The verse “Give me neither poverty nor riches” comes from Proverbs 30:8, which states in full: “Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me.” This verse expresses a prayer for God to provide just what is needed – not too little, but also not too much.
The surrounding context shows this is a prayer rooted in wisdom. The previous verses affirm trusting in God’s word as pure and true (v.5-6), while the following verses show the danger of becoming self-sufficient and denying God if one has too much (v.9). So this prayer recognizes man’s natural tendency toward dishonesty and self-reliance, and asks God to supply the right amount to avoid these pitfalls – meat, but not gluttony.
Specifically, the phrase “give me neither poverty nor riches” recognizes the unique temptations that come with both extremes. Severe poverty often leads people to desperation and crime. As Proverbs 30:9 explains, poverty may lead a person to steal and “take the name of my God in vain.” On the other hand, great riches also lead to unique temptations. Wealthy people may grow proud and forget that God is the ultimate provider (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). The riches themselves become an idol because those who trust in money will reject trusting God (Matthew 6:24).
So this verse offers the wise prayer that God would provide enough to avoid destitution, but not so much that the heart grows cold toward God. It recognizes that the human heart is prone to sin, so delivering us from these dangerous situations allows us to remain rightly related to God. As 1 Timothy 6:8 summarizes, “If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
1. The Dangers of Poverty
Poverty brings unique hardships and temptations that the wise man seeks to avoid in this prayer. Severe poverty often leads to desperation, as people struggle to meet even basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. Deuteronomy 28:48 warns that poverty may lead to slavery, as people exchange liberty for provision. Poverty also leads to instability – for example, the book of Proverbs warns, “the poor are always with you” (Matthew 26:11), wandering from place to place seeking aid (Proverbs 30:14). Statistics show that the poor suffer higher rates of mental illness, addiction, and crime as they struggle under the weight of scarcity.
The wise man recognizes that poverty may lead even a godly person to sin. Severe poverty is painful, and the poor are more likely to become envious of others and to justify theft to ease their suffering (Proverbs 30:9). Poverty may also lead someone to doubt God’s goodness and care. The book of Job depicts Job’s struggle in reconciling God’s care with the poverty God allowed, leaving Job to wonder why God would “destroy the work of His hands” (Job 10:3). Seeing the prosperity of the wicked, the poor may feel that God has abandoned them.
So this prayer to avoid poverty recognizes that wealth actually provides more opportunities to walk in wisdom and obedience. As Ecclesiastes 7:12 says, “Wisdom preserves those who have it.” Just as poverty may lead to despair and crime, prosperity provides the ability to be generous and build God’s kingdom.
2. The Dangers of Riches
Though wealth provides benefits, the wise man also recognizes great dangers that come with riches. Most fundamentally, wealth competes with God for trust. Jesus warns that “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). When a person’s bank account is full, they may be tempted to trust in riches rather than in God’s provision.
Wealth also leads to pride. The wealthy person may believe their riches result from their superior intellect and efforts rather than God’s blessing (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). With increased self-sufficiency comes decreased reliance on God. Wealthy people may begin to believe they no longer need the Lord’s daily provision and guidance. Over time, the rich may even deny God’s existence or sovereignty (Proverbs 30:9).
Wealth also tends to distract people from eternal priorities. Ecclesiastes 5:10 notes that increasing wealth only increases appetite for more. Worldly possessions and comforts compete with pursuing God’s kingdom (Matthew 13:22). The rich fool was not condemned for his wealth, but for trusting in it rather than being “rich toward God” (Luke 12:16-21). Greater wealth also often leads to indulging physical appetites – rich food, fine wine, sexual immorality (Proverbs 21:17, 23:20-21).
So the wise prayer is for God to provide sufficient resources, but not an overabundance that would displace eternal priorities. As Agur prays simply, “give me neither poverty nor riches.”
3. Prayer for Daily Bread
This prayer for daily provision reflects the wisdom of God’s commands for Israel. When miraculously providing manna in the wilderness, God only gave enough for each day (Exodus 16:4). On the sixth day God provided a double portion so his people could rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:5), again limiting the provision. This arrangement taught the people to trust God one day at a time rather than stockpiling resources.
