Category Archives: Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice

Guiding Framework, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice, Stewardship

Heeding Biblical Wisdom for Financial Mastery

Are you tired of feeling like your money is slipping through your fingers, leaving you stressed and uncertain about your financial future?

Managing money effectively can be a daunting challenge in today’s world. From budgeting woes to investment uncertainties, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But take heart, for there’s a timeless source of wisdom that can guide you toward financial success. Delve into the age-old wisdom of Proverbs, and discover the keys to mastering money, achieving financial stability, and securing a brighter future for yourself and your loved ones.

Instead of quickly skimming through the verses in Proverbs, let us pause and ponder, seeking to understand how the timeless wisdom contained within applies even in today’s world.

While circumstances change, and we now ride in cars instead of camels, the unchanging truths of God’s Word remain as relevant as ever.

Proverbs 23-27

      23Know well the condition of your flocks,
And pay attention to your herds;

      24For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

      25When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,

      26The lambs will be for your clothing,
And the goats will bring the price of a field,

      27And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food,
For the food of your household,
And sustenance for your maidens.

These verses remind us not to be negligent or foolish in our financial matters. While our primary focus should always be on God rather than money, we are also called to diligence in our business affairs. “Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds.”

We need not accumulate excessive wealth to the point where we no longer rely on God, but instead, we should seek contentment with finances sufficient to provide for our needs.

However, this doesn’t mean we can simply ignore our finances and declare it as “faith in God.” Such an approach might resemble “putting God to the test.” When we are mindful of our financial affairs, we not only avoid becoming dependent on others for support but also position ourselves to be a blessing to those in need.

Let us strive for a balance between faith in God and responsible stewardship of our resources, guided by the timeless wisdom found in the Book of Proverbs. As we navigate our financial journey, may the grace and peace of the Lord be our constant companions.

 

Optimizing Life, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice, Treasures In Heaven

Investing in God’s Kingdom: A Call to Diversify Your Portfolio

Have you ever considered diversifying your financial portfolio to include investments in the work of our LORD? In the hustle and bustle of managing our finances, it’s easy to overlook the immense value of contributing to the kingdom of God. It’s a form of diversification where treasures don’t rot or rust, where investments are stored up in heaven.

Luke 8:1-3 offers a profound example of this principle in action. As Jesus traveled from city to city, proclaiming the kingdom of God, there were not only the twelve disciples by His side, but also women—Mary Magdalene, Joanna (the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward), Susanna, and many others. What’s striking is that these women weren’t just passive observers; they were actively contributing to the support of Jesus’ ministry out of their private means.

Consider this: Jesus, with His divine power, could have easily made money appear when needed (as demonstrated when He paid the temple tax with a coin from a fish’s mouth – Matthew 17:27). However, He chose a different path. He wanted to showcase the beauty of believers actively supporting one another in the proclamation and preaching of the kingdom of God. There is a time to give and a time to receive.

If you’re already engaged in the work of the LORD, don’t shy away from accepting support from those who wish to partner with you in your ministry or activities. It’s not just about financial transactions; it’s about fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility in spreading the gospel.

So, as you manage your financial affairs, take a moment to seek the LORD prayerfully. Set aside a portion of your resources to support kingdom work. Just as in earthly investments, diversification is key. Invest not only in your earthly future but also in the eternal future that awaits, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20).

Remember, there is immense joy and fulfillment in actively participating in God’s work, both in giving and receiving. As a body of Christ, let’s embrace the call to share the gospel, supporting one another and investing in the kingdom of God. May your financial endeavors align with God’s plans, bringing blessings not only to you but to His kingdom.

May your wealth be a tool for God’s work, and your journey toward financial wisdom be guided by His grace.

In stewardship and faith,

John Golda
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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice

Pursuing Financial Advice: Whose Counsel Can You Trust?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed when it comes to major financial decisions? Have you felt that anxiety start to creep in on you because you are not sure what to do or who you can trust to help you?

Seeking financial advice is a crucial aspect of managing our resources wisely, yet pitfalls abound for the unwary. Here are three common traps associated with seeking advice:

  1. Self-Reliance: Some individuals solely depend on their judgment, neglecting the importance of seeking external wisdom and conducting thorough research.
  2. Friends and Family: While advice from loved ones may be well-intentioned, it’s imperative to verify and validate such counsel to ensure its financial wisdom. They may mean well, but not be as knowledgeable as they let on.
  3. Professional Advisors: Not all professionals are created equal. While some genuinely aim to assist, others may prioritize their interests. It is crucial to evaluate their motives, fee structures, and incentives.

