In the previous verses, Agur looks at the world around him, lamenting a generation that is disrespectful, filthy, and proud. His thoughts reach a climax as he compares his generation to a horseleach. This is an unusual term, but refers to the ancient medical attempts to cure disease by leaching the blood from the sick patient. And the life-sapping sucking of the leach is Agur’s best description of his experience with life. Perhaps you can relate to Agur. It may seem that all is against you, determined to sap your energy, your faith, your hope. The more you give, more is demanded and more is taken. Your perception may not be far from reality. But there is another reality that Agur remembered earlier in the chapter. “He is a shield unto them that put their trust in them.” Though God tries with sore trials, He can never be compared to a leach. Instead, through the trials, He infuses with grace, compassion, and strength for each moment. As the world collapses around you, you need a shield. God is a very present help in time of trouble.