Money, Wealth, and Wisdom

By Greg Burdine, pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Adrian, MI

Read Proverbs 19. 

Actor and millionaire Will Smith said, “Money and success don’t change people; they merely amplify what is already there.” Nothing provides a clearer insight into a person’s inner life than money. The Apostle Paul warned that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus counseled that not only does money indicate the priority of our heart; it will determine the direction of our heart. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21).  

Money provides good things. It purchased my first car, our first home, and a good education for my children. But after the money is gone, we are left with the nagging question if we made a wise financial decision. Some things can be returned. Others are nonreturnable. 

Wealth is not a sign of wisdom or spiritual maturity, but how people handle their wealth is. Click To Tweet

Proverbs 19 provides many insights into finances. Wealth is not a sign of wisdom or spiritual maturity (verse 10), but how people handle their wealth is. It is better to be poor in wealth but rich in character (verses 1, 22). Personal integrity and honesty are far more valuable than financial security. Money clouds judgment and fuels false security. Friendship based only on our wealth is not true friendship (verse 4). 

Parents should work hard to provide for their children (verse 14), but parents who provide only money and possessions are poor providers. A good work ethic (verse 15), discipline in character (verse 18), and consistent instruction in God’s Word (verse 27) are better than a full bank account.

Reflective Questions: 

1. What can God do for you that money never will?
2. How have you demonstrated recently that God, not money or possessions, has your heart?
3. What can you do for someone in need today?

Memory Verse: 

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. Proverbs 19:17

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for providing for me all that I need. Help me be wise in how I handle all that you have given me.

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