(Proverbs 30: 1-3 ESV) The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out. Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
“I am too stupid to be a man.”
When I first read this Proverb, I was taken aback by the force of these words. While there may have been a few occasions when I uttered similar words about myself, it just seems harsh and unnecessary.
As I examined the passage more closely, I understood why the writer (Agur) may have felt that way. First, these words were uttered in a moment of extreme exhaustion. Notice, he didn’t just say it once, but 3 times! He declared, “I am weary” twice, and “worn out” once. This is the picture of an individual who has no energy left.
After declaring his exhaustion, He further explains the reason for his state of mind. He says, “I have not the understanding of a man.” And he continues, “I have not learned understanding.”
Finally, he discovers the most important reality when he writes, “Nor have I knowledge of the Holy one.” Aah! There it is! This man has just uncovered the root problem of so many people who feel totally unprepared to face life.
He confessed to trying to “do” life absent a knowledge of, and relationship with God. His frustration was so severe that he declared himself to be stupid. We will experience similar emotions if we repeat his mistake.
The good news is, God has been revealing Himself to mankind since Creation. In the Old Testament Scripture God provided bits and pieces, types and shadows that revealed His nature to mankind. When Jesus came, He gave even more information about the Father. He was constantly telling people, “The things you see me do are of the Father. The words you hear me speak are coming from Him.” Revelation is now being given to mankind regularly through the released manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Every moment. Every Hour. Every Day. Our responsibility is to identify it, accept it, and utilize it.
Many years ago, I was taught the difference between ignorance and stupidity. And, it’s a huge difference. Ignorance is a lack of information. Stupidity is willfully rejecting truth. One prevents a choice (ignorance) while the other is a choice (stupidity). Shania Twain use to perform a song with the lyric, “Don’t be stupid…” I would have to agree with her!
So, what about Agur? What became of him? Did he live out his life as an imbecile? I don’t think so. Because if you continue reading chapter 30 you will see that he started asking a lot of questions that would ultimately lead him to make this statement in verse 5, “Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”
Now that, my friend, is a smart man!
PRAYER: Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity to know you personally. It is not arrogant to proclaim, “I have the mind of Christ. I have supernatural knowledge and wisdom. I possess the ability to process information in such a way that I will be successful, and will have opportunities to help others be blessed as well.” What a great way to live! Thank you Jesus! Amen.