Model Moderation – Proverbs 30:7-9

Principle #10 of the Sixteen Principles of Societal Human Values, by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, is zé nor la tsö dzin pa.  The Tibetan words here literally mean “measuring out”, or “calculating” the right amount of food and wealth. Human beings need relatively few things to live healthy and fulfilling lives. This principle reminds us to pause and consider our consumption patterns. In this edict, the Tibetan emperor advised his subjects to neither live too austerely nor to indulge excessively in either food or the pursuit of wealth. (SamyeInstitute.org)

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 and say, “Who is the LORD?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:7–9, ESV)

This is a model prayer for us.  In the first verses of chapter 30 the writer has confessed his lack of wisdom.  So here he prays for it by asking that falsehood and lying might be far from him, that is, that he might not hold on to falsehood and lying and that he might not receive it from others.

Then, knowing the potential that riches and poverty have on people, tempting them to react in sinful ways, he asks Yahweh to give him a more middle of the road kind of wealth.  He does not want to be greedy but he also doesn’t want to have nothing.

Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread.  This is echoed in this prayer for the food that is needful.  Both the rich person and the impoverished person are tempted to rely on themselves.  That is the opposite of fearing Yahweh.