Wisdom and wealth
Readings: 3:9-10, 11, 12 | 31:10-31
The book of Proverbs could be summarised as a lesson in how to pursue the good life. Part of pursuing a good life is having adequate wealth to live on. Poverty is not a virtue in Proverbs but a condition to be worked against.
According to Proverbs there are two ways to pursue wealth. The way of the fool, which is to focus on the accumulation of financial security at any cost. The way of the wise is to use financial wealth as one tool in the tool box used to construct a life that is truly wealthy.
Wisdom on wealth
Wealth can come from wrong (1:10-19; 10:2, 11:1,16,17 16:8,19; 22:16) but the cost is high. Wealth may come from diligence (3:9-10; 10:4, 12:27) wisdom (8:17-21) and fear of the Lord (31:30) and no sorrow is added to this (10:22). Wealth is to be valued (10:15, 24:3) but not finally trusted (11:28). It is the character of a person that determines whether wealth is beneficial or harmful (11:24,25). Wealth, rightly obtained, is to be used well and generously for the benefit of others (14:31; 19:17; 22:9). Wealth can also be misused and become a curse to us (15:16; 16:19; 17:1; 28:6; 28:20) . It is what we are rather than what we have that is foundational to living a truly wealthy and good life (28:6).
Q: Economic security and gain is a constant concern in households across our land. According to Proverbs how should this concern be tempered and balanced?
Q: Jesus said that where our treasure is there are hearts will be also (Matthew 6:21). Why does it matter what the treasure of our hearts is if we are to enjoy the good life?
Q: The women who is described to us as a lived out example of wisdom in Proverbs 31:10f is not overly wealthy by Australian standards. What does Proverbs say are the markers of her true wealth?
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