The Wisdom of God's Creatures

Introduction

Wisdom can come from many places, don’t you agree? Do you remember of a time your heard something that perked your ear, and you said huh! That’s pretty good! One of my idols growing up was, Bruce Lee. As a matter of fact, I named my dog after him. He was one of few Asians who I can remember looking up to. In reality, he was the only one that interested me. I watched his movies, and one of his biographies titled the Dragon: The Bruce Lee story with Jason Scott Lee. By the way, Jason did a marvelous job at portraying Bruce. It was a very moving biography. If you did not know this, the movie that catapulted Bruce to stardom in my opinion, was Enter the Dragon, starring Bruce Lee, Bolo Yeung, and John Saxon. In the movie, Bruce said one of the most, memorable lines of all times. This is what he said, “Don’t think! Feel. It is like a finger pointing away to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory.” That’s wisdom friends!

Wisdom can come from various sources. One of my idols growing up was, Bruce Lee. He was one of few Asians who I can remember looking up to. I watched his movies, and his biography, the Dragon: The Bruce Lee story with Jason Scott Lee. As a matter of fact, Jason Scott Lee did a marvelous job at his portrayal of Bruce. It was a very moving biography. In any case, the movie that I believe catapulted Bruce to stardom was Enter the Dragon, starring Bruce Lee, Bolo Yeung, and John Saxon. In that movie, Bruce said one of the most, memorable lines of all times. This is what he said, “don’t think! Feel. It is like a finger pointing away to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory.”

Although the line was good, it was a movie line. It wasn’t that Bruce came up with it. At a time when UFC wasn’t around, and some TVs were still showing in black and white, he was a man ahead of his time. As a matter of fact, I heard some people call him the first mixed martial artists of our time. Anyway, not only was Bruce a great fighter, he was also a man of wisdom. He was philosopher! It was in 1971, at the Pierre Berton Show, that Bruce said something that I cannot forget. He said,“You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip, and it can crash. Become like water my friend.” I appreciate that, because as a grappler there are times we need to stiff up and at times we need to flow. You must be like water and adapt to the fight. Be like water, my friend!

However, the most important wisdom given by Bruce was in an interview in the Pierre Berton Show. For you youngsters, the interview was done during the times when a lot of the TVs were still black and white. By the way, Bruce was considered the very first mixed martial artists, and that was before the days of the UFC. Bruce was a man ahead of his time. The wisdom he gave was the following, “You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip, and it can crash. Become like water my friend.” As a grappler you will understand what he is saying. You have to flow, you can’t be rigid. If you are rigid, you break and hurt yourself. You must be like water and adapt to the fight. Be like water, my friend!

I want to tell you that the Bible is full of wisdom, and sometimes it comes from the most unlikely of sources. The wisdom we are going to examine comes from the book of Proverbs. If you don’t know much about the Proverbs, it is mostly written in poetic form. The proverbs are wisdom sayings that demonstrate how the world generally works. The proverbs are not promises but general guidelines for you and me.

I want to tell you that the Bible is full of wisdom, and sometimes it comes from the most unlikely of sources. The wisdom we are going to examine comes from the book of Proverbs. If you don’t know much about the Proverbs, it is mostly written in the form of poetry. The Proverbs are wisdom sayings that demonstrate how the world generally works. It doesn’t guarantee that everything it says will happen. We assert that Proverbs are not promises but general guidelines for you and me.

I want to speak about a proverb written by Agur. He was a unique individual. He was enigmatic to say the least. Some believe that he wasn’t even a Hebrew. Allegedly, he was a sage from Arabia, who began as an agnostic and later became convinced by the God of the Bible. He was very pedestrian in thought, and his wisdom demonstrate divine imprints, which obviously were recorded in the Bible.

