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Wealth

I sometimes think that money will save me. If I get in a tight spot, I know I can whip out my credit cards. I used to trust in my 401k.

  • God was willing to give King Solomon anything he wanted.
  • Solomon asked for wisdom.
  • Despite his wealth as King, he knew that money was not the answer.

God is the answer. Jesus will see me through when everything falls apart. It is interesting that on our money it says, “In God we trust”.

Amen.

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. [1]

~King Solomon (Proverbs 11:4)

The verse Proverbs 11:4 is attributed to King Solomon, the son of David and the third king of Israel. He was known for his wisdom, wealth, and power, but also for his idolatry and apostasy in his later years. He wrote most of the book of Proverbs, which holds practical and moral instructions for living a godly life.

The verse contrasts the value of riches and righteousness in the face of God’s judgment. Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, meaning that they cannot save anyone from God’s anger and punishment for sin. Riches cannot buy forgiveness, peace, or eternal life. They are temporary and fleeting, and they often lead to pride, greed, and injustice.

But righteousness delivers from death, meaning that those who live according to God’s will and commands are saved from the ultimate consequence of sin, which is eternal separation from God. Righteousness is not something that humans can achieve by their own efforts, but it is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. Righteousness is also a way of life that reflects God’s character and values, such as justice, mercy and love.

We should not trust in our wealth or possessions, but in God who gives us everything we need. We should seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and he will add everything else to us (Matthew 6:33). We should also use our resources wisely and generously to honor God and serve others, knowing that we will receive a reward in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Pr 11:4.