The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
There is nothing inherently sinful about wealth. God gave King Solomon great wealth, and He continues to use the generosity of His people to fund important works of mercy and justice around the world. But God’s people are called to be very careful when it comes to the pursuit of wealth and very generous when it comes to caring for the poor. Money is more than a means to buy the things we need. It is power, and it always has been. Love of money is a “root of all kinds of evil,” because it is often the love of being able to wield power for our own benefit (1 Timothy 6:10).
Reflection Questions:
Have you ever financially over-extended yourself? If so, what did that experience teach you?
Read Proverbs 11:28. What else does God’s Word teach you about trust? Why shouldn’t you trust in your riches?
Being as honest with yourself as you can be, do you think you are a person who easily sees the poverty in and around you? Why is it important to remember that God made us all, regardless of our wealth or social status?
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41 thoughts on "Debt, Wealth, and Poverty"
Money comes and goes and it’s value constantly changes, but the Lord is a constant, never changing God. When we build our identity on His truth and what He says about us rather than the power we get from society that comes with money, we have achieved true and everlasting wealth. Invest your time, heart, money, and thoughts on things above rather than earthly riches.
Be wiser with my spending.
I have financially overextending myself in relationships. And it has taught me to wiser
Absolutely. In the beginning of our marriage we were really bad with our money. Twice we got into major credit card debt. Once my FIL helped us pay it off, which resulted in us doing it again because we didn’t have to work to pay it back.
Money comes and goes and can’t be trusted but God is always constant.
I think I see it but sometimes ignore it.. I don’t know where to start or what to do or who to help. It seems overwhelming to me.
God made us all. That can be hard because we can put ourselves on a pedal stool thinking we are better than others, but God loves us all the same. He loves us despite our status or wealth.
Yes, there have been times where I’ve financially over extended myself. As a matter of fact, I’ve over extended myself during this pandemic due to job changes and changes in finances. That experience taught me that I need to budget and be a good stewart of money because if I continue to over extended myself I will become a slave for the rich. Proverbs 11:28 teaches us that trusting in money will cause us to fall. You shouldn’t trust your riches because money it can’t buy the things that are priceless such as: Joy, peace, happiness, love and a place in God’s kingdom.
Look to your right and to your left in front and behind you will find someone in need.
I have financially over-extended myself several times. We are still financially over-extended with trying to pay off student loan debt and other types of debt. Reading through this was a good reminder to live within our means and give to others whenever we can
God made me who i am!
Churchmouse, this is so very true. If only……. But God.
I think financial stress can be the worst stress. Sometimes it’s hard to live within your means when your means barely covers life expenses. Struggling month after month is exhausting. I’m glad to be in a place where that doesn’t happen now but it’s memory makes me want to avoid regressing to that place at all costs. For those of you struggling financially, I’m sorry, I know it’s so tough.
Wealth is a “thing” not a savior. While wealth will not necessarily leave, it can. More importantly, it cannot save.
I back tracked because I missed a day. I loved this lesson. This made me look at myself again. I always got a new car every 4 years, coach purses ECT… Since I have drawn in to a closer relationship with our Lord I realized I don’t need this, I started buying bookbags and purses and filling them and donating, keeping bags in my car filled with items if I see someone in need. I feel so much more fulfilled, I will never go back to my selfish ways, thank you God for finding me and showing me the path I need to be walking.
The more money you have the harder it is to rely on God because more material needs are met. May we all use our finances big and small to bless others in some way!
Paula thank you for sharing, this spoke to me.
Look at giving as an opportunity to be that blessing for someone else. God is using you to shine His light!
(1) Yes, I have financially over-extended myself. It taught me how to live without and to made me realize how serious money is. It’s not just something to splurge and have fun with. It’s something that is of value and needed.
(2) God’s word teaches us not to put our trust in our finances but to put our trust in Him. We shouldn’t trust in riches because they come and go. They can easily be taken from us.
(3) No, I do not always see the poverty in and around me. Sometimes things are gray. People who look rich might have spent all their money to look that way but have little food to survive on for the week. It’s important to remember that God made us all, because we should still love each other regardless of how much we have or don’t have.
1) Have you ever financially over-extended yourself? If so, what did that experience teach you? I have learned to be discerning about debt. I have also learned to live below my means.
(2) Read Proverbs 11:28. What else does God’s Word teach you about trust? Why shouldn’t you trust in your riches? Scripture has taught me that trust, like all of our ways to make spiritual investment, is only fruitful when planted in God. I cannot trust my husband, if I don’t trust God first. Why? Because I will look to him to BE God instead of be a human. Money is the same. I cannot trust money, if I don’t trust God first. Because if I trust money first, I will worship it. I will look to it to BE God and money is simply NOT God. It cannot change the human heart. It cannot purchase the end of suffering and death. It cannot forgive sins or erase their impact. But when I trust God first money (like marriage) can be an avenue for bringing God’s kingdom here.
