In addition to Solomon, there were other wise men in ancient Israel whose words were preserved in Scripture. One of them was Agur, the son of Jaque. Though far less known than Solomon, Agur’s contribution in chapter thirty of the book of Proverbs stands out for its depth, honesty, and prophetic clarity. Today, we will reflect on some of his wise words, words that speak powerfully not only to his own time, but also to the moral condition of our present age.
Agur’s sayings are unique in that they combine humility, sharp observation, and a profound awareness of human depravity. Unlike many who speak with arrogance, Agur begins his discourse acknowledging human limitation and the need for divine wisdom. His reflections focus heavily on generational behavior, especially on a generation that trusts its own judgment rather than submitting to the authority of God.
This man’s words revolve around the generation that was coming and the one that was already present in his day: a generation that acted according to its own opinion, guided by self-perception rather than divine truth, with a dirty and empty heart. The description is unsettlingly familiar. When we examine modern society, we cannot help but ask ourselves if Agur’s words are not a mirror held up to our own time.
Specifically, we want to analyze the following verse, which captures the essence of his warning with striking precision:
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Proverbs 30:12
This verse exposes one of the most dangerous forms of deception: self-righteousness. Agur does not speak of people who openly admit their corruption, but of those who believe themselves to be morally clean while remaining spiritually polluted. This is a condition far worse than open rebellion, because it blinds individuals to their true state and removes any sense of need for repentance.
The message that Agur sends to generations that do not act under the command of the Lord, and that despise authority, family order, and divine instruction, is unmistakably clear. Such generations sow seeds of conflict that inevitably grow into bitter harvests. These conflicts manifest not only at a societal level, but also within families, communities, and individual lives, resulting in deep emotional, spiritual, and even physical wounds.
When people reject God’s commandments, especially those related to honoring father and mother, respecting authority, and submitting to truth, chaos follows. Order collapses, moral boundaries dissolve, and confusion becomes normalized. What begins as rebellion disguised as freedom eventually leads to bondage, anxiety, and widespread dysfunction.
It is astonishing to realize that the words of this verse were written more than two thousand years ago. Yet when one observes the current state of the world, one might easily believe that Agur was describing modern society. We live in a generation that celebrates impurity while claiming moral superiority, that normalizes perversity while labeling righteousness as hateful or regressive.
Good is called evil, and evil is marketed as good. Truth is treated as oppression, while lies are elevated as virtue. This generation seeks to redefine morality according to feelings, trends, and political agendas rather than eternal truth. As Scripture warns, such a society is not progressing forward, but spiraling downward.
They see themselves as social vigilantes, self-appointed guardians of justice, convinced they are on the “right side of history.” They aggressively seek to impose their repugnant ideas on anyone who does not submit to their nauseating concepts. Dissent is not tolerated, dialogue is silenced, and coercion replaces reason. In their pride, they believe themselves enlightened, while in reality they are blind.
Even worse, many sell themselves morally and intellectually, like a cheap prostitute, exchanging truth for money, influence, or acceptance. They gladly accept a monthly check to promote the designs of the dark rulers of this world, advancing ideologies that corrupt minds, destroy families, and undermine the foundations of society. Scripture reminds us that our struggle is not merely against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness.
Yet, despite the bleakness of this reality, not all is lost. God has always preserved a remnant. In the midst of this moral quagmire, believers are called to be light. Light does not blend in with darkness; it exposes it. We are not called to retreat in fear, but to stand firm in truth, courage, and righteousness.
We must stand against those who openly oppose God, making it clear that we will not allow the world to be completely covered by their filthy thinking. This resistance is not rooted in hatred, but in truth and love for what is right. Silence in the face of evil is not neutrality; it is complicity.
At the same time, our greatest responsibility is closer to home. Let us continue instructing our children in what is truly correct. Teaching the next generation biblical truth, moral clarity, and reverence for God is one of the most powerful acts of resistance against cultural decay. A generation grounded in truth cannot be easily manipulated by lies.
Let us also be a positive and godly influence for everyone around us. Our words, actions, and convictions should reflect the wisdom of God rather than the madness of the age. Light shines most brightly in darkness, and faithful obedience often speaks louder than arguments.
Agur’s warning reminds us that history repeats itself because human nature remains the same. Generations rise that are pure in their own eyes, yet stained with corruption. But Scripture also assures us that such arrogance has an end. Those who persist in perversion and rebellion will not escape judgment.
Therefore, let us take Agur’s words seriously. Let us reject self-righteousness, submit ourselves humbly to God, and remain anchored in His truth. In doing so, we will not be swept away by a deceived generation, but will stand firm until the end, confident that righteousness, not corruption, will have the final word.