I want to share a proverb written by Agur. Agur was a unique person and very enigmatic, to say the least. Scholars believe that he wasn’t even a Hebrew. Allegedly, he was a sage from Arabia, who began as an agnostic and later became convinced by the God of the Bible. Nonetheless, he was very pedestrian in thoughts, and his wisdom had divine imprints, which were recorded in the Bible.

Agur was a very observant man. He understood the importance of being attentive and learning from the creatures that we often take as irrelevant. He marveled at creation and in , we can see how he sought the identity of the one who established the world. He realized the power of the one who created the world, and we should never overlook anything that God creates, even the little things.

Agur was a very observant man. He understood the importance of being attentive and learning from the creatures that we often view as irrelevant. It is a valuable lesson, especially for the young people. So, the message is that everything that God creates is good, so we should never overlook anything that God creates, even the little things. Each illustration that Agur gives us from nature contains a vital behavior that we can glean from it. It also teaches us that size does not matter. What we think is a weakness, it is indeed a strength. So, today’s sermon will answer the question: Why should we pay attention to God’s creatures? The answer is that we will find unique hidden characteristics or behaviors that are necessary for our Christian maturity.

In , Agur gives us illustrations of creatures from nature that have a key behavior that we shouldn’t overlook. He also teaches us that size does not matter. What we think is a weakness, it is indeed a strength. On today’s message we will answer the question: Why should we observe God’s creatures? The answer is that we will find unique hidden characteristics or behaviors that are necessary for the development of our Christian character.

Let’s begin with our first piece of wisdom.

Let’s begin with our first piece of wisdom.

The Ant can teach us about Prudence (25)

The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer ()

Have you ever carefully looked at how ants behave? Ants are little. We can easily crush them by stepping on them. We say that ants aren’t strong at all. Also, they are also very frustrating especially when they invade our homes and our eating areas. They love sugar, so if you leave some cake or a piece of fruit in the table, you’ll be sure to find them there.

The Ant can teach us about Prudence (25)

The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer ()

Did you know that ants are social insects and live in large colonies? These colonies may have millions of ants. They are also very organized and live in complex social structure. In their arrangement, they have a queen, whose sole job is to create colonies and lay eggs. There are also the male and female workers who gather food and defend the colony.

What did Agur see in these tiny creatures that are he deemed it exceedingly wise? Ants, although small, are very hard-working creatures. Not only do they work hard, but they are also very focused on their tasks. The line up every day to work, regardless of their roles, and work day and night. Let me read for you, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” Because ant colonies have millions of ants, they are persistent and determined to gather food. If you drop a sugar cube, the tiny thing will carry that back to their homes. That is why that even without a leader (queens are not leaders), they are patient and disciplined to gather enough to survive even during hard times. They collect enough in the summer so they can survive in the winter. So, just as tells us, we shouldn’t be lazy. Survival doesn’t require strength as stated in , but what we need is prudence. The wisdom of the ant rests on prudence. So what is prudence? It signifies carefulness. It means to manage our resources properly, to have the right judgment, and avoid reckless behavior, mainly when we talk.

Have you ever carefully looked at how ants behave? Ants are little. We can easily crush them by stepping on them. We say that ants aren’t strong at all. Also, they are also very frustrating especially when they invade our homes, particularly our kitchen. They love sugar, so if you leave some cake or a piece of fruit in the table, you’ll be sure to find them there.

I shouldn’t have to tell you this, but we have to be mindful whenever speaking with someone in a non-hurtful manner. Remember that the tongue is like a fire. warns us to be careful when we talk as it can say many evil things and hurt others.

But, did you know that ants are social insects who live in large colonies? These colonies may have millions of ants. They are very organized and structured. In their social arrangement, they have a queen, whose sole job is to create colonies and lay eggs. There are also the male and female workers who gather food and defend the colony.

