Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; rock badgers (coneys) are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces. (30:24-28)
There is so much that I love in Proverbs 30. I do not know who Agur is (actually no one really does) but his recognition of his own weaknesses and his simple observations on life are awesome. For those who read Proverbs 30 today, I would be curious what verses stood out to you. There are so many. Feel free to share what struck you.
30:24-28 are some of my favorite verses in Proverbs. It was hard not to focus in on them this morning. Animals have always fascinated me. Growing up down south on lots of land, I roamed around alot in our backyard and observed the amazing creatures around me. I was particularly fascinated with insects, ant lions, and spiders. I have a feeling that Agur had the same type of fascination. There are four creatures which Agur was particularly fascinated with…the ant, the rock badger, the locust, and the lizard.
What Agur observed is that each of these creatures is small yet they are wise. In other words, they recognize their own weaknesses and limitations and have learned how to live with them. Ants respond to their weakness by preparation. They know they do not have the strength to face the winds and elements of winter so they get all their food in the summer and store it for winter. Rock badgers are fairly defenseless animals so they have learned the art of protection. They compensate for their weakness by making their home in the crevices of rocks. Locusts are weak individually but they have learned that they have incredible power in numbers. Lizards can easily be caught with one’s hand but somehow, in their resourcefulness and determination, they have learned how to live inside the palaces of kings.
Why did Agur feel the need to share all this? Because he recognized his own weaknesses. And if we are wise, we will recognize ours. It is amazing to me how man could ever be prideful. Our lives are but a vapor and we have no power over the forces of this universe yet somehow we stand in arrogance in the face of the Almighty God…anyway I digress a little bit. A wise person recognizes his own weakness and learns the value of four things:
1. Preparation and planning. There is nothing spiritual about flying by the seat of your pants. God gave us a brain to use. The wise person sees his needs, sees his opportunities and plans his course. Now a wise person also humbly recognizes that God may override his plans. I am reminded of Nehemiah who humbly sought God’s direction and will and then also used his brains and creativity to plan and organize how to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
2. Dependence on a higher strength. We are not strong therefore the wisest thing we can do is find our refuge in something (or Someone) infinitely stronger than us. Building our lives on the Rock of Christ is definitely the smartest thing we can do.
3. Interdependence with others. Not only are we wise to find our refuge in God, but we are also wise when we recognize the value of fellowship and join ourselves to others. No man is an island and we are foolish if we live independently and isolate ourselves physically and emotionally from others. We need one another. We need encouragement, love, support, accountability, and friendship. And we are stronger when we learn how to work together for a common goal.
4. Determination and aspiration. If we wisely plan our course, depend on God, and join with others, the only other thing we need is the determination to finish the race and the aspiration to aim for king’s palaces. Our limitations should not limit us to mediocrity. As William Carey, a faithful missionary to India, once said, “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”
Lord, give me the humility to recognize my own weakness and the wisdom to order my steps, to depend on You, to unite with others in the body of Christ, and to aim high.