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Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.¹

How can the writer make such boast? Who is he? On what basis can he claim that every word of God proves true?

By observation, what is stated in the Proverb is that the writer is Agur son of Jakeh.² Nothing more is mentioned about him. And he seems to be lamenting about his situation—weary and worn out.³ Furthermore, he is demeaning himself by calling himself stupid, and seems to regret that he has not learned wisdom, nor have knowledge of the Holy One.⁴ Perhaps he has been schooled about Jewish laws and traditions—teachings and stories that have been passed down through their fathers.⁵ But he refused to listen; and, now he has to suffer the consequences.

The bible is Jesus’ story from Genesis to Revelation. The author may have had a partial revelation of the promised Messiah. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. . . .⁶ Indeed prophesies were written in the OT and have been substantially fulfilled both during the time of the OT and NT. Not surprisingly, as a Jew, God’s chosen race, he may have even experienced God’s goodness,⁷ faithfulness,⁸ and steadfast love⁹ to affirm that His word is true. He has personally tested the word to be true repeatedly. Yet, the author’s experience is limited; he merely sees in part. The promised Messiah has yet to be revealed.

We have an advantage. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of Scripture we might have hope.¹⁰ Our faith is anchored on a promise which had been fulfilled—“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!¹¹ (In response to Isaac’s question to Abraham—“Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”. . . and Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram . . .¹² Only in the account of John, NT, was the question ever answered).

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.¹³ Now, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.¹⁴

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”¹⁵