What did Agur see in these tiny creatures that he deemed it exceedingly wise? Ants, although small, are very hard-working creatures. Not only do they work hard, they are also very focused on their tasks. The line up every day to work, regardless of their roles, and work day and night. says, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” Because there are millions of ants that need to be sustained during difficult times, they are persistent and determined to gather food. Have you ever seeing the tiny little ants carry pieces of food three times their sizes? Even without a leader (queens are not leaders by the way), they are patient and disciplined at their tasks. They collect enough food in the summer, so they can survive in the winter. So, the point is as indicates, we shouldn’t be lazy. Survival doesn’t require strength as stated in . Instead what we need is prudence. The wisdom of the ant rests on prudence. So, what is prudence? It signifies carefulness. It means to manage our resources properly, to have the right judgment, and avoid reckless behavior, especially in our talk.

But I’d like to highlight Jesus Christ as our great example of prudence. Jesus showed prudence in is when the Pharisee aimed to get Jesus to speak against the emperor on the question of taxes. He also shows us prudence in when the Jewish leaders demanded to know the source of Jesus’ authority, as he denied them the answer. Just as Jesus is prudent he commands us to be likewise, for he says, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (, ESV)

I shouldn’t have to tell you this, but we have to be mindful of what we say and how we say things. Remember that the tongue is like a fire. warns us to be careful when we talk as it can say many evil things and hurt others.

The moral of the story is that just as the ants show prudence by providing for bad times during good times, we also must nurture this attitude of prudence in our lives.

The Badger can teach us about Protection (26)

But I’d like to highlight Jesus Christ as our great example of prudence. Jesus showed prudence in on the question of paying taxes to Caesar. Likewise, Jesus commands us to be prudent, for he says, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” () The Bible tell us that we should be prudent in various areas of our lives, particularly with resources, time, finances, and other people. Even when we share the word of Christ with non-believers.

The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags ()

The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags ()

The moral of the story is that just as the ants show prudence by providing for bad times during good times, we also must nurture this attitude of prudence in our lives.

Just as the ants will teach us about prudence, what can the badger show us? Do you even know what a badger is? Also known as Syrian coney, or hyrax, or a rock rabbit. Badgers are little burrowing mammals with a broad back, short legs, and long claws. Because Agur was from the Middle East, he would have seen lots of them. They are found in the Jordan valley, the southern deserts of Israel, and they live around the rocks. Just in case you didn’t know, the Israelites weren't allowed to eat them, because they were considered unclean ().

The Badger can teach us about Protection (26)

Badgers are very lazy, as they love to spend time lying around. As a matter of fact, they spend 95% of their time basking in the sun. They are on vacation all the time. Imagine a life like that being on the beach, playing in the sand, laying in the sun, eating, and pooping all day like a turtle. I could live like that! Agur tells us that the badgers are a feeble folk. Just like the ants, they are not mighty. These creatures have little power. In fact, if they are not careful, they fall prey to leopards, giant birds, and even pythons.

The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags ()

However, Agur tells us there is something essential we can learn from them. He says that they make their homes in the crags. Agur is alluding to the fact they know something about safety and protection. You see, badgers live in groups between 10 and 80 and in the cracks of the rocks. They also love to sing, making a loud shrieking noise. To stay protected they post a sentry (usually the dad) to keep an eye from danger, and they won’t go farther than 150 ft. from their homes. If in danger, then the sentry sounds an alert, and the group quickly hide in the rocks.

Just as the ants will teach us about prudence, what can the badger show us? Do you even know what a badger is? Also known as the Syrian coney, or hyrax, or a rock rabbit. Badgers are little burrowing mammals with a broad back, short legs, and long claws. Because Agur was from the Middle East, he would have seen lots of them. They are found in the Jordan valley, the southern deserts of Israel, and they live around the rocks. Just in case you didn’t know, the Israelites weren't allowed to eat them, because they were considered unclean ().

