Proverbs 30:7

7 Two things I ask of you; don't keep them from me before I die:

Proverbs 30:7 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 30:7

Two [things] have I required of thee
Or, "have asked of thee ^F1, O God"; as may be supplied, for the words are addressed to him. The following is a prayer made unto him, which contains the two requests here referred to; his requests are not many, his words are few; he did not make long prayers, or expect to be heard for much speaking; deny me [them] not before I die;
not that he thought he was near his end; nor is it his sense that he desired some time or other, at least before he died, that he might have these two requests granted him after mentioned; for what are poverty and riches, or convenient food, to a man just dying? but his meaning is, that he might be thus favoured as long as he lived; that all the while he was in the world, he might be kept from sin, and be free from anxious worldly thoughts and cares, having a moderate competency of good things: faith in prayer will have no denial; a wrestling Jacob will not let the angel go without a blessing; importunity in prayer gets much from the hands of God; "the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much", ( James 5:16 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F1 (Ktam ytlav) "postulavi a te", Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version, Mercerus, Gejerus; "peto ab te", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "petii a te", Cocceius, Michaelis, Schultens.

Proverbs 30:7 In-Context

5 All God's words are tried and true; a shield for those who take refuge in him.

6 Don't add to his words, or he will correct you and show you to be a liar.

7 Two things I ask of you; don't keep them from me before I die:

8 Fraud and lies— keep far from me! Don't give me either poverty or wealth; give me just the food I need.

9 Or I'll be full and deny you, and say, "Who is the LORD?" Or I'll be poor and steal, and dishonor my God's name.