Day 97: Agur’s Prayer for Integrity

Day 97: Agur’s Prayer for Integrity

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 30:7–9

Key Verse:

“Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me.”

— Proverbs 30:7–8 (ESV)

Reflection

This is one of the most honest, humble, and wise prayers in the entire Bible. Agur doesn’t ask for fame, fortune, or influence. He asks for character and contentment. In a world chasing more, he prays to be kept steady, faithful, and true.

“Two things I ask of You…” (v. 7).

This is not a man praying in panic—it’s a man praying for perspective. His request is simple but profound. He’s not trying to impress God with his words. He’s surrendering his desires to God’s will. That’s the heart of integrity: asking for what honors God, not just what benefits you.

1. Remove falsehood and lying from me.

Agur knows that deception, whether public or private, destroys character and credibility. He doesn’t just pray to avoid being lied to—he prays not to become a liar himself. That’s rare humility. Leadership built on truth is slow to build, but strong enough to last. Cutting corners may win applause for a moment—but truth sustains influence for a lifetime.

2. Give me neither poverty nor riches.

This is bold. Most people ask God to increase their resources—Agur asks God to limit his. Why? Because he understands his own heart. Too little might tempt him to steal. Too much might tempt him to forget God. He wants just enough to be dependent, not desperate—or distracted.

“Feed me with the food that is needful for me.”

This is not just about money or meals—it’s about spiritual alignment. Agur wants his life to stay in the sweet spot of daily dependence. He’s not asking for ease; he’s asking for integrity.

This prayer is a blueprint for godly leadership. It teaches us to prioritize truth over image, sufficiency over abundance, and spiritual integrity over personal gain. The goal isn’t to be impressive—it’s to be faithful.

Word Study: Integrity (אֱמוּנָה, emunah)

While not used directly in the Hebrew here, Agur’s entire prayer reflects the root idea of emunah—faithfulness, reliability, and stability rooted in truth.

For leaders, emunah is the quiet strength of consistency, honesty, and contentment in God’s provision.

Challenge

Take a moment to examine your heart.

1. Are there areas where you’re compromising truth for comfort or gain?

2. Are you praying for more, or are you praying for what is enough?

Write out your own version of Agur’s prayer today. Ask God to guard your heart and to give you only what will help you remain faithful.

Leadership in Action

Consider how integrity and contentment shape your influence.

• Are you leading from a heart of dependence, or are you being pulled by discontentment and pride?

• Are you more concerned with your reputation or your righteousness?

This week, make one leadership decision not based on convenience or recognition, but based purely on truth and faithfulness to God.

Prayer

Lord, I don’t need more—I need You. Remove every trace of falsehood from my heart, and keep me from the extremes that lead to compromise. Teach me to be content, honest, and fully dependent on Your provision. Make me a leader who chooses integrity over image and faithfulness over fame. In Jesus’ name, amen.