Just like the sentry badgers we also have a God who looks after us and provides us a refuge. says, “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” God is our final refuge. In the same manner, He also charges us to watch and care for others. The strong protect the weak. The rich looks after the poor. The parents care and provide safety for their children. And just as says, we are to “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” We must cultivate the behavior of protecting and guarding those who are in need. Let us also be assured that we have a God who cares for us, guards us, defends us, cover us, and loves us. Likewise, let us protect and guard the weak, as noted in “Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

The Locust can teach us about Organization (27)

Badgers are very lazy, as they love to spend time lying around. As a matter of fact, they spend 95% of their time basking in the sun. They are on vacation all the time. Imagine a life like that being on the beach, playing in the sand, laying in the sun, eating, and pooping all day like a turtle. I could live like that! Agur tells us that the badgers are a feeble folk. Just like the ants, they are not mighty. These creatures have little power. In fact, if they are not careful, they fall prey to larger animals like the leopard, giant birds, and pythons.

“the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank;” ()

However, Agur tells us there is something important we can learn from them. He says that they make their homes in the cliffs. Agur is alluding to the fact they know something about safety and protection. You see, badgers live in groups between 10 and 80 and in the cracks of the rocks. They also love to sing, making a loud shrieking noise. To stay protected they post a sentry (usually the dad) to keep an eye from danger, and they won’t go farther than 150 ft. from their homes. When in danger, then the sentry sounds an alert, and the group quickly hide in the cliffs.

How many of you are organized? I used to be very much disorganized until my wife kept harping on me on how irresponsible I was. I’m still somewhat disorganized, but more out of fear. Organization is the next order of business, and for this, Agur highlights the locust. If you don’t know what a locust is, it is a large ugly insect that once they jump or fly on your face, you freak out. The locust is a type of grasshopper and most of the time it is harmless. As a matter of fact, in some countries, people eat lots of locusts. Particularly in some Asian countries, where the people consume them in abundance. Apparently, the locust is an excellent source of protein with minerals and fatty acids. Someone noted that it tastes like dry chicken, but you got to season it. The best way to eat them is roasted, with a bit of salt, tomatoes, and onions. Depending on how you cook it, it can be crunchy or soft. Honestly, I don’t care how you cook it, I won’t eat it.

In any case, the Bible makes references to the locust in several places (; ; ). The eighth plague of the Exodus is likely where most of us will remember concerning the effects of this creature. It was noted that God used to the locust in to cover the land of Egypt and eat all the trees of the field, filling their homes as they had never seen before. As noted previously, the locust is solitary and harmless most of the time. However, the locust knows the value of the organization. Even without a leader, under stress, the locust may change. United they learn to communicate with each other, changing their behavior, and creating havoc in anything that stands against them.

Just like the sentry badgers we also have a God who looks after us and provides us a refuge. says, “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” God is our final refuge. In the same manner, He also charges us to watch and care for others. The strong protect the weak. The rich looks after the poor. The parents care and provide safety for their children. And just as says, we are to “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

It was noted in 1889 that a swarm of locust covered 2000 square miles of the Red Sea. It was so large that the horde weighted 500,000 tons with a total of 250 billion locusts. Through the example of the locust we learn this idea of teamwork and unity. In contrast, lone ranges struggle with consensus, harmony, but the team player knows the value and power of organization.

Let us also be assured that we have a God who cares for us, guards us, defends us, cover us, and loves us. Likewise, let us protect and guard the weak. Cultivate the behavior of protecting and safeguarding those in need.

The Locust can teach us about Organization (27)

Just as the locust organize in unity, we as a church are also one in essence, for Paul says, “so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (, ESV). We are founded on the gospel of Jesus Christ, united by one Lord and indwelt by one Spirit. As a church, we cannot be divided, as that is the tendency of men. We must be reminded that unity the church transcends all barriers, “Here there is not Greek, and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” (, ESV). The church is expressed in fellowship with God (); meeting together with another (); and with the purpose of leading others to faith. As John says, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (, ESV).