(3) Being as honest with yourself as you can be, do you think you are a person who easily sees the poverty in and around you? Why is it important to remember that God made us all, regardless of our wealth or social status? I think I am sincere in my ability to acknowledge poverty around me, but in me…. Hmmm… I think when I look daily into the mirror of Scripture I am more likely to see the poverty in me. When I drift, I think that is one of the first things to go. With regard to remembering God’s hand in creating all of us, it is our very human desire to be tribal. To make dividing lines of us and them. Us, We, are the “good guys”; Them, They, are the “bad guys”. Financial position is one of our favorite ways to do this. The rich hate the poor, the poor hate the rich. The songs we sing in those tribes are all about how the poor sealed their fate with their foolishness, laziness and sin; or the rich got their wealth with deceit, oppression and sin. And sometimes they did. But sometimes they did not. Our concern with outgrouping is a distraction from the real work of uprooting sin in our own lives.
Reaching towards riches and materialistic things will not satisfy. Instead it will draw the victim into a vicious cycle of wanting more. Only in God Himself that we truly find our fulness of satisfaction.
Luke 12:15: Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
I, like Kristen am amazed how tithing and being generous for years – remembering it is all God’s money – has blessed me with all my needs met. I can also relate to Lisa’s comment as Trust Me came to mind one morning this week and gave me such peace after waking up full of fear and confusion. I have been reading Psalms 91,37, 25 since the sweet words were delivered to me. Pam, I am glad your husband’s surgery is over and praying for you both.
I love the idea that we are all God’s, whether we have riches or not. I know I struggle with sometimes judging people based on their possessions. I live in an affluent area and sometimes it is easy to get caught up in comparing yourself with those around you. I pray that I would see myself and those around me the way God sees us, as his creation.
Thank you for sharing.
I can honestly say that money can have a hold on me. But know it does not bring joy, only the Lord can. I get stressed as I have a family member who is struggling with alcohol and the money goes there, I am praying for the Lord to take away the stronghold and chains that hold him, and that I can still have peace that the Lord will provide.
Riches eventually make you depressed.
The ground at the cross is level. God doesn’t care if I am rich or poor in the things “of this world” and I have certainly been at both ends of that spectrum. My husband and I had always tried to teach our son the difference between want and need. There are many in real need; physical needs as well as spiritual. God always sees us thru. He is faithful even when we are not.
You said it all! Trust in him and let him take care of you! I added you to my prayer list and I will be praying for you and your family!
Today was so good! Sometimes I struggle a little to answer some of the questions. But today I poured out in my notebook! Overextending myself financially years ago taught me what it means to be in debt financially and my daily needs, what’s it means to pull myself out of that debt, get back on my feet, and be more financially responsible! Looking back God brought me through so much!
God teaches us to pursue righteousness, Godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. He also tells us to store up our riches in Heaven where they cannot be destroyed, for the things of this world will pass away!
I see poverty through homeless people and I do try to help when I can. But I need to open my eyes to the bigger picture of poverty and do more!
God created us all equal. We need to love like Jesus. The first will be last and the last will be first, so we need to serve those below us and above us!
In the last several years, I have had the privilege to be involved with projects at an orphanage in Kenya. On my first trip, I was overwhelmed y the spirit of Joy and gratefulness to the Lord, in the kids and adults. I was often in tears as I saw how easily I find more joy in my finances and comforts. I also saw a people with very little, being generous to us. Again, I cried. That trip began a deeper work in me that is still in process. I really need very little, and want to seek joy in Him, and be generous as He leads.
Appreciate all who prayed for my husband’s surgery yesterday. It went great and he should come home today. The surgeon said it went “perfect” and he didn’t see any signs of cancer outside the prostate. He has some recovery ahead, but today I am so grateful for how the surgery went.
Several years ago when my daughter was caught in addiction and my so many things were not as I had hoped they would be God dealt with me on the money issue. I kept thinking falsely, that if I had enough money, I could save my daughter and make things right for my grandchildren. I finally realized I was making money my idol and somewhere in my head and heart was putting this idea above what I knew to be true, that God had, was and does always take care of me. So many times when I was in need or saw others in need He provided exactly for the need, even to the point of someone, a Christian giving me an envelope with a thousand dollars in it two days before my rent was due. God Almighty is able and money is just money. The Lord brought my daughter to His mercy seat, she has been clean 2 years now, and that has nothing to do with money, but everything to do with Jesus, God’s provision, mercy and grace. Praying for you Lindsay!! When I pay attention to His provision I am overwhelmed by all He gives me daily and my hands become open to others who have need. For His abundance flows through us when we can see that allHe gives multiplies as we give it away. Praise God for His generosity to our souls! Hugs Sisters He does not let us go, but pursues and convicts our hearts and draws us to Himself.
I live on a tight budget but it’s one I’m able to keep, so I don’t feel like I’m near poverty level. I’m very content with the little I have and it seems like every time something out of the ordinary comes up, the Lord provides in ways I don’t always understand. My struggle is giving out of the little I have. I’m not sure why because I’ve seen and know that His provisions are endless. So this is what I need to learn about trust. Trusting that I can give freely to God’s cause knowing that he’ll always provide for my needs. Praise the Lord!
We are all equal and very important to God no matter how much is in our bank account. Not one of us is greater than the other.
I’ve been really enjoying this series. Every day when I wake up I have to let go of my desire to seek security in my bank account. This season for us has been anxiety-inducing as we’re walking through financial hardship like we’ve never known. And if I seek security in our finances I’ll crumble. It is painful but it is growing. No matter where we end up in life I will always look back on this season and be thankful and I’ll take the lessons I’m learning with me. No option but to trust in His provision and His goodness. And I never want to forget that or forget that I need Him, especially when our bank account is full.
I love that this today’s devotion because I woke up just a little while ago with major anxiety over finances. We aren’t destitute, but we aren’t rich either. Countless times the Lord has come through for us in major ways financially, and just in the last 3 years even. I don’t know why I still get anxiety when I feel like the money is running too low. I have never gone without.
That being said, I have never been one to love money but rather security. I realize that after going through this devotion today. I would love any prayers on this.
I’m intrigued and yet not at all surprised at how each day in this study, I have been met with the exact message I’ve needed to receive. Today is no different. For me…grappling with Trust versus grappling with having an A,B,C plan at the ready has been something I’ve stepped fully into this year. And the shifts of energy have been life changing. Life changing.
The “love” of money sneaks up on you. This world has taught us to measure success by the number of zeros on our pay cheques, and the cost of living these days can feel very overwhelming. The whole world is preoccupied with money…as Christians, it’s easy to feel the same. I like the key verse today, and it sums it all up nicely. Whether we are rich or poor, we are God’s. In either position, we need to be dependent on Him for our security. What we have today, we could lose tomorrow, so be anchored in love for Him, not our possessions. And when you feel like you’re up against a wall and don’t know how you will put the next meal on the table, know that He knows your every need. He is faithful in all circumstances. We are His.
this is definitely something the Lord is working with me on. My security doesn’t come from from my bank account. It comes from Him. Oh how I needed this today.
During March/April, I had a reckoning with God over my love of money. The Lord taught me so much in the time of me not being able to work and relying on Him, and He provided for me in ways beyond my imagination. He was so faithful and worked with me through all my fears and anxieties of not having enough. I even began tithing during quarantine. Being in grad school and having ALOT of student debt, it can be so stressful with never feeling like I have enough money or feeling like I’ll be in debt forever, BUT GOD… (As Tina always says) is with me every step of the way. As I finish grad school in a few weeks and begin student loan payments for the next 15 or so years, He will be with me and He will provide for me. I need to constantly put my trust in Him over myself or my ability to work. He holds me in His hands!
“When we get to heaven, we’ll never wish we gave less.” One of my favorite sayings. Our culture constantly pushes us to “want more” – it’s never enough. It’s so anti-God. Our culture assesses a person’s success based on their economic status. We need to continually remember what the world says defines you is opposite of God. Our identity lies with God not the world and what it values.
Prov 11:28 shows me that I do put a lot of trust in riches, because I covet security and a predictable, comfortable life. These could be taken away any moment, and where would I be if my hope is not found in the Lord but in riches. Dear God help me be generous with all the riches you’ve given me, and I pray I seek you for security and peace.
Thank you, Churchmouse! Once again you have put your finger on the “heartbeat”, the one thing that is so important to those of us who are parents. As always your words are clear, precise and godly. I so appreciate your sharing with us and uplifting the SRT followers.
This isn’t an answer to the questions above, but I want to share about tithing. I never wanted to hear messages on tithing. I would basically hold my ears. Then, I was convicted about this. I had to ask the pastor about tithing, because he didn’t talk much about money. We started tithing, and God does provide. I heard this said that in God’s math, 90% is more than 100%. This is the only place that God says to test Him. The money is His. I have seen Him provide even when my husband was out of work. My friend had a third baby, bought a new house and car. They had two incomes. She really didn’t want to have to go back to her job. Her husband got a review and promotion way before they usually give the reviews. This allowed her to stay home. God provides and He is trustworthy!
Who wouldn’t trade their “riches” for their children to accept Christ, for the prodigal child to come home, for the addicted to be set free? Our riches are not our monetary wealth. Our riches are in Christ Jesus. It is a limitless resource for the believer. It gives us hope.