and do not thank their mother.
They are pure in their own eyes,
but they are filthy and unwashed.
They look proudly around,
casting disdainful glances.
They have teeth like swords
and fangs like knives.
They devour the poor from the earth
and the needy from among humanity. (Proverbs 30:11-14)
These verses might sound like any old guy complaining about the way our world has gone to “hell in a handbasket”. Does this sound like it’s describing our younger generation? Don’t you think all generations thought so for as long as we’ve had grumpy old men?
What was going on here? This was written by a man named Agur, and he is certainly not a proud, haughty man looking down his nose at the foolishness of youth. Look at how he begins:
I am weary, O God;
I am weary and worn out, O God.
I am too stupid to be human,
and I lack common sense.
I have not mastered human wisdom,
nor do I know the Holy One. (Proverbs 30:1a-3)
He clearly isn’t saying he’s better than others – what he does appear to be doing is looking around and seeing that there is evil in this world. Sometimes, that old, grumpy man you see isn’t complaining – he’s stating what he’s seen and heard. And sometimes, that old, grumpy man can share some important truths.
Every word of God proves true.
He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. (Proverbs 30:5)
Seeing both the good and bad in life is important; and knowing God is the best way to see clearly.
#LoveMatters