Like the locust we must be joint in the unity, fleeing from racial tensions, personal ambitions, the spirit of partisanship, disputes, and greed. As appeals, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (, ESV). Let us be cognizant on the power of organization and the importance of unity in our church.

How many of you like organization and structure? I used to be very much disorganized until my wife kept harping on me on how irresponsible I was. I’m still somewhat disorganized, but more out of fear.

The Lizard can teach us about Boldness (28)

How many of you like organization and structure? I used to be very much disorganized until my wife kept harping on me on how irresponsible I was. I’m still somewhat disorganized, but more out of fear.

“the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.” ()

Agur highlights the locust. If you don’t know what a locust is, it is a large ugly insect that once they jump or fly on your face, you freak out. The locust is a type of grasshopper and most of the time it is harmless. As a matter of fact, in some countries, people eat lots of locusts. Particularly in some Asian countries, where the people consume them in abundance. Apparently, the locust is an excellent source of protein with minerals and fatty acids. Someone noted that it tastes like dry chicken. Depending on how you cook it, it can be crunchy or soft. Honestly, I don’t care how you cook it, I won’t eat it.

The last creature in our study is the lizard. Lizards are small, and we can comfortably hold them in the palm of our hands. We find them in deserts, forests, prairies, rocky areas, and at times in the most of unlikely of places. Have you ever notice lizards climbing on walls? That is because they have pads in their feet, consisting of wide plates. In turn, the outer part of the plate contains numerous hooks that create a suction pump condition. It lets them run on walls, up and down.

Agur concedes that lizards are small, yet the lizards use their size and ability to their advantage. As such, we can find them in the most unlikely of places, including the king’s palaces. For our time, we may find them in places where most of us wouldn’t be able to go, such as the White House, or the halls of Congress. If you ever go to a vacation spot, like Jamaica, or the Cancun, you’ll also find them in your expensive beach room. These little creatures enjoy the high life, spending time in prominent places, and chilling in luxury rooms.

In any case, the Bible makes references to the locust in several places (; ; ). The eighth plague of the Exodus is likely where most of us will remember concerning the effects of this creature. It was noted that God used to the locust in to cover the land of Egypt and eat all the trees of the field, filling their homes as they had never seen before.

The locust is solitary and harmless most of the time. However, the locust knows the something about structure and organization. Under stress, the locust can automatically change its behavior. In 1889 it was said that a swarm of locust covered 2000 square miles of the Red Sea. It was so large that the horde weighted 500,000 tons with a total of 250 billion locusts. This shows us that the locust even without a leader, in stress, they will communicate with each other, and change behavior, creating havoc in anything that stands in their way.

So what is the hidden message the author is trying to tell us through the example of the lizard? Essentially, the message is that size does not matter, and what we need is boldness. There is no place where lizards are not willing to go. Lizards are explorers, adventures, and risk-takers, for they are not afraid of the consequences. You also knew that lizards can also save you in your car insurance! Because of their boldness, lizards know how to live life in the high places.

Through the locust, we learn this idea of teamwork and unity. We learn organization, structure, and to march in rank. Just as the locust organize in unity, we as a church are also one in essence, for Paul says, “so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (). We are founded on the gospel of Jesus Christ, united by one Lord and indwelt by one Spirit. We must be reminded that unity the church transcends all barriers, “there is not Greek, and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” We as a united church proclaim the gospel with a goal of leading others to faith. As John says, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” ().

It is wise for us to develop boldness. How does the Bible view boldness? One who is bold is willing to undertake activities that involve risk or danger. Mainly when it requires honesty and courage to speak and act righteously.

So what does the Bible tell us about Holy Boldness?

Like the locust we must be joint in the unity, fleeing from racial tensions, personal ambitions, the spirit of partisanship, disputes, and greed. As appeals, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (, ESV). Like the locust, let us be cognizant on the power of organization, develop team work, and attain unity in our church.

