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²⁷ For the worship of idols not to be named
is the beginning and cause and end of every evil.
²⁸ For their worshippers^* either rave in exultation,
or prophesy lies, or live unrighteously, or readily commit perjury;
²⁹ for because they trust in lifeless idols
they swear wicked oaths and expect to suffer no harm.
³⁰ But just penalties will overtake them on two counts:
because they thought wrongly about God in devoting themselves to idols,
and because in deceit they swore unrighteously through contempt for holiness.
³¹ For it is not the power of the things by which people swear,^*
but the just penalty for those who sin,
that always pursues the transgression of the unrighteous.

Benefits of Worshipping the True God

15But you, our God, are kind and true,
patient, and ruling all things^* in mercy.
² For even if we sin we are yours, knowing your power;
but we will not sin, because we know that you acknowledge us as yours.
³ For to know you is complete righteousness,
and to know your power is the root of immortality.

Sayings of Agur

30The words of Agur son of Jakeh. An oracle.

Thus says the man: I am weary, O God,
   I am weary, O God. How can I prevail?^*
2 Surely I am too stupid to be human;
   I do not have human understanding.
³ I have not learned wisdom,
   nor have I knowledge of the holy ones.^*
4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
   Who has gathered the wind in the hollow of the hand?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
   Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is the person’s name?
   And what is the name of the person’s child?
   Surely you know!

⁵ Every word of God proves true;
   he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
⁶ Do not add to his words,
   or else he will rebuke you, and you will be found a liar.

⁷ Two things I ask of you;
   do not deny them to me before I die:
⁸ Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
   give me neither poverty nor riches;
   feed me with the food that I need,
⁹ or I shall be full, and deny you,
   and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
or I shall be poor, and steal,
   and profane the name of my God.