True Riches
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.” Proverbs 10:2 NLT
It is interesting how Solomon the richest person in ancient history provides many lessons about money and priorities. The more one has, the more one understands that having more isn’t the answer. That doesn’t mean it is more “godly” to be poor than rich or that having money automatically makes a person suspect of a corrupt moral nature.
That is why it is the “love” of money that is decried by scripture. That is why Solomon speaks of “tainted” or ill-gotten wealth. When we achieve at the expense of others or our gain is someone else’s loss, that is a problem.
I recall the adage that guides a balanced perspective. “Use money, love people; don’t Use people and love money.” Selfishly “using” people to gain wealth is what Solomon would say is “tainted wealth” and has no lasting value. It may, like sin, provide satisfaction for a “season” but in the long run that which is highly valued by people, is found to be of no eternal worth.
The other challenge that Solomon challenges is in the blessing that we seek. Do we seek the blessings that comes being “rich” in what the Lord provides or just what money provides. Once again we are reminded that Jesus said, “it is hard for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:24)
Solomon put it this way, “The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22 NLT)
Do we seek the Lord’s blessing as our source of satisfaction? The Lord’s blessing speaks of His favor. It reminds us the richness of friendship and the value of family unity.
The 2007 movie, “The Bucket List” finds two men facing a terminal illness. A blue-collar mechanic (played by Morgan Freeman) and a billionaire (played by Jack Nicholson). At the end of the movie after the two were together for their joint adventures, we find a stark contrast. The billionaire is seen alone fixing a frozen dinner and the blue-collar mechanic is pictured at a dinner table full of family, laughter and love.
We don’t have to choose financial security and means over family, but we do need to choose that which we will value above the other. Especially if seeking “blessing” through financial gain results in sacrificing family and and our integrity and the blessing the Lord alone can provide.
Prayer for today…. Lord thank You for the practical guidance we receive from Your Word. Help us to always seek Your blessing that makes us truly rich.