We are told that "in all labor there is profit" (14:23). While all work is profitable, it is important to realize that some duties have far
greater payoffs than do others. Making sure that we do those things that have the highest benefit first is important. But the rest of this proverb says, "but mere talk leads only to
poverty" (NASU). Talk with no work gets nothing done. All the talk in the world will accomplish nothing if no action is taken to complete any plans.
"He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty '' (Proverbs
28:19, RSV).
Again we are told that doing the profitable things first will result in prosperity (plenty of bread). But following "worthless pursuits" will lead to
plenty of poverty. How can one tell the difference? It takes "wisdom" to discern what are "worthless pursuits" and what actions will bring prosperity.
The Bible tells us that being diligent - day in and day out - will eventually lead to leadership and prosperity:
"The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.'' (Proverbs 12:24).
It teaches us that one cannot be careless and have a "hit and miss" attitude toward responsibilities in work.
"He becomes poor who deals with a slack hand . . . '' (Proverbs 10:4).
Laziness brings on poverty. Sleeping during the time one should be harvesting will bring poverty like an armed robber:
"How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of
the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. " (Proverbs 6:9-11)
"[Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come [as] one that travelleth; and thy want
as an armed man. '' (Proverbs 24:33-34 )
We are told that the sluggard will not plow for the cold and that the love of sleep will create want:
"The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; [therefore] shall he beg in harvest, and [have] nothing. . . Love not sleep, lest thou
come to poverty; open thine eyes, [and] thou shalt be satisfied with bread.'' (Proverbs 20:4, 13).
The Bible teaches also that honesty really is the best policy in business dealings. Getting riches by lying will not last:
"The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. The robbery of the wicked shall
destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment. '' (Proverbs 21:6-7).
Treasures gotten by wickedness will not profit (Proverbs 10:2) and God hates diverse weights (Proverbs 20:23).
"Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. . . Divers weights [are] an abomination unto the LORD;
and a false balance [is] not good.''
While it is good to be prosperous we are also told that we should use our money for good. To give to the really poor and to those who have run into
circumstances through no fault of their own is a good thing:
"He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.'' (Proverbs 28:27).
When you give in the service of God you make God your partner:
"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy
presses shall burst out with new wine. '' (Proverbs 3:9-10).
There are things that are better than riches and we need to heed the Biblical wisdom regarding them. A good name is better than riches:
"A [good] name [is] rather to be chosen than great riches, [and] loving favour rather than silver and gold.'' (Proverbs 22:1).
To protect one's reputation is paramount. To forge that reputation is also very important.
Wisdom is better than gold (16:16) we are instructed.
"How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!'' (Proverbs 16:16).
So, should there be a choice between become wealthy or becoming wise, one should always choose the wisdom.
There are things money cannot buy. One of them is a prudent wife. Parents can give an inheritance but only God can supply a prudent wife (Proverbs
19:14). And of all the decisions one makes in this lifetime, the choice of a mate is probably the most important in determining one's overall happiness and contentment as well as
success.
Riches can be deceiving. There is an illusion regarding them. They seem to be a fortress (Proverbs 10:15) and the rich man thinks they are a high
protective wall (Proverbs 18:11). But they do not profit in the day of wrath (Proverbs 11:4). And the person who trusts in his riches will fall (Proverbs 11:28).
"The rich man's wealth [is] his strong city: the destruction of the poor [is] their poverty. . . . The rich man's wealth [is] his strong
city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. . . . Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. . . . He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the
righteous shall flourish as a branch.'' (Proverbs 10:15; 18:11; 11:4; 11:28)
The wisdom collected in Proverbs says to ask for neither riches nor poverty but just enough to be sufficient:
"Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].''
(Proverbs 30:9).
If too little, one would be tempted to steal. If too much, one could be tempted to forget that s/he needs God.
Finally we must be aware that to love money is to open ourselves to a root of all evils:
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out. And
having food and raiment let us be therewith content. '
" But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and
perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1
Timothy 6:6-10).
Love God. Use money for good. Strive for peace with all.
Written by: David L. Antion, Ph.D. |
