The Wisdom of God for Everyday Life€¦ · Proverbs 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will ßourish like the green leaf. Proverbs 22:1 A good name is

ProverbsThe Wisdom of God for Everyday Life

Wednesday, August 3, 11


Wise Thinking about Wealth



“Many people have pondered the ‘problem of pain’. Few pause to ponder the problem of happiness.” -- J. A. Motyer, The Message of James



When scripture instructs about wealth it speaks of:

1. Perspective 2. Stewardship


Perspective:

1. Proverbs exposes the myths about wealth


Perspective:


Proverbs 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.


Perspective:


Proverbs 27:24 For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.


Perspective:

“God’s beautiful but tantalizing world is too big for us, yet its satisfactions are too small. Since we were made for eternity, the things of time cannot fully and permanently satisfy.” --Derek Kidner,


Perspective:

2. Proverbs helps us establish a Biblical perspective on wealth


Perspective:

2. Proverbs helps us establish a Biblical perspective on wealth

Proverbs 23:4-5 Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.

Proverbs 30:8 Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portionWednesday, August 3, 11

Perspective:

1 Timothy 6:6-9But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.


Stewardship:

3. Proverbs teaches us to exercise discipline with wealth


Stewardship:

“Gain all you can, Save all you can, Give all you can”--John Wesley


Stewardship: Gaining wealth

Proverbs 13:11 Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, But the one who gathers by labor increases it.Proverbs 14:23 In all labor there is profit, But mere talk leads only to poverty.Proverbs 28:19 He who tills his land will have plenty of food,But he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.Proverbs 10:4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand,

But the hand of the diligent makes rich.


Stewardship: Saving wealth

Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.Proverbs 21:20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.Proverbs 22:26 Do not be among those who give pledges, Among those who become guarantors for debts.


Stewardship: Giving wealth

Proverbs 3:9 Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce;Proverbs 19:17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.Proverbs 28:27 He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.




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The Wisdom of God for Everyday Life€¦ · Proverbs 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will ßourish like the green leaf. Proverbs 22:1 A good name is