Proverbs 30:7-9

New Catholic Bible

Like Solomon^[a]

⁷Two things^[b] I ask of you;
    do not deny them to me before I die:
⁸Keep falsehood and lying far from me;
    give me neither poverty nor riches,
    but simply provide me with the food that I need.
⁹For if I have too much, I may deny you
    and say, “Who is the Lord?”
And if I am destitute, I may begin to steal
    and profane the name of my God.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Proverbs 30:7 In a humble prayer, human beings can ask for a good heart and, for the rest, their share of bread: what is necessary suffices (see Mt 6:11). Indeed, if wretchedness leads to the edge of revolt, wealth easily leads to contempt for God.
Proverbs 30:7 Two things: these sayings are fond of using lists (see vv. 15, 18, 21, 24, 29). See note on Prov 6:16-19.

Proverbs 30:7-9

New International Version

⁷“Two things I ask of you, Lord;
    do not refuse me before I die:
⁸Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
    give me neither poverty nor riches,
    but give me only my daily bread.^(A)
⁹Otherwise, I may have too much and disown^(B) you
    and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’^(C)
Or I may become poor and steal,
    and so dishonor the name of my God.^(D)