Proverbs 21:5 reminds us that diligent planning leads to prosperity, emphasizing the importance of thorough research before making financial decisions.

Proverbs 15:22 advises seeking counsel from many sources, highlighting the value of consulting various perspectives to ensure well-rounded advice.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 warns about challenging times when some may prioritize self-interest over genuine assistance. Discernment is crucial in identifying those who may appear helpful but lack true integrity.

Navigating financial advice requires discernment and verification. Some pitfalls include professionals with conflicting interests. For instance, fee structures tied to account openings may hinder ongoing support, as the incentive for assistance diminishes post-payment.

Another potential issue arises when financial advisors recommend products with lucrative incentives for them but may not align with the client’s best interests. Seeking advice from multiple sources and conducting personal research can prevent unnecessary risks.

Proverbs 3:5-8 provides a timeless guide: Trust in the Lord, acknowledge Him in all aspects of life, and He will guide your paths. Combining careful study of God’s word with obedience and consistent prayer brings peace and assurance in financial decisions.

In conclusion, while trustworthy financial advice is essential, navigating the landscape requires discernment, diligence, and reliance on God’s wisdom. By avoiding shortcuts and seeking counsel from multiple sources, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial goals and values.

Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.

Have you encountered challenges in seeking financial advice, or do you have insights to share?

Your experiences can be a valuable compass for others navigating similar waters.

Don’t hesitate to comment or share this article to start a conversation and help others on their financial journey.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Guiding Framework, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice

It All Belongs to God

At GrowGodsMoney.org, our mission is to serve God by helping His people be wise stewards of the resources God has put in their care. All that we have belongs to God and He calls us to be good stewards of it. Each of us will be judged based on how we use what He has given us.  (Learn more About Us.)

God provides clear warning about the dangers of the love of money. Money must never be our master, but rather a tool or servant to help us serve God while we are here on this earth.

Matthew6:24 24“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

1 Timothy 6:10 10For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

GrowGodsMoney.org helps you build a personal financial plan for income, spending and debt, investment, and giving… all based on Biblical principles.

    1. Our Guiding Framework provides a solid outline around which you can build your personal financial plan.
    2. Review and use the recommended Resources we link to on the site. There is a lot of information out there to help you if you know where to look. We do not consider other Christian financial websites and ministries to be competitors… may it never be! We are part of the body of Christ. Our mission is to help our brothers and sisters in Christ.
    3. Subscribe to receive our biblical financial insights directly by email or Facebook. For email, use our subscribe button on our website or the email icon at the bottom of any post.
    4. Previously published financial insights posts are searchable by category on the website for application to your specific situation.

Please let us know how we can help you grow God’s money (Contact Us) and share our site with family, friends, and others that may benefit.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Control Debt, Control Spending, Ethics, Generate Income, Guiding Framework, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice, Treasures In Heaven

A Father’s Wise Advice

The wisdom in Proverbs 6:1-15 is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Please read it slowly and thoughtfully. Avoid reading so fast you cannot dwell on the message contained here. Allow God to speak to you for your life and the lives of those you may be able to help.

Take great care in giving a pledge or guarantee on behalf of neighbors and strangers. Do not do so unless you can afford to lose that amount if something does not work out.

1My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor,
Have given a pledge for a stranger,

      2If you have been snared with the words of your mouth,
Have been caught with the words of your mouth,

3Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself;
Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor,
Go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor.

4Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids;

5Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter’s hand
And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Be not lazy. Instead, be industrious, taking ownership for your own care and for that of others you are responsible for. Think ahead, well beyond the short -term daily provision but rather looking ahead to the future. It may seem far off now, but if you don’t prepare now, you will face crisis later.

6Go to the ant, O sluggard,
Observe her ways and be wise,

7Which, having no chief,
Officer or ruler,

8Prepares her food in the summer
And gathers her provision in the harvest.

9How long will you lie down, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?

10“A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest”—

11Your poverty will come in like a vagabond
And your need like an armed man.

Do not devise evil for your own financial gain.

12A worthless person, a wicked man,
Is the one who walks with a perverse mouth,

13Who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet,
Who points with his fingers;

14Who with perversity in his heart continually devises evil,
Who spreads strife.

15Therefore his calamity will come suddenly;
Instantly he will be broken and there will be no healing.

Consider scripture from Proverbs as if it were advice from a wise, loving father… because it is just that.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Diversification, Greed, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice, Speculative Investment

Are You Gambling or Investing?

Are you a gambler or an investor? Consider your entire portfolio that you invest. Do you understand how you will succeed if one particular asset or asset class (e.g. the stock market) goes up, goes down, or stays flat? If the success of your financial investing strategy requires any one asset to move in a particular direction, then what happens if it does not do that? You are essentially gambling your money on an asset increasing in value.

