[sunday meditations]

Financial Success

(in the biblical sense)

The love of money is evil; money itself is not evil. With money comes the opportunity to do both good and evil. Money isn't the answer to our problems; as Socrates put it, "He who is not content with what he has will not be content with what he does not have." Talking about money in church is always awkward, but the fact is that we live in a culture ripe with wealth and luxury. We're used to it, so we don't see just how stinkin' fortunate we are. 

Give God what belongs to God.

Save what's left to prepare for the future.

Give faithfully where God leads you to give.

Before you can trust God with your money,

you need to trust God with your LIFE.

Today's sermon looked at six principles for biblical financial success found in Proverbs. I love this quote: "These guidelines are so simple and so practical, but until we stop being a culture of debt, the church needs to keep pushing this financial wisdom."

Be diligent in everything, and have a good work ethic.

Slackers crave but have their fill of nothing,

but the hardworking desire and are completely satisfied.

(Proverbs 13.4)

As for those who are skilled in their work,

they will be recognized and invited to serve kings

rather than regular folk.

(Prov 24.30)

Be careful of debt!

Trouble compounds when you guarantee a stranger's debt,

but you'll be safe if you refuse the pledge.

(Prov 11.15)

Only a fool shakes hands on a deal

and guarantees repayment of someone else's loan.

(Prov 17.18)

Be generous, and give to the poor.

One shares liberally and yet gains even more,

while another hoards more than is right and still has need.

(Prov 11.24)

Whoever oppresses the poor insults his Maker,

but anyone who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

(Prov 14.31)

Generous people are genuinely blessed

because they share their food with the poor.

(Prov 22.9)

Seek financial counseling.

Without wise guidance, a nation falls;

but victory is certain when there are plenty of wise counselors.

(Prov 11.14)

Avoid "get rich quick" schemes.

A greedy person is in a hurry to get rich,

but he is ignorant of the loss that is about to overtake him.

(Prov 28.22)

Walk in financial integrity and honesty.

Money earned hastily is easily lost,

but hard-earned money continues to grow.

(Prov 13.11)

Great treasure may be found where the right-living make their home,

but trouble awaits the wicked at every turn.

(Prov 15.6)

All day, every day the greedy want more,

while those who live right give generously.

(Prov 21.26)