Money Motives

This commentary expands on my teaching through Proverbs 30:7-9, Agur's humble prayer for balanced provision that guards against pride and desperation. In peak political season, everyone wants something—but the "why" behind desires matters more than the "what." The love of money roots evil, distorting hearts whether in abundance or lack (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). These verses reveal a wise approach: Seeking neither excess nor poverty to avoid denying God or dishonoring Him through sin. The passage calls for contentment in God's provision, using resources to honor Him regardless of amount.

Proverbs 30:7-9A: The More We Have, the Less We Think We Need God

“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?'" (Proverbs 30:7-9a). Agur prays against excess, knowing plenty breeds self-sufficiency (Deuteronomy 8:11-14; Hosea 13:6).

Pride arises when we think we can do it alone—abundance tempts forgetting God (Proverbs 30:9; Luke 12:16-21). God uses needs to draw us near—scarcity reminds of dependence (James 1:2-4; Philippians 4:12-13). Avoid the trap: Rely on Him in plenty, acknowledging every good gift from above (James 1:17; 1 Chronicles 29:14).

Proverbs 30:9B: The Less We Have, the More We Want Stuff Beside God

"Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:9b). Poverty tempts desperation—stealing or sin to survive dishonors God (Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28).

Just because you lack doesn't mean you don't covet—poor can be greedy, justifying wrongdoing from perceived unfairness (Proverbs 30:9; James 4:1-3). This shifts focus from God to stuff (Matthew 6:24; Colossians 3:5). Trust His care in need, resisting sin (Psalm 37:25; Matthew 6:25-34).

Proverbs 30:8: It’s Not About How Much We Have, It’s About What We Do

Agur seeks “only my daily bread"—balance where dependence persists (Proverbs 30:8; Matthew 6:11). Amount isn't the issue; response is (1 Timothy 6:17-19; Luke 12:15).

I know rich people who love Jesus, using wealth for good (Proverbs 11:28; 2 Corinthians 9:11); I know poor people who reject God, bitter in lack (James 5:1-6; Psalm 73:21-22). What we do reveals the heart—steward faithfully, honoring Him in plenty or want (Philippians 4:11-13; 2 Corinthians 9:8).

Application

Money is neutral—an object revealing our heart, whether pursuing more from greed or contentment in God (Matthew 6:21; 1 Timothy 6:6-8). Agur's prayer models wisdom: Seek balance to guard against pride or desperation. Focus on stewardship—use what you have to honor Him, trusting daily bread suffices. Examine your desires: Do they draw you to God or away? Surrender to Christ, finding true riches in Him (Ephesians 3:16-19; Colossians 2:2-3).

For deeper study, cross-reference with Deuteronomy 8:10-18 on forgetting God in prosperity, or Philippians 4:10-13 on contentment. Here are some small group questions to discuss:

• What is something that you want really badly and why do you want it?

• How could a poor person be tempted to sin when it comes to money?

• How could a rich person be tempted to sin when it comes to money?

• What is your plan to make sure you have a godly view of money whether you have plenty or are in need?