January 24, 2024

What Does the Bible Say About Being Rich?

Proverbs 19

James Rosales
Wednesday's Devo

January 24, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 24, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 24, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

January 24, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely; God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 19:22

What is desired in a man is steadfast love,
and a poor man is better than a liar.

Proverbs 19

1  Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity
    than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
2  Desire 1 19:2 Or A soul without knowledge is not good,
    and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
3  When a man's folly brings his way to ruin,
    his heart rages against the LORD.
4  Wealth brings many new friends,
    but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
5  A false witness will not go unpunished,
    and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
6  Many seek the favor of a generous man, 2 19:6 Or of a noble
    and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
7  All a poor man's brothers hate him;
    how much more do his friends go far from him!
He pursues them with words, but does not have them. 3 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew sentence is uncertain
8  Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;
    he who keeps understanding will discover good.
9  A false witness will not go unpunished,
    and he who breathes out lies will perish.
10  It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,
    much less for a slave to rule over princes.
11  Good sense makes one slow to anger,
    and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
12  A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion,
    but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13  A foolish son is ruin to his father,
    and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.
14  House and wealth are inherited from fathers,
    but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15  Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,
    and an idle person will suffer hunger.
16  Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;
    he who despises his ways will die.
17  Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,
    and he will repay him for his deed.
18  Discipline your son, for there is hope;
    do not set your heart on putting him to death.
19  A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,
    for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
20  Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    that you may gain wisdom in the future.
21  Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
    but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
22  What is desired in a man is steadfast love,
    and a poor man is better than a liar.
23  The fear of the LORD leads to life,
    and whoever has it rests satisfied;
    he will not be visited by harm.
24  The sluggard buries his hand in the dish
    and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25  Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
    reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26  He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
    is a son who brings shame and reproach.
27  Cease to hear instruction, my son,
    and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28  A worthless witness mocks at justice,
    and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
29  Condemnation is ready for scoffers,
    and beating for the backs of fools.

Footnotes

[1] 19:2 Or A soul
[2] 19:6 Or of a noble
[3] 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew sentence is uncertain
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #18: A false witness

Fact: A false witness

A false witness is someone who testifies dishonestly against another person (19:5).

Some Essential Features of a Good Life (Proverbs 19)

Some Essential Features of a Good Life (Proverbs 19)

listen to instruction vv. 16, 20
be kind to the poor v. 17
be involved in your children’s lives and discipline them v. 18
avoid friendships with those who lack self-control v. 19
acknowledge the rule of God v. 21
understand that love and integrity are what bring real happiness v. 22
fear the Lord v. 23
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 19:2 Whoever makes haste with his feet likely refers to an impulsive person who acts without thinking or planning. He has a desire to get somewhere but does not have sufficient knowledge to reach his goal.

Study Notes

Prov. 18:23–19:4 These proverbs observe misfortune from various angles.

Study Notes
Proverbs Fact #18: A false witness

Fact: A false witness

A false witness is someone who testifies dishonestly against another person (19:5).

Study Notes

Prov. 19:5–9 Verses 5 and 9 begin and end this section with virtually identical wording. Verse 5 stresses the importance of honest testimony (for more on the dangers of the false witness, see 6:19; 12:17; 14:5). In this context, which focuses on poverty and misfortune, “false witness” could relate either to those who exploit the poor in the courts or to poor people who give false testimony in return for money.

Study Notes

Prov. 19:11 In many cultures, any sign of disrespect challenges a man’s honor. He can defend it only by fighting the person who insults him. Overlooking such disrespect brings honor to a man.

Study Notes

Prov. 19:12 The growling of a lion is frightening and precedes an act of violence. Dew is gentle and gives life. The proverb does not say that a king’s anger (or favor) is always right, but that it is powerful.

Study Notes

Prov. 19:13–14 Verse 13 balances v. 14 by recognizing that family life can be painful. Some wives are a great burden to their husbands, and some husbands are a great burden to their wives (see 21:9). continual dripping. This is not a minor irritation but a source of structural damage that can ruin a house. House and wealth may be inherited from fathers and can come to many people, but a prudent wife is a gift from the LORD.

Study Notes

Prov. 19:15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The lazy person is always too tired to work. Then his laziness grows until he is in dire poverty. See v. 24.

Study Notes
See chart See chart
Some Essential Features of a Good Life (Proverbs 19)

Some Essential Features of a Good Life (Proverbs 19)

listen to instruction vv. 16, 20
be kind to the poor v. 17
be involved in your children’s lives and discipline them v. 18
avoid friendships with those who lack self-control v. 19
acknowledge the rule of God v. 21
understand that love and integrity are what bring real happiness v. 22
fear the Lord v. 23
Study Notes

Prov. 19:25 The simple learn by seeing someone else receive a beating, but the wise learn from a simple word of correction. Notably, although the simple can learn prudence, the scoffer does not have this teachable spirit. (For the difference between the “simple” and the “scoffer” or “fool,” see Introduction: Reading Proverbs.)

