Biblical integrity stems from God’s wisdom. He who possesses it, has acquired true wealth. Solomon, who was one of the richest men in the history of the world, made the following declaration (Prv 3:13-15), “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, (14) for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. (15) She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare to her.” If we seek and find God’s wisdom, we can acquire godliness.
How does this truth relate to material wealth? First, we should remember having money is not evil. We must resist the temptation to think that all rich people are evil and all poor people are victims. God supplies to all a portion of possessions according to his will that we are required to steward for his glory. Further, money within itself is simply a tool. It is how we use it that sometimes becomes the problem. When we take such a provision from God and pervert its use for self-centered living, Solomon calls such a person crooked. What perverts our use of money is our love of it. From this ungodly affection springs forth all sorts of sins and evils. It leads us down a destructive and dissatisfied path. Paul taught (1 Tim 6:10), “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
As we examine our focus verse of this devotional, we must ask ourselves this question: is Solomon implying that poor people are righteous and rich people are wicked? No! He is simply using an extreme example to make the following point: it is better to be poor (and right with God) lacking in worldly goods and socio-economic esteem before men, than to have riches of the world with its material comforts and be spiritually doomed (cf., Mk 8:36).
How do we avoid the snare of the love of money? Be thankful for whatever God has (already) provided you. Pray continually for your needs with a heart of patient endurance. Be content with how much (or little) he gives you in each season. It is through godly contentment that we are able to holdfast to our faith and integrity no matter the socio-economic class system in the world you find yourself (cf., Phi 4:10-13). It is through this way of thinking about our possessions (especially money) that we recognize what true wealth is. It is to know God and obey his Word by his wisdom. What we love is what we place our confidence in. In any season, money will forsake us. Solomon cautions us (Prv 23:4-5), “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. (5) When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle towards heaven.” Let us trust in that which is everlasting (eternal) over that which is fleeting (temporal). Amen!
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com