Proverbs 30:14. those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among mankind.
This is Agur’s last description of the wicked generation, and he saved the most disturbing for last. He wants us to see just how dangerous a progression this has been. What began as dishonoring parents, the people in this world that likely love you the most, has become a hatred for those who need you the most. The imagery that Agur uses is frightening – teeth as swords and knives in mouths. This wicked generation devours the poor and needy.
Each of Agur’s four descriptions of the wicked would directly apply to the self-righteous religious leaders of Jesus’ day. Jesus condemned the religious leaders for dishonoring their parents (Prov. 30:11).
Matthew 15:4-7. 4For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 5But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” 6he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. 7You hypocrites!
Jesus condemned the religious leaders for not being able to see their own inner filth (Prov. 30:12).
Matthew 23:25-2625“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26You blind Pharisee!
Jesus condemned the religious leaders for their pride (Prov. 30:13).
Luke 18:11. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men…even like this tax collector.
And Jesus condemned the religious leaders for devouring the poor and needy (Prov. 30:14).
Mark 12:40. [Beware the scribes] who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.
You see, the wicked generation, those that Agur and Jesus warn us about, is not just addicted to drugs, alcohol, and porn. The wicked generation is not likely full of atheist God-mockers. The wicked generation isn’t only those running around in unruly mobs. The wicked generation is sitting in the church pews, reading their daily devotionals like this one, going to Bible studies, church events, and pot-lucks, all while harboring a deep sense of religious pride in their hearts, and an even deeper apathy for those in need both physically and spiritually.
So we shouldn’t go to church and Bible studies? Obviously you’re missing the point. The point is that we should do those things while also constantly checking our hearts for fleshly self-justification, the inner Pharisee living inside of you.
But you also have the living Christ inside of you. The Spirit of Christ who is actively opposing the proud and giving grace to the humble. Let him rule. Let him overthrow the tables of self-justification that you have set up in order to sell yourself to others.
Just be honest, no one’s buying it anyway.
You: Are you part of the wicked generation? If not, why not?
You in Christ: How does trusting our union with Christ release the spirit of humility in us?
Christ in you: Specifically, how might you help the poor and needy this holiday season?
Pray: Jesus, condemn my inner Pharisee. Drive him/her out. Replace their law with your love. Amen.
To Live is Christ 