Proverbs 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: I. A PETITION. Expressed in two ways — negatively, declaring what he would not have; positively, containing what he would have. Though expressed in two ways, this is one single request. 1. If we ought to pray against riches, we should never covet or seek after abundance and excess of worldly treasures. 2. If we ought to pray against poverty, then a superstitious affectation of wilful poverty, such as we see in Romish monks, is neither a state of Christian perfection nor a part of religion acceptable to God. II. THE REASON OF THIS PETITION. He fears that too much affluence would lead him into impiety and irreligion. He fears that excessive poverty might incline him to rob his neighbour of his right, and back his injustice with lies and perjury. Learn — 1. That the rule and measure of our endeavours and desires in the gaining and enjoying these outward conveniences ought to be their subserviency to our spiritual advantages, and the forwarding us in our duty to God and to our neighbour. 2. To assure an unblemished innocence, we ought not only to avoid gross transgressions, but even every occasion which may expose us to them. (N. Brady.) Parallel Verses KJV: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: |
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