Weariness Has an Antidote in Proverbs 30

To be human is to be flawed, broken, and weary. In the same way it is good to face your loss squarely, it is also good to acknowledge your frailty without excuses. In the 1700s, Robert Robinson, the hymn-writer, wrote, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love.” Robinson wrote for all of us whether we know it or not. We are prone to wander away from and leave God and his ways. We are broken and flawed.

And weary, too.

Agur, son of Jakeh—here in Proverbs 30—also writes for us.

“The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out.” Proverbs 30:1

In our wandering and frailty, we experience weariness of our souls. We are worn out, as Agur writes. But why are we worn out?

I imagine a weariness of mind, body, and spirit. But why? It seems to be all-encompassing. But, again, why is he weary? He is weary because he is “too stupid to be a man,” he says, and does not have “the understanding of a man” (verse two).  He has “not learned wisdom,” he admits, nor does he have “knowledge of the Holy One” (verse three).

That’s why he is weary.

He is compelled to ask in verse four, “Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know!” Verse four mirrors many questions posed by Job when he came face-to-face with his own frailty and folly in the context of the grandeur and might of God. Agur’s alarm rises from recognition that he is far beneath God’s loftiness, as well. Yet, he harkens to the Incarnation by asking what God’s name is and what is his son’s name!

Weariness has an antidote.

A God with a Son gives rest for the weary, wisdom and learning for the stupid, and answers for every question we may ask.

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5

To that point, Agur proclaims that every word God speaks is true. God will not lie (Psalm 89:35). Therefore, he is a shield—a protector—for all who embrace his truth and take refuge in him.

Weariness has an antidote.

Weariness must be taken to the word so that the weary take refuge in God alone.

“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, lest I be full and deny you…” Proverbs 30:7-9

Agur acknowledges the tendency to turn our backs on God and his ways. He asks that falsehood and lying are removed from him. He asks that he be given neither poverty nor riches. He asks that he be given the food he needs. He knows if he is full, he can deny his provider. He may even go so far as to ask, “Who is the Lord?” He also asks that he not be poor and steal and thus profane God’s name.

Likewise, we need to embrace God and his ways. We must live without falsehood. We must learn contentment. We must seek to honor and not profane God’s name. We must embrace God-given wisdom from his word.

Even in loss. And especially in loss.

When you’re weary from your journey of loss, stop and remember that weariness has an antidote.