I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Proverbs 29-31.

I want to write about all of the things touched on in today’s passage, but you can read them for yourself.  Instead I will focus on just a couple of them.  First, in several different ways the passage tells us that wisdom leads to self-control.  The wise control their anger and work to calm that of others.  Only fools try to work people up and get them agitated.  But the self-control of the wise is not just over their temper; they also control their tongue and avoid bragging and lying.  Only a fool says every thought which comes to his mind; the wise think before they speak or act.

Despite the constant emphasis on being truthful throughout the Book, it reminds us that only with God’s help will we succeed in avoiding lies.  I love how Agur asks two things of God: to avoid lying and to provide him only with enough for his needs.  He does not find it necessary to explain the first, but does explain the latter.  If we become rich we may forget God and turn from Him.  On the other hand if we are poor we may give in to temptation and steal, thus dishonoring God.  Yes, I ask God to give me enough to meet my needs and to help those who struggle.