Truth, Honesty, and the Middle Way: The Advice of Agur
September 25, 2024 - Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Proverbs 30:5-9
The short excerpts from the Book of Proverbs that we hear today are part of a collection ascribed to Agur, son of Jakeh. The meaning of his name—"I am a sojourner"—brings to our awareness our human condition. We are all like Agur, sojourners on this earth, journeying toward our homeland, the Heavenly Jerusalem. For this journey, we need "a map" and "guides," and the advice found in Agur's collection is aimed at helping us reach our destination.
"Every word of God is true" (Prov. 30:5). The moment we hear the phrase "word of God," we think of the Bible. But to grasp the meaning of Agur's statement, we need to turn to the beginning of the Letter to the Hebrews, where we read: "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets" (Heb. 1:1). In the Bible, "every word of God" has been written down, allowing us to study it, reflect on it, and meditate upon it. But behind the Bible lies the real experience of our ancestors in faith, who heard and passed on God's word to us.
Then, the Letter to the Hebrews continues: "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son" (Heb. 1:1-2). When we use the phrase "the Word of God," its primary referent is that Word who was with God from eternity and who is God (see John 1:1). Through this Word, God created everything, communicated with the patriarchs, and spoke through the prophets. This Word became flesh in Jesus Christ and dwelled among us.
"Every word of God is true." This is an invitation to turn to God in our journey through life. What can be said about God's words cannot be said about human words. Moreover, today we live in times when we no longer know whom to trust or believe. The truth is often buried under the avalanche of fake news. Only the One who said "I am the Truth" can be trusted. Saint Paul once wrote that all God's promises find their fulfillment in Christ (see 2 Cor. 1:18-19). Those who turn to Christ and meditate upon the Gospels are better able to discern truth from falsehood—a skill extremely useful in our journey through life. To be removed from "falsehood and lying" is the first request of Agur's prayer.
Then, Agur asks the Lord something worth emulating: "Give me neither poverty nor riches" (Prov. 30:8). He gives reasons for this request: "Lest I be full and deny you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God" (Prov. 30:9). Millennia ago, wise people realized that extreme riches can negatively affect our faith. Some philosophers, sociologists, and economists were convinced that with prosperity, faith in God would slowly disappear. On the other hand, extreme poverty can lead to a lifestyle that transgresses God's commandments. We know countless examples of those who, due to poverty, made choices in life they would never have made if they had enough food to feed their families.
Agur tells us to turn to God's word for guidance, embrace honesty, and seek a middle way between riches and poverty. Let us reflect upon his advice. Perhaps it can help us avoid pitfalls as we journey through a contemporary world where truth is subjective, dishonesty is rampant, and greed has become a virtue.