Let’s consider someone investing in the US stock market.

  • A gambler may make a disproportionately large bet on the stock market or an individual stock going in a specific direction. For example, he hopes or believes it will increase in value. He may make a big gain if things go his way, but if the market crashes he loses much money.
  • An investor avoids the greed of chasing the maximum gain, that brings with it high risk. Instead, he plans a strategy that is diversified across multiple assets or asset classes (e.g. diversified group of stocks, bonds, cash, perhaps some silver or gold). If the market crashes he is positioned to use some of his cash position or bonds to buy stocks after he is confident the crash has bottomed out and stabilized. When stocks recover, he comes out with a profit. Later, he rebalances his portfolio back to target by selling some of the stocks he picked up when values had fallen. If he suspects a certain investment has potential for high gain, he considers investing a smaller portion of his portfolio to capture the gain with less overall risk… this is called speculative investment.

If you have not done so in a while, it is a good time to consider your investing strategy. The global economy is trying to recover from struggles through many years and yet stocks are already priced at or near all-time highs due in part to heavy interference by national governments (e.g. “the Federal Reserve” keeping interest rates low artificially, thus driving people into the stock market at higher risk).

Do you know if your portfolio is prepared for either outcome (e.g. stock markets decline or rally higher)? or are you betting that it will work out in one particular outcome and unprepared for the other?

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Ethics, Generate Income, Greed, Optimizing Life, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice, Proverbs, Treasures In Heaven

God’s Word Provides Warnings and Advice We Should Heed

Our Father loves us dearly. He has provided us with His word to guide us, His Spirit to fill us and help us, and the death of His Son to make a way to forgive us. Let us never take that for granted, being complacent in our own way of living according to the ways of the world. The world if sinful and not righteous. Let us take His fatherly advice and change how we are living to be more like He instructs for us in financial matters and in all aspects of our life.

Proverbs contains insight we should watch out for and apply in our lives. Its insight is timeless and speaks to our conduct in pursuit of financial matters and wealth and integrity and many other such considerations.

Proverbs 19

On Life and Conduct

1Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool.

2Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge,
And he who hurries his footsteps errs.

3The foolishness of man ruins his way,
And his heart rages against the LORD.

4Wealth adds many friends,
But a poor man is separated from his friend.

5A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who tells lies will not escape.

6Many will seek the favor of a generous man,
And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts.

7All the brothers of a poor man hate him;
How much more do his friends abandon him!
He pursues them with words, but they are gone.

8He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;
He who keeps understanding will find good.

9A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who tells lies will perish.

10Luxury is not fitting for a fool;
Much less for a slave to rule over princes.

11A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger,
And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

12The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
But his favor is like dew on the grass.

13A foolish son is destruction to his father,
And the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping.

14House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15Laziness casts into a deep sleep,
And an idle man will suffer hunger.

16He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
But he who is careless of conduct will die.

17One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD,
And He will repay him for his good deed.

18Discipline your son while there is hope,
And do not desire his death.

19A man of great anger will bear the penalty,
For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.

20Listen to counsel and accept discipline,
That you may be wise the rest of your days.

21Many plans are in a man’s heart,
But the counsel of the LORD will stand.

22What is desirable in a man is his kindness,
And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.

23The fear of the LORD leads to life,
So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

24The sluggard buries his hand in the dish,
But will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd,
But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge.

26He who assaults his father and drives his mother away
Is a shameful and disgraceful son.

27Cease listening, my son, to discipline,
And you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice,
And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for scoffers,
And blows for the back of fools.

Take time and dwell on each verse. Which one or two strike you the most as relevant in your life. Pray the Lord helps you to deal with this area of your life and continue your transformation to be more like Him!

Do not misunderstand the point about poverty and riches relating to “friends”. It is a warning that if you are rich, many will claim to be your friend and try to use you. The poor know who truly are their friends and brothers. They stick with them even when there is nothing in it for them.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Guiding Framework, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice, Treasures In Heaven

Should I Rely on Government to Help the Poor?

As we build up a robust financial plan, it is important to understand clearly where our money will go in order to manage it properly. As followers of Christ we must ask ourselves basic questions that many today do not even consider.

“Is the money I am managing mine? or the Lord’s?”

“Am I spending just on myself and my family? or are there other people I should consider that I may want to help?”

