by David Chadwick
Solomon wrote the majority of Proverbs, but interestingly, Proverbs 30 was not one of those chapters. Our hidden hero today is the author of one of the chapters in Proverbs that Solomon did not author.
Agur, the son of Jakeh, is our hidden hero today. Who is Agur? We actually don’t know. 3,000 years later, his identity is still obscure. But what we do know is that he wrote the sayings of Agur in Proverbs 30 to two people named Ithiel and Ucal, whose names only appear in this one spot in the Bible.
Proverbs 30 is full of wisdom and insight. Agur did not consider himself to be particularly wise (vs. 2-4), yet he fervently believed every word of God to be true (vs. 5).
In this chapter in God’s Word, there are admonitions against slander and the insatiable lusts of the sinful heart. There are exhortations about honoring parents, guarding purity, and fleeing from pride and haughtiness.
The simplicity of the truths found in Proverbs 30 and throughout all of Proverbs are such practical and pithy insights to lead people into a life of holiness and righteousness.
I love Agur’s hiddenness and discretion. I love that someone who we know so little about was still used by God! God can take the most unknown, self-admittedly unskilled person and use him mightily! 3,000 years later, we are still reading Agur’s words in God’s Word. His admonitions and advice are still giving people wisdom of the ages on how to live, love, and honor God.
Even those who live a simple life can make a profound impact on the earth. In God’s eyes, whether it’s a king or a pauper, the ground is level at the foot of the cross. He is looking for obedience and holiness, regardless of stature or notoriety. Agur is one of my hidden heroes because he modeled a life of faithfulness even though he was a lesser known character in God’s story.
Agur knew how to fear the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength and how to love his neighbor. He lived out the greatest commandment of all and was a wonderful reflection of the heart of God in the Old Testament.
And we are still talking about Agur today!
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