513:To debar, from benefit, injurybeforeבְּטֶ֣רֶם(bə·ṭe·rem)Preposition-b | Adverb
Strong's 2962:Non-occurrence, not yet, beforeI die:אָמֽוּת׃(’ā·mūṯ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 4191:To die, to kill
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 30:7 Two things I have asked of you (Prov. Pro Pr) 