S3:018 Proverbs 19

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Proverbs 19

Usually, when I think of wisdom and money together, it's about how to allocate it. What investment funds should it go to? How much am I contributing to retirement? Should I really buy another pair of pants? But really, wisdom can apply to money in a lot of different ways. Money is powerful because of its ability to open doors, provide experiences, and change lives. 

But as Uncle Ben from Spider-Man said, "With great power comes great responsibility." The Lord can entrust a large or small amount of money, but regardless of the amount, we all have a responsibility as believers to be faithful and wise with that money. If we let the desire for money take over our hearts, there is little to no room for love of any kind left. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils." (1 Timothy 6:10)

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short, poetic, metaphorical sayings providing guidance on how to walk in wisdom. One thing we can take from this verse is that it is better to be poor with integrity than rich and whitewashed. Between the Lord and money, only one will fulfill you and keep you until the day you meet the God of the universe. To live in a godly way, lean into the wisdom of the Lord and choose faithfulness over infidelity. At the end of the day, money in and of itself is not evil, but how it affects you and what you do with it will determine the master you serve. "You cannot serve God and money." (Matthew 6:24b)

This month's memory verse

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

– Ephesians 4:2

Discussion Questions

1. In what areas am I stewarding my money well?

2. Where can I improve in my stewardship of money?

3. What other masters am I serving besides the Lord?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

HS

Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 19 in two parts Proverbs 19:1-14 Verse 2- “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” A question- What if someone gave you a two-week vacation , (or longer), that was the one you’ve always dreamed about. AND IT WAS FREE!! You had plenty of money in the bank. You have banked two weeks of PTO with your company. Your kids are self-sufficient. Your health is good. But you hesitate. Why? Because you’re really busy. REALLY? REALLY!?!?!?!? Don’t feel bad. I’d say the same thing.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Another question- Was Jesus a good runner? I don’t recall any verse talking about Him running. He had a perfect understanding and dedication to mission and purpose. He never wavered or wandered off task. Even in Luke 22:42 His prayer was based on never having to be separated from his Father. Yet…I’m taught he walked at 3 MPH. And got everything done. (See also, “It is finished”.) So what’s my hurry? Jeff Bethke and John Mark Comer did a podcast series on this- Fight Hustle, End Hurry | Podcast on SpotifySpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com › show Kosuke Koyama wrote a book. Three Mile an Hour God And now so did JMC- John Mark Comer The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry https://a.co/d/1vCeJPu And a whole series on the Sabbath- https://www.practicingtheway.org/sabbath Why is my in-box and task list dominating my life? Am I “missing my way”? This is clearly a self-focus problem. I do not have Jesus as the center of my life. Close to the center? Probably. And getting closer. But the center? I still see so much more depth and intimacy available to me!!!
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Proverbs 19:15-29 Two verses we use all the time in Prodigal - “Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.” (v 18) “A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.” (v 19) I note with interest that Dr. C teaches that the word we translate as “discipline” is the Hebrew word “yâsar”. He notes that the word could also be translated as “instruction”. These verses help me see the sin I commit when I want to rescue my prodigal children. I don’t want to discipline them or let the consequences of their bad choices be their own discipline, (Proverbs 29:19). Yet, I see that in God’s economy it is the only way for them to learn a different set of choices. My fear and anxiety draw me away from trusting God with His plan for their lives. Also, I fear the loss of relationship with them. —————————————————————————— As the Holy Spirit has given me some awareness and victories, I get complacent and Satan gets more clever. Also, the tyranny of the urgent is a huge struggle for me. I devote myself to it rather than my calling as servant, husband, father, CG member, team leader and advisor. Recently I have confessed this to my CG and pray they keep me devoted to His calling rather than my task list & inbox. What the discipleship ministries have taught me over 11+ years is that the key to wisdom, abundance and joy is knowing God better so that I may love Him more. I do this through daily devotion to His word, prayer and seeking counsel from other believers.
MS