The Mosaic law specifically commanded leaving part of the harvest for the poor to gather (Leviticus 19:9-10). Farmers could profit from their labors, but the poor were also cared for. There were limits on gleaning so the poor and landowners struck a balance. Providing for the poor limited the gap between luxury and destitution which might lead to social strife.
The Mosaic covenant promises that obeying God’s commands would lead to material provision – rains for crops, fruitful harvests, and prosperity (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). But God also warned against the human tendency toward pride and forgetfulness when experiencing this wealth (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). So God was pleased to provide, but also saw wealth as spiritually dangerous.
Again Jesus warns against anxiety over provision and promises God will supply needs (Matthew 6:25-34). As God provided manna and cares for the birds and flowers, He knows the needs of His children. Believers should instead “seek first the kingdom of God” rather than wealth (Matthew 6:33).
4. Learning Contentment
This prayer ultimately reflects a heart of contentment. The wise man has learned to be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4:11-12). He does not demand endless luxury, which breeds pride and forgetfulness of God. But he also seeks to avoid the pain and desperation of poverty that leads to bitterness and despair.
Paul told Timothy “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). The content person recognizes that this world’s goods are temporary, while godliness has eternal value. He is satisfied with simple provision because his true reward is in heaven. Hebrews 13:5 summarizes the contented heart – “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”
So the wise prayer recognizes the dual dangers of wealth and poverty. It humbly accepts man’s tendency toward dishonesty and pride. And it expresses childlike reliance on the heavenly Father for daily needs. Ultimately it is a prayer for grace – to walk in wisdom and obedience in all situations. Only God’s strength provides this contentment in plenty and in need.
5. Trusting God’s Provision
This prayer surrenders control of provision to the all-wise God. It admits that we rarely know what is truly best. Economic studies show that both poverty and sudden wealth often lead to negative life outcomes. So Agur hands the decision over to God who alone knows what will enable a life of wisdom and purpose.
As Jesus taught, believers should pray for daily bread, not riches (Matthew 6:11). God promises to supply our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). But the Father knows precisely what is best for bringing about Christlikeness in each person. Sometimes strength is best developed through lack, and humility through plenty.
The Lord also directs the exact times and places we live (Acts 17:26). Economic and social conditions vary between locations and generations according to God’s sovereign plan. The believing heart recognizes God’s hand in ordering all these circumstances for our good and His glory.
Most fundamentally, this prayer recognizes that true life is found in relationship with God rather than outward conditions. As Moses warned Israel, “Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Neither poverty nor wealth can separate us from God’s inexhaustible riches in Christ (Romans 8:38-39).
6. Stewarding Wealth and Poverty
Though asking for neither wealth nor poverty, this prayer does not imply passively waiting for provision. Diligence and industry are commended in Proverbs and bring increased resources. But the heart must be guarded so that wealth comes through righteous means and is used for righteousness.
Scripture gives much wisdom for stewarding wealth God grants. Those with plenty should be generous and willing to share (1 Timothy 6:18). The wealthy must not trust in uncertain riches but in God (1 Timothy 6:17). Nor should they be proud, but realize that all they have is from God and should be held loosely (1 Corinthians 4:7). Great wealth brings greater capacity to be generous in helping those in need.
For those experiencing poverty, Scripture also commends diligence and industry to improve their situation. The ant is praised as an example of wisdom and hard work (Proverbs 6:6). Paul even commands that those who will not work should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Christians should be known for honest labor wherever God has called them (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Believers must avoid grumbling about needs and instead trust God’s provision (Philippians 2:14-16). So this prayer does not justify laziness but surrender to God’s will.
7. A Prayer for the Heart
Most fundamentally, this prayer reveals the believer’s heart before God. It shows he is more concerned with inward character than outward comfort. According to John Piper, “It takes a miracle for us not to seek our satisfaction in riches.” But the wise Christian knows the dangers temporary things pose to his walk with God. He values humility, honesty and contentment with whatever God gives.