The Lizard can teach us about Boldness (28)

· First, the saints are characterized by it, as says “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”

“the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings’ palaces.” ()

· Second, we ask for boldness in our prayers, as states, “and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,”

· Third, Christ is our example of boldness, for reminds “And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?”

The last creature in our study is the lizard. Lizards are small, and we can comfortably hold them in the palm of our hands. We find them in deserts, forests, prairies, rocky areas, and at times in the most of unlikely of places. Have you ever notice lizards climbing on walls? That is because they have pads in their feet, consisting of wide plates. In turn, the outer part of the plate contains numerous hooks that create a suction pump condition. It lets them run on walls, up and down.

Agur concedes that lizards are small, yet the lizards use their size and ability to their advantage. As such, we can find them in the most unlikely of places, including the king’s palaces. For our time, we may find them in places where most of us wouldn’t be able to go, such as the White House, or the halls of Congress. If you ever go to a vacation spot, like Jamaica, or the Cancun, you’ll also find them in your expensive beach room. These little creatures enjoy the high life, spending time in prominent places, and chilling in luxury rooms.

· Finally, it is only through faith in Christ that we will have boldness and confidence in all things. (, ESV)

So what is the hidden message the author is trying to tell us through the example of the lizard? Essentially, the message is that size does not matter, and what we need is boldness. There is no place where lizards are not willing to go. Lizards are explorers, adventures, and risk-takers, for they are not afraid of the consequences. Because of their boldness, lizards know how to live life in the high places.

Like the lizards, let us cultivate the spirit of boldness.

It is wise for us to develop boldness. How does the Bible view boldness? One who is bold is willing to undertake activities that involve risk or danger. Mainly when it requires honesty and courage to speak and act righteously.

Conclusion

Let’s recap the four points as to why should we pay attention to God’s creatures. It is because:

So what does the Bible tell us about Holy Boldness? First, saints are characterized by it (). Second, we must ask for boldness in our prayers (). Third, Christ is our example of boldness (). Finally, it is only through faith in Christ that we will have boldness and confidence in all things ().

A lot of times when we do not share the gospel with our friends is because we lack boldness. The whole world needs Jesus, so be bold and share the good news of Christ with your non-believing friends. Don’t forget to ask the Spirit of God to gives us the right words to speak and that He will give us the boldness to share the gospel. ()

1. The ant can teach us about prudence

Like the lizards, let us cultivate the spirit of boldness.

2. The badger can teach us about protection

Conclusion

3. The locust can teach us about organization and unity

Let’s recap the four points as to why should we pay attention to God’s creatures. It is because:

4. The lizard can teach us about boldness

Let me finish with this quick observation from Origin in his book Origin against Celsus. He argues that it is not that these animals possess wisdom nor reason, but a natural constitutional tendency implanted by the Creator to preserve themselves. It is such determinate inclination of preservation that we can learn certain kinds of help. When Agur used these animals as examples in the mode of the Proverbs, there was somewhat of secret meaning. They are like riddles which hid the truth from people incapable of receiving them but reveal to those who were able to obtain them. Because these truths have been shown to you, please treasure them, nurture them, and use them for the kingdom of God, and for the Glory of our one and only true God.

1. The ant can teach us about prudence

2. The badger can teach us about protection

3. The locust can teach us about organization and unity

4. The lizard can teach us about boldness

Let me finish with this quick observation from Origen of Alexandria, one of the early church fathers. He argues that it is not that these animals possess wisdom nor reason, but a natural constitutional tendency implanted by the Creator to preserve themselves. It is such determinate inclination of preservation that we can learn certain kinds of help. When Agur used these animals as examples in the mode of the Proverbs, there was somewhat of secret meaning. They are like riddles which hid the truth from people incapable of receiving them but reveal to those who were able to obtain them. Because these truths have been shown to you, please treasure them, nurture them, and use them for the kingdom of God, and for the Glory of our one and only true God.