Money Matters and More

If you're feeling like some areas of your day-to-day life need some organization (or an overhaul), Proverbs sure is the book to read. It's almost exhausting sometimes to read, isn't it? Well, let's all remember that "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

Solomon gives more advice on money matters in Proverbs 13. The first is really more of an observation and advice on how we should view money. He says, "One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth" (Prov. 13:7). Stories abound about wealthy people appearing in public and presenting themselves as "average" people. I always like to hear about these stories. I think they help in many ways. First of all, if you are wealthy, you shouldn't be showing it off. God gave it to you in the first place, and it is wise to remember that. Secondly, if you are not so wealthy, you are probably more of a victim to that disease of wishing you had what someone else has. I have found that people who look like they have a great deal of money often don't. They have numerous creditors instead! You cannot judge wealth by appearances. And does it really matter anyway?

So what should we all do in managing our money? We should not crave wealth, but God does make us stewards of what He has blessed us with. Furthermore, verse 22 does say, "A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children." The Bible is full of direction in how to manage our finances. Verse 11b says, "[H]e who gathers money little by little makes it grow." Our society has trained us to want things immediately. But that is not God's way; therefore, that is not the way of wisdom.

This leads to an area related to money matters. What does it take to save money? Diligence and discipline. We must also consider an opposite trait: laziness. Most of us struggle with this in some area of our lives. What warning does God give? "The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied" (Prov. 13:4). If you really want something, you'd better be prepared to work for it. God does bless us with things when we don't deserve them, but because He is a God of justice, He also rewards people for their hard work. And don't you just feel better when you've accomplished something, particularly when you didn't feel like doing it? The phrase "A clean house is a godly house" just popped into my head. Hmmm...sigh!

There are two other verses I found in Proverbs 13 that I'd like to share.

"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice" (Prov. 13:10). Isn't that true? When we humble ourselves, things seem to be so much more peaceful. And when you are humble, it's easier to accept your flaws and learn how to improve in those areas. Who wouldn't want to improve himself or herself?

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm" (Prov. 13:20). Here is yet another warning about choosing your company. Whatever you are allowing yourself to be exposed to, whether it's the people with whom you interact, the television shows you watch, or the food you eat, that is what you will become. We must be very careful about what we take into our minds, hearts, and bodies.

Being a Christ-follower is a tough business. No one ever said it would be easy. Jesus said that His burden is light, though, compared to the burdens we carry with our own strength alone. So remember today that He's there to help you carry whatever it is you're dealing with. Give up your humanly pride and ask Him for some help. He wants you to look like Him, so He's eager to help you.