Some just assume it is the role of a “strong” federal government that takes from the “rich” and redistributes that to the “poor” to provide for others in need. Some even claim this is consistent with the sharing of the community of believers in Acts chapter 4. This is quite simply not the case as there are a number of key distinctions we shall cover in this teaching. As followers of Christ, we should have keen interest to understand how the community of believers in the early church did function as input to how we plan to manage the money God has entrusted to each of us.

Acts 4:32-37

Sharing among Believers

32And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. 33And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

36Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), 37and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Note that the community of believers in Acts 4 was just that… a community of followers of Jesus Christ. It was not a community involving those who rejected Jesus and lived according to their own desires. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and abundant grace was upon them. Those who rejected the values and teachings of Jesus were not part of this community. This fact is crucial in understanding why this approach worked for the Acts 4 community but has failed every time a government has tried to employ forced redistribution of wealth among its people throughout time.

Socialism and communism repeatedly fail. Capitalism gives rise to the most prosperity across the population. Even within a somewhat capitalist system, such as the current situation in the USA, the government interference to constantly take money from some to give to others results in a great burden that threatens to constrain the economic success of the nation.

Why? When a strong government forces redistribution among its people, inevitably the government is also denying God’s authority so as to assert its own authority as unchallenged. A strong federal government which denies God will not receive God’s blessing. Further, it includes all manner of people, not just Spirit filled believers. In this, the selfish nature of the unbeliever (and many believers who are struggling to follow Christ fully) is the downfall of these systems. Many people choose not to work or not to work as hard because it does not benefit them personally. On the other hand, in true capitalism, that same selfish nature is channeled across the population to create business, jobs, and wealth. It lifts the economic well-being of the whole nation.

For a sharing community to truly work, it must be centered on Christ and include only true followers of Jesus Christ. Those who choose not to work, choose not to eat. All work together to contribute as much as they can and take as little as they absolutely need.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. 10For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. 13But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

14If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

In the community of Spirit filled believers in Acts, the poor people were likely not acting selfishly any more than the rich. So we can assume they took only what they needed and worked to provide what they could to help others.

Lastly, we must never forget or overlook that it was a community receiving the abundant grace and blessing of God because they honored Him through proclaiming and following the teaching of Jesus Christ!

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Ethics, Greed, Optimizing Life, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice, Proverbs, Treasures In Heaven

Fatherly Advice from God

Our Father loves us dearly. He has provided us with His word to guide us, His Spirit to fill us and help us, and the death of His son to make a way to forgive us. Let us never take that for granted, being complacent in our way of living according to the world’s ways. The world if sinful and not righteous. Let us take His fatherly advice and change how we live to be more like He instructs us.

Proverbs 19

On Life and Conduct

       1Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool.

2Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge,
And he who hurries his footsteps errs.

3The foolishness of man ruins his way,
And his heart rages against the LORD.

4Wealth adds many friends,
But a poor man is separated from his friend.

5A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who tells lies will not escape.

6Many will seek the favor of a generous man,
And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts.

7All the brothers of a poor man hate him;
How much more do his friends abandon him!
He pursues them with words, but they are gone.

8He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;
He who keeps understanding will find good.

9A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who tells lies will perish.

10Luxury is not fitting for a fool;
Much less for a slave to rule over princes.

11A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger,
And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

12The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion,
But his favor is like dew on the grass.

13A foolish son is destruction to his father,
And the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping.

14House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15Laziness casts into a deep sleep,
And an idle man will suffer hunger.

16He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul,
But he who is careless of conduct will die.

17One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD,
And He will repay him for his good deed.

18Discipline your son while there is hope,
And do not desire his death.

19A man of great anger will bear the penalty,
For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.

20Listen to counsel and accept discipline,
That you may be wise the rest of your days.

21Many plans are in a man’s heart,
But the counsel of the LORD will stand.

22What is desirable in a man is his kindness,
And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.

23The fear of the LORD leads to life,
So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

24The sluggard buries his hand in the dish,
But will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd,
But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge.

26He who assaults his father and drives his mother away
Is a shameful and disgraceful son.

27Cease listening, my son, to discipline,
And you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice,
And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for scoffers,
And blows for the back of fools.

Take time and dwell on each verse. Which one or two strike you the most as relevant in your life. Pray the Lord helps you to deal with this area of your life and continue your transformation to be more like Him!

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Ethics, Generate Income, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice, Proverbs, Treasures In Heaven

Timeless Wisdom for Prosperity and Fulfillment

I am a believer that everyone would do well to read through Proverbs on a recurring basis. Don’t read it once and walk away for years or even months. It is rich with very actionable advice and warnings to help us in life and often very specifically in finances.

Proverbs 14.

Fools often bring trouble on themselves, while the wise avoid it with a healthy fear and respect for the Lord.

