Agur

AGUR. We read a Chapter in the book of Proverbs with this title, The words of Agur the Son of Jakeh, which, according to the signification of the original terms, may be translated thus, Verba congregantis, filii vomentis; or according to Lewis de Dieu, The words of him who has recollected himself, the Son of obedience. The generality of the Fathers and Commentators will have it, that Solomon describes himself under the name of Agur the Son of Jakeh¹. Others conjecture that Agur as well as Lemuel, in Chap. xxxi. 1. were wise Men who lived in the time of Solomon, and were his Interlocutors in the book of Proverbs, an Opinion without the least shew of probability. This book is nothing like a Dialogue. It is likely enough that Agur was an inspired Author, different from Solomon, whose sentences it was thought convenient to join with those of this Prince, because of the conformity of their matter. What could ever have obliged Solomon to disguise his name in this place? for what reason could he have chang’d his style and manner of writing in this Chapter only? for it is certain that the thirtieth Chapter of Proverbs is penn’d in a way very different from the rest of the book: Besides, could it become Solomon to say as this Author does in the second verse, Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the Understanding of a man. And to speak after this manner to God, Give me neither Poverty nor Riches: Certainly these words are not consistent with the dignity of a King like Solomon. But who then was Agur? when and where did he live? This is what no one has yet been ever able to tell us.

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