Enduring Wealth (Daily Encouragement)
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses silver. – Proverbs 8:17-19
We have been looking at what the book of Proverbs and the Scripture say about money and wealth. We have seen that money and wealth are a gift from God and can be a great good – as long as it does not become your “summum bonum”, your greatest good (Tim Keller, Proverbs). The continual call is to pursue and put your trust in the LORD, not wealth, and he will bless and provide (Matthew 6:33). “With Him” are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. Here are some practical ways Proverbs gives to produce “enduring wealth” and a prosperous life with the LORD:
Honor God with your firstfruits – Pr 3:9-10 “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” Giving to God’s family shows He’s your ultimate good, keeps from putting your trust in wealth and furthers His purposes.
Live Generously – Pr 11:24 – “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” A lifestyle of generosity leads to a richer life, keeping for yourself never satisfies. (see Luke 6:38)
Work Hard – Pr 10:4 – “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” Work is the means God has given to produce wealth – work in a way that honors Him.
Be Content (& not indulgent) – Pr 21:17 – “Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.” We live in a culture that makes pleasure the “summum bonum” – the greatest good. Enjoy what God provides, but don’t make it ultimate.
Patience – Pr 13:11 -“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Many believe we should have NOW what took our grandparents and parents a lifetime to build. There is no get rich schemes that last, build little by little.
Work to Provide for a household – Pr. 24:27 – Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Our culture is one of “extended adolecense” which spends in pleasure – work to prepare and provide for a household and a family that honors God.
Which is these areas have you experienced a prosperous life through? What is one that you would like to grow in?