Proverbs 30:9

9 for if I have too much, I might deny you and say, "Who is ADONAI?"And if I am poor, I might steal and thus profane the name of my God.

Proverbs 30:9 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 30:9

Lest I be full, and deny [thee]
This is the dangerous consequence of riches, and the temptation they expose men unto; who, being full of the things of this world, are tempted to deny the Lord; not his being and perfections directly, but chiefly his providence; to deny that what they have, they have received of him, but attribute it to their own care, diligence, and industry; and now think they can live without him, without any dependence on his providence, having a large affluence of the things of life: yea, they may be said to deny him, when they forget the bounties of his providence; are not thankful to him for them; that flatter themselves with a continuance of them, without any regard to him, as if he had no concern in the affairs of life; see ( Deuteronomy 32:15 ) ; and say, Who [is] the Lord?
as Pharaoh did, ( Exodus 5:2 ) . I am not obliged to him; I can live without him, I have enough of my own; or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain];
this is the snare that attends poverty; men, for want of food and raiment, are tempted to steal from their neighbours, which is a sin against the law of God, the eighth command; and then to cover the theft, when an oath is offered to purge them from the charge and suspicion of it, they take it, and so are guilty of false swearing, or taking the name of God not only in vain, but falsely, and so become guilty of the breach of the third command. Agur, a good man, is desirous he might not be exposed to temptations to such evils, and especially which so affected the honour and glory of God.

Proverbs 30:9 In-Context

7 [God,] I have asked two things of you; don't deny them to me as long as I live -
8 keep falsehood and futility far from me, and give me neither poverty nor wealth. Yes, provide just the food I need today;
9 for if I have too much, I might deny you and say, "Who is ADONAI?"And if I am poor, I might steal and thus profane the name of my God.
10 Never disparage a slave to his master, or he will curse you, and you will deserve it.
11 There is a type of people who curse their fathers and don't bless their mothers.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.