1The wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.

2He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD,
But he who is devious in his ways despises Him.

3In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back,
But the lips of the wise will protect them.

It is understandable to look for ways to save time and energy by reducing the work we need to do… but do not let laziness get in the way of your prospering. Some work is required if you are to do well financially.

4Where no oxen are, the manger is clean,
But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.

Do not lie.

5A trustworthy witness will not lie,
But a false witness utters lies.

Seek understanding. This means you must be humble enough to admit you don’t already have all the answers. You must be willing to admit mistakes and learn. The scoffer mocks others rather than thoughtfully considering a situation and learning from it and thus finds no wisdom. Similarly, don’t hang out with fools or you will share their folly.

6A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none,
But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding.

7Leave the presence of a fool,
Or you will not discern words of knowledge.

8The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way,
But the foolishness of fools is deceit.

9Fools mock at sin,
But among the upright there is good will.

Seek God’s way rather than your own. He will lead you through righteousness to the path of life and joy.

10The heart knows its own bitterness,
And a stranger does not share its joy.

11The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
But the tent of the upright will flourish.

12There is a way which seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

It is hard to know what someone is really going through or what journey God is leading them on by a quick glance or brief touchpoint. Plug in with those you love and truly engage in a personal way to encourage and support them. Often the Lord leads us to joy at the end of a painful journey.

13Even in laughter the heart may be in pain,
And the end of joy may be grief.

Those who follow after God find satisfaction, but those who go their own way will find empty and unfulfilling results.

14The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied with his.

God did not give us such a wonderful creation as a mind of a human just to “turn it off” and believe everything someone tells you. In a world full of evil and selfishness we do well to consider our steps carefully in reference to God’s word. If we choose to act as naïve, the sour results are as much our fault as those who take advantage of us.

15The naive believes everything,
But the sensible man considers his steps.

16A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil,
But a fool is arrogant and careless.

17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly,
And a man of evil devices is hated.

18The naive inherit foolishness,
But the sensible are crowned with knowledge.

God reassures us that ultimately the good will be rewarded and the wicked held accountable. We may not see or recognize how and when, but we can trust that it is so.

19The evil will bow down before the good,
And the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

Be aware of sinful human nature. Many will pretend to be friends with the rich for their own benefit. Few, and godly, are those who truly show God’s love to the poor.

20The poor is hated even by his neighbor,
But those who love the rich are many.

21He who despises his neighbor sins,
But happy is he who is gracious to the poor.

Devise good rather than evil. Do so out of motivation to glorify God and not out of your own self interest.

22Will they not go astray who devise evil?
But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

The lazy ultimately hold them selves accountable via their own poverty, whether or not they recognize it. It is not exclusively “someone else’s fault”. Work is required to prosper.

23In all labor there is profit,
But mere talk leads only to poverty.

The greatest prize for the wise is godly wisdom itself, rather than financial gain.

24The crown of the wise is their riches,
But the folly of fools is foolishness.

Again… don’t lie. God does not like it.

25A truthful witness saves lives,
But he who utters lies is treacherous.

It is actually healthy to have a reverence or even fear of God. Recognizing that displeasing Him is worse than displeasing men can help us stand in confidence to do what is right and avoid Satan’s traps.

26In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And his children will have refuge.

27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
That one may avoid the snares of death.

Rulers and leaders of nations should treat their people well, for it is from their people that they derive their strength and power and prosper themselves. If the people collapse, the government has nothing.

28In a multitude of people is a king’s glory,
But in the dearth of people is a prince’s ruin.

To be slow to anger is to demonstrate a wise and godly trait and follow our Father’s example. It benefits us richly.

29He who is slow to anger has great understanding,
But he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

Find peace and contentment in what God provides you. Do not always be chasing something you do not have and do not need.

30A tranquil heart is life to the body,
But passion is rottenness to the bones.

Again… the godly are gracious to the needy.

31He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker,
But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

Again… the wicked will be held to account for their actions and the righteous rewarded.

32The wicked is thrust down by his wrongdoing,
But the righteous has a refuge when he dies.

Again… seek godly wisdom. Do not be content to remain a fool, even if deemed wise by the world.

33Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding,
But in the hearts of fools it is made known.

Righteousness exalts a nation and sin disgraces it. Remember, however, that God defines what is righteous and what is sin. The people themselves do not get a vote or voice in it. If they redefine righteousness they do so at their own peril as a nation and will fool only themselves and like minded fools.

34Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a disgrace to any people.

Be not ashamed of being a servant, whether to God or to an employer or to your family. Focus on acting wisely and pleasing your “master”.

35The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely,
But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.

Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .