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?
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.