AP

Day 27: Wealth – part 1

We have nothing that is not given to us from the Lord. Therefore, let us lift up our hearts to Him in gratitude, and may we hold lightly the things of this world, using them to honour Him and bless others. On the verge of the Promised Land, Moses warned the Israelites, “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish (Deut. 8:17-19).”

Wealth is a test of where we stand before God. Wealth can be of some benefit in this life (Prov. 10:15), but on the Day of Judgment it will be worthless (Prov. 10:22). Do not hoard it or be hindered by it. The proverbs show us that righteousness is infinitely better than wealth (Prov. 11:4). The proverbs also show us that it is not wise to trust a complete stranger (Prov. 11:15), yet may we show kindness to strangers as is pleasing to the Lord (Heb. 13:2).

A rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.

– Prov. 10:15

The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

– Prov. 10:22

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

– Prov. 11:4

When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too.

– Prov. 11:7

Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.

– Prov. 11:15

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

– Prov. 11:28

Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

– Prov. 11:29

Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread.

– Prov. 12:9

One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

– Prov. 13:7

Lord God, please do not give us wealth if it is a millstone to us. Do not give us fruitless joys. Instead, we pray to have minds that seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness.

We have nothing if not from Your hand. Guard our hearts against greed and discontent.

We seek that Kingdom which is eternal and whose King and Lord is Jesus Christ.

Amen.

– Graham Barnes