The Sayings of Agur in the Bible (Exploring, Understanding & Unlocking the great sayings)

The book of Proverbs from the Holy Bible is full of wise sayings and wise advice. One of the most well-known sections of this book is the Sayings of Agur. Agur is a mysterious figure who is believed to have been a wise man who lived in the ancient world.

The sayings of Agur are found in Proverbs 30:1-33. Among these sayings, we see some exceedingly wise sayings from Proverbs 30:24-28 and are compared with four small creatures of the world, each with its own theme.

The first example is about the ants; it says that, the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; (Proverbs 30:25). The second example is about the rock badgers; it says that, the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs; (Proverbs 30:26). The third example is about the locusts; it says that, the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in a rank; (Proverbs 30:27). The fourth example is about the lizard; it says that, the lizards you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces. (Proverbs 30:28).

Let’s see these sayings in detail;

1.       ANTS

As we all know, the ants are hardworking. Though they are small, they lift the large loads of food and carrying them back to their hills in preparation for winter which is ahead. Also, there is nothing that can distract them from their plan. Even if there is an obstacle coming on their way, they come in unity as one and help each other to carry on.

Here, Ants teach us to be wise enough, to be in unity as one for the upcoming obstacles in the world and to be prepared with God’s word within us.

 

2.       ROCK BADGERS

This animal is a small mammal; insignificant in size and they are defenseless, but they have the wisdom to seek safety in the cliffs and rocks. if they roam out into an open field, they are easy prey for their enemies, enemies like the powerful falcon. The rocks not only serve as their homes, but they are also their only protection.

Do you ever feel defenseless, especially when you think about what may be in your future? The Rock Badger shows us how we can feel safe. It depends solely on the rocks for protection, instead of relying on its own strength.

Just as the rocks provide a ready-made protection for the Rock B
adger, so the Lord has also provided all the protection and comfort we could ever need. We just have to humbly depend on Him, like King David did when he prayed… As narrates in Psalm 61:1–3,  “Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy”.

 

3.       LOCUSTS

Locusts are described as “small but wise” because they advance in ranks like a powerful army even though they do not have a king to lead them and form a strategy. They are disciplined and ordered working together toward one end. No one locust is more important than another as they treat themselves equally.

 Similarly, The Apostle Paul urges us in  1 Corinthians 1:10;

“My brothers and sisters, I urge you by the name of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed, to come together in agreement. Do not allow anything or anyone to create division among you. Instead, be restored, completely fastened together with one mind and shared judgment.”

 

4.       LIZARDS

Finally, Agur brings across the point that there is nothing to stop the lizard; they are determined. They are easy to catch and kill and they are also defenseless like rock badgers. The main unique characteristic of Lizard is that; lizards doesn’t boast themselves nor exalt. Exceedingly wise is the lizard because they embrace humility and comes quietly without any fanfare.  Thus he is in king's palaces. 

As said in James 4:10; 

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up”.  We are counselled to humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Conclusion

The prophet Agur taught four lessons of wisdom in four proverbs, pointing out unique character traits of wisdom in four small creatures. They are the ant (25), the rock badgers (26), the locust (27), and the lizard (28). The lessons are, be prepared and United as one, secure defense, be disciplined and treat everyone equally, and stay humble.          

The Sayings of Agur are full of wise, meaningful and timeless truths that can be applied to our lives today.

By taking these wise sayings to heart, Let’s live a life of wisdom and blessing.

~ The end ~