June 1, 2022 - Proverbs 30-31

I love Agur’s observation about small things:

“Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise:

the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer;

the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs;

the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank;

the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces” (30:24-28).

I can’t help but think of Paul’s words: “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

Not to suggest that we are ants or rock badgers or locusts or lizards -- 😊 -- but like them, we are humbled; God alone is to be praised.

Lord, teach me to adore thy hand,

From whence my comforts flow;

And let me in this desert land

A glimpse of Canaan know.

Give me a calm, a thankful heart,

From ev’ry murmur free;

The blessings of thy grace impart,

And let me live to thee. --Anne Steele (1760)