“How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.”
Proverbs 16:16 AMP
Our verse today contrasts the most difficult struggle we have, be wise or be rich! We have seen throughout the book of Proverbs an emphasis on the acquisition wise as paramount to our world success. Many thinks of money and wealth as the main prize of this life. In reality, the true prize is having a right relationship with God! In knowing God then we can find the wisdom we need to be successful in this life!
“7The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.” Proverbs 1:7 AMP
We have seen time after time the pursuit of monetary wealth instead of wisdom can lead to a man’s destruction. Great men have scarified their souls for the temporary gain of wealth. Many famous people have suffered depression, despair, unhappiness, and even suicide in pursuit of this empty promise. The Scripture reminds us that,
“Better is a little with the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the LORD Than great treasure and trouble with it.”
Proverbs 15:16 AMP
Now Solomon, touted to be the richest man to live, understood this issue as he began his reign of Israel. We read about his encounter with God.
“That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask what I shall give to you.” 8Then Solomon said to God, “You have shown great lovingkindness and mercy to my father David, and have made me king in his place.9Now, O LORD God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10Give me wisdom and knowledge, so that I may go out and come in [performing my duties] before this people, for [otherwise] who can rule and administer justice to this great people of Yours?” 11God replied to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart and you did not ask for riches, possessions or honor and personal glory, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself so that you may rule and administer justice to My people over whom I have made you king, 12wisdom and knowledge have been granted you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor will those who will come after you.”2
Chronicles 1:7-12 AMP
The Apostle Paul gave warning about the trap of money to a young man entering ministry.
“But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9But those who [are not financially ethical and] crave to get rich [with a compulsive, greedy longing for wealth] fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction [leading to personal misery]. 10For the love of money [that is, the greedy desire for it and the willingness to gain it unethically] is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves [through and through] with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 1:8-10 AMP
The Bible does not say that being wealthy is an evil thing. In fact, some in the body have been given a gift to gain for the forwarding of the Kingdom of God. It is when the gain becomes the source of one’s life that the downward spiral begins. Paul gives Timothy some very good advise that we can follow.
“But as for you, [a]O man of God, flee from these things; aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 1:11-12 AMP
Where is your hope today? Is it in the rising of the stock market or the increase of an exchange rate? Remember that the things of this world are passing away and that God knows your need before you ask! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken