Thought for the Day

Agur used confession, rhetorical questions, statements, and prayer to instruct Ithiel and Ucal. The remainder of his instruction was given in the form of proverbs, beginning with today's verse, which warns against accusing a servant to his master. In Agur's time, it was common practice to treat servants inhumanely. Ungodly masters often acted on the word of their social equals, so as not to insult them. If a man's friend or acquaintance accused his servant of wrong, the wicked master often had his servant beaten or even executed. Servants had no rights, even when innocent. Even light punishment brought great hardship. Agur understood that God upholds justice for all of His people, whatever their position, and holds all accountable that needlessly stir up trouble, especially out of pride or spite. It is never good to speak ill of those in lowly positions to their employers or supervisors. Many such people are struggling to make a living. Undue criticism might deprive them of desperately needed jobs or raises. It is wicked to cause others needless suffering because of our own our pride, or because we are impatient or in a bad mood.

Christian employers should protect trusted workers from abuse and never accept unproven accusations against them. Customers often become unnecessarily impatient regarding service or disgruntled about merchandise. Instead of discussing a problem civilly, some customers berate the employee who is trying to help them, then demand to speak to a supervisor to accuse the employee of wrongdoing. In many cases, the supervisor finds his employee is not at fault, but that the customer is guilty of a bad attitude.

God is the creator of all mankind: each life is important to Him, and He is no respecter of men. He looks on peoples' hearts, not their outward appearance or accomplishments. All who are born into God's family through Christ become brothers and sisters in Him. We are to honor each other, as well as all others; regardless of their class, race, position, age, or sex. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Romans 12:10). We are to especially honor elders at church and widows (1 Timothy 5:1-3,17); our employers and supervisors (or masters: 1 Timothy 6:1-2); our parents (Matthew 19:19), and people in authority (Romans 13:1-7). Above all, we must honor God Himself. One way in which we honor Him is by obeying His Word. "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Timothy 1:17).