Michael Scaman

Regarding money and future grace, Being generous with the poor is like taking out a G-note savings bond and His cretit is good. "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed." Thank you for bringing up Spiderman. I do like Luke Cage as he takes his name from Luke 4 and setting the captives free. That said: Fictional superheroes who exemplify the principles outlined in Proverbs 19, andsme who are opposite: Exemplify: Spider-Man: Proverbs 19:20 - "Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end, you will be counted among the wise." - Spider-Man's willingness to listen to advice and accept discipline aligns with the proverb, acknowledging that wisdom comes from heeding counsel. Also faithful to fiends and family. The Flash: Proverbs 19:21 - "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." - The Flash embodies the understanding that despite personal plans, the ultimate purpose prevailing is in alignment with a greater force. Also faithful to fiends and family. Hawkeye: Proverbs 19:17 - "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." - Hawkeye's kindness to the less fortunate reflects a belief in divine reward for compassionate actions. Also faithful to fiends and family. Anti-exempliy: Two-Face: Proverbs 19:9 - "A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish." - Two-Face's inclination towards deceit and lies ultimately results in his downfall as per the proverb. Poison Ivy: Proverbs 19:8 - "The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper." - Poison Ivy's misguided pursuit of personal desires without wisdom or understanding leads to her downfall. Carnage: Proverbs 19:9 - "A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish." - Carnage's chaotic and deceitful nature ultimately results in his own destruction. Harley Quinn: Proverbs 19:3 - "A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord." - Harley Quinn's folly and destructive actions lead to her ruin, despite her refusal to acknowledge responsibility.
GJ

greg jones

Great dive this morning. A straight reading of Proverbs (Proverbs is a collection of short, poetic, metaphorical sayings providing guidance on how to walk in wisdom) two direct conclusions: The Lord can entrust a large or small amount of money, but regardless of the amount, we all have a responsibility as believers to be faithful and wise with that money.-God has some rules about money we follow those rules because abiding with God is obeying God. If we let the desire for money take over our hearts, there is little to no room for love of any kind left. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils."-Those rules are good because they protect us from unwanted consequences. What should I do? Why should I do it? Very sound proverbial teaching. The book of Job is not my happy place, but I love going to that book for getting more wisdom out of the book of Proverbs. And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Job 1:8-9 In Satan’s mind, what, Job did was tied to, why, Job did it. Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” Job 1:10-11 For Satan, blameless upright and fears God is how you rub the lamp. Remove the wishes and he’ll curse the genie. What was missed about Job by Satan, Job didn’t process what and why should I do what I do consequently. He simply processed by, who, he should be. Love was his virtue. Using the key verse to paint a picture at the conclusion of Job- What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar. After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them, and the Lord accepted Job's prayer. Job 42:7-9 At this point in the Job narrative he might be the poorest man on earth and Eliphaz and his two friends “have not spoken of God what is right.” So technically you could say you have a poor man and liar. A question that helps me see the picture being painted here. How did God know, what prayer, Job would pray over his friends? And, why, did Eliohaz and his friends do, what, the Lord had told them? What is desired in a man is steadfast love. Baby steps in the case of Job’s friends.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. I currently am working everyday to use God’s advice in having money. spending money, saving money, and donating money consistently. 2. I want to make sure I don’t waste money. 3. None. James - Thank you for sharing your ideas. I like your points of “you cannot serve God and money”, and “with great power comes great responsibility”. It is best to prioritize God over money and to let God help with money. The responsibilities that come with money are easier and less stressful when using God’s advice.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks, JJ. Verse 11 shines brightly for me: "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." Prudence (good sense) is a fruit of wisdom, and I am so grateful for the work of the Holy Spirit in me over 50 years that enables me to have a long fuse. Life in a fallen world is easier without flaring up at the slightest provocation. But I REALLY love the second part. Many of us have read and loved and live out the book "Unoffendable," which is an amazing way to live life. Pre-deciding not to take offense, but to let insults and self-centered slights roll off, is SUCH a better way to live. When the other driver pretends not to see you . . . when your family members maintain a stubborn blindness to things like full trash cans and dishes that need to go in the dishwasher . . . when another shopper cuts the line ahead of you . . . when the able-bodied young person lets the door close on you . . . when the dog-walker lets their pup poop in your yard and doesn't clean it up . . . and a thousand more . . . it's our GLORY to let it go and choose to overlook it. I'm pretty sure it also contributes to lower blood pressure.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

JJ, great devo diving into something that can feel so “personal” = money. The world even calls it “personal finances” and yet as believers know Psalm 24:1 “the earth is the Lords and everything in it” Q2. Where can I improve in stewardship of Money? God has given me great self control by submitting to his spirit in managing his money, specifically due to submission to my husband. However, I can always look deeper and where I am spending - right now more on unhealthy convenience food and trying to justify it due to my pregnancy. Another good question for me is to replace “money” with “time” and ask myself where could I better steward Gods time thag he has graciously given me? Not on the phone, present with my kids, mentally intentional with others.