Proverbial Post 5; Proverbs 14-15

May the mumbling commence!

Wealth and money are blessings, but it is essential to use it in a godly way.  Proverbs 14-15 speak some to this issue.  Read some words of wisdom on this matter from chapter 14:

            The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

                        But the tent of the upright will flourish. (Verse 11)

Do not seek to build grand mansions – they will eventually be robbed and destroyed.  Instead, live knowing that we are aliens in this land.  Live in tents.  I don’t think this means live in literal tents, but it does mean living within our means with respect to all creation.  Read another verse:

           

            He who despises his neighbor sins,

                        But blessed is he who is kind to the needy. (Verse 21)

Living in tents means saving some money back to be kind to the needy.  Otherwise, we will hoard and fall into sin.  Think this is an anomaly?  Read another verse:

            He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,

                        But whoever is kind to the needy honors God. (Verse 31)

It basically comes down to what we most treasure.  Read a verse from Proverbs 15:

            The house of the righteous contains great treasure,

                        But the income of the wicked brings them trouble.  (Verse 6)

Know that the righteous person’s treasure does not equate with a rich retirement with lots of toys and travel and luxuries.  Because the righteous realize the wisdom found in another verse of Proverbs 15:

            Better a little with the fear of the Lord

                        Than great wealth with turmoil. (Verse 16)

The love of money rather than God can only lead to trouble and bribes to look the other way.  Read another wise saying below:

            A greedy man brings trouble on his family,

                        But he who hates bribes will live. (Verse 27)

Either we store up treasures in heaven by living in harmony with everyone and all creation (following the Lord’s command, by the way) or we hoard provisions and knowledge and rain destruction and trouble on our heads and the heads of those closest to us.  The choice is easy; the execution is difficult.

Lord, help us to use our wealth – our money, our possessions, our ideas, and knowledge – in a way that lifts others up and glorifies the Name of our Great Creator.

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out