Notice that this prayer does not demand pleasure or ease. It seeks only to avoid the extremes that might tempt the believer to deny God. There is no promise that God will answer by removing struggle or providing wealth. In all likelihood, the one praying will face times of poverty and others where wealth abounds. But through the ups and downs, the heart remains steadfast in the fear of the Lord.
As Warren Wiersbe summarizes, “The security of the godly is not in things but in the God of things.” This prayer clings to the Giver rather than the gifts. It expresses childlike trust that He will not allow more than the believer can bear, but will provide strength for every situation. It seeks God’s kingdom more than worldly ease. So in every circumstance, the heart can say with Paul, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Then God receives all the glory whether abounding or in need.
8. Jesus Embodied Perfect Stewardship
As the perfect man, Jesus’ life embodied the ideal relationship with riches and poverty. Though He was fully God, during His incarnation Jesus voluntarily laid aside the riches of heaven and embraced earthly poverty (Philippians 2:5-8). He owned no land or house and depended on the support of others during His ministry.
But the Father did provide for Jesus’ needs. He received food and shelter from caring followers (Luke 8:1-3). When Jesus had opportunity to obtain riches, He refused – after feeding the 5000 He withdrew rather than being made king (John 6:15). Jesus avoided the temptations of greed, instead finding richness in devotion to the Father.
Jesus taught much on proper stewardship of wealth. He warned against greed and trusting in riches rather than God (Luke 12:13-21). He told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor (Matthew 19:16-22). But Jesus did not condemn all wealth – only the misplaced heart (Mark 12:41-44). His followers included both the wealthy and the poor.
Most importantly, Jesus’ perfect life qualified Him to become the ultimate sacrifice to atone for sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). By paying fully for sin, He brought spiritual riches to all who believe. So Jesus embodied the spirit of Proverbs 30:8 – finding His reward in the Father while resisting greed. His redemption enables believers to walk wisely amidst wealth or poverty.
9. Examples of Proper Stewardship
Scripture provides other positive examples of those who stewarded wealth and poverty well. Daniel exemplified avoiding the pride of wealth. Though rising to high position in Babylon, he lived simply and refused royal delicacies (Daniel 1:8-16). Daniel’s integrity amidst trials came from devotion to God, not comforts.
Joseph exemplified good stewardship starting in poverty but rising to lead Egypt. As a slave he resisted sexual sin, maintaining purity (Genesis 39:7-12). When elevated, Joseph gave God the glory for his insight (Genesis 41:15-16). Though temporarily wealthy, Joseph’s hope was in the covenant promises to Abraham, not treasure in Egypt (Hebrews 11:22).
Job was blameless whether experiencing great wealth or utter poverty. In his prosperity Job was generous, caring for orphans and widows (Job 29:12-16). After losing everything Job maintained integrity, refusing to sinfully deny God (Job 1:20-22). His patient endurance grew out of trust in God rather than circumstance.
Lydia illustrates a businesswoman who used wealth generously. She sold expensive purple goods but also opened her home to Paul and other believers (Acts 16:14-15). Though wealthy she found joy in hospitality and serving the church.
These examples reinforce that God blesses believers in all kinds of circumstances. As the heart remains fixed on Him, riches or poverty can be stewarded to glorify God.
10. Our True Hope is Found in Christ
Proverbs 30:8 instructs us to value neither poverty nor riches above Christ. As Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” The things of this world quickly fade away, but God’s kingdom is eternal (Matthew 6:19-21).
Jesus repeatedly warned that the human heart is easily ensnared by the deceitfulness of riches. When our bank accounts overflow, we easily forget our dependence on God. But Jesus calls us to find our security in Him alone. He alone can satisfy the soul’s deepest longings, as David learned deeply (Psalm 63:1-8).
The apostle Paul learned through trials to be content whether living in abundance or need (Philippians 4:10-13). His joy flowed from union with Christ, not outward prosperity. So he proclaimed boldly, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).
Whether God grants us poverty or wealth, our calling is to love and serve Christ wholeheartedly. Our treasure is laid up in heaven beyond the reach of theft and decay (Matthew 6:19-21). So we can pray confidently for God’s provision and walk in wisdom. God remains in control.