Wisdom from the Word

Proverbs 28:3,6,8,10,11,13,19-22,24,25,27

3 A poor person who oppresses the poor
is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
6 Better to be poor and honest
than to be dishonest and rich.
8 Income from charging high interest rates
will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
10 Those who lead good people along an evil path
will fall into their own trap,
but the honest will inherit good things.
11 Rich people may think they are wise,
but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.
13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
19 A hard worker has plenty of food,
but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,
but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.
21 Showing partiality is never good,
yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.
22 Greedy people try to get rich quick
but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.
24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother
and says, “What’s wrong with that?”
is no better than a murderer.
25 Greed causes fighting;
trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

Do you see the common thread through these verses? Each of these verses are meant to stand alone because they each hold a vast amount of wisdom within them. When put together the vastness of their wisdom comes through even more.

Verse 3 reminds me of the violence and crime that thrive in the poorest parts of our country. The people living in those areas are oppressing themselves even more by their actions, yet they don't see it because of their focus. If their focus is on the Lord they would not do those things and their lives would be dramatically better for it.

Verse 6 is one that speaks to some recent events that come to mind. How many high profile rich people have been caught not paying their taxes like they should or were caught doing ponzi schemes? This shows the temptations of being wealthy they world's way. I don't want to be wealthy in that way. I know that the wealth from the Lord has no sorrow with it and that is what I want.

Verse 8 gets me excited for the money that will come to those who follow the Lord from the credit card companies and the banks who have taken advantage of the simple by charging rates the way they do.

Verse 10 shows why we need to train up our children in the way they should go and not lead them into temptation. If you do that as a parent or a teacher you then qualify to fall into your own trap. I want to inherit good things.

Verse 11 shows that wisdom in the right hands will help you through those who try to take advantage of you because of your social or economic status. This reminds me of those "experts" who couldn't forsee the current financial crisis coming? Who are they kidding? They are like a cow looking at a new gate.

Verse 13 reminds me of why I need to confess my sins to the Father through Jesus so that I can qualify for His prosperity to come on my life and to receive His mercy.

Verse 19 gives insight into why playing the lottery, getting involved in ponzi schemes, going for the quick buck are never good things. It has been said that the first 20 winners of the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes prizes ended up with less than they started with prior to winning within 10 years after winning. That doesn't seem right, but that is the Word being proven.

Again, verse 20 shows why quick riches only lead to trouble. Being trustworthy, hardworking and honest are always a tried a true way to live. Remember the story of Joseph? If not you should read up on it and learn.

Why do you think verse 21 is so significant? If we do not follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and show partiality to those we want to we will miss out on the goodness of God. The second part of the verse also alludes back to verse 3. Most people in the poorest parts of our country will steal or eat from a garbage can just enough to feed themselves for one meal. I think there is an old saying that goes, "Take a person fishing and you feed them for a meal. Teach a person to fish and you feed them for a lifetime."

How many people would have gotten involved in the schemes of getting rich quick if there was a big sign that said it will lead to poverty? According to verse 22 that is what happens. Here is your big sign if you missed it.

Verse 24 brings to memory those who are looking for their inheritance or think something is owed to them by their parents. Paris Hilton is the poster child for this verse. She couldn't ever live on her own and work a normal job if her grandpa and her father hadn't been so successful. This verse should be called the Paris Hilton verse.

Verse 25 is what breaks most families apart when a parent or loved one dies and their is money to be received. I watched my wife's aunts and uncles fight amongst themselves over receiving $5,000.00 a piece when their mother died. What sense is there in that? There is still division because of it and all the money has been gone for many years. The only smart one in the whole deal was my mother-in-law who told both sides they were wrong and she kept out of it. The rest were the fools.

Verse 27 is why I love being propered by the Lord. He knows what I am going to do with what He brings to me and knows where my focus is at. Wherever He leads me to give and to whomever He wants me to give. That is why the Lord will use the same people to get His mission accomplished. Are you doing the same? If not, come join me and watch how God will use you to meed the needs of others. It is a great way to live.

Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)

The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).

Published by Erik L. Vakula
Daily Bread From the Word
Copyright © 2009 Erik Vakula, All Rights Reserved