If we are honest with ourselves, most of us would admit that at one time or another in our lives we have struggled to put our faith in God regarding how we should approach our personal finances. We may place our faith in a stock broker or career counselor or in our own ability to work hard in order to find our way, but often we overlook the wisdom God has provided in His written word, the Bible. If we put our faith in God and seek and then follow the wisdom He has revealed through scripture we will surely not regret it!
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
7Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.
9Honor the LORD from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce;
10So your barns will be filled with plenty
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
11My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD
Or loathe His reproof,
12For whom the LORD loves He reproves,
Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.
13How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding.
14For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold.
15She is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.
16Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.
17Her ways are pleasant ways
And all her paths are peace.
18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who hold her fast.
As I reflect on this scripture today, I would always encourage you to click through to read the whole chapter of scripture… that is why I provide the link. However, I have pulled out a portion of it to comment on in this article.
A key decision we must make as we approach any element of our lives, including finances, is the following question…
“In whom do I place my trust for wisdom in this area of my life?”
Increasingly I have come to the conclusion that our trust should first and foremost be put in God and His word for all aspects of our lives, even the details of our lives associated with personal finance. Yes, we can also study and consult with others, but we must have a good standard against which to judge their specific advice. Scripture in the Bible and Proverbs in particular provides a very helpful absolute standard that can serve as our guide for evaluating our decisions.
By following God’s wisdom we will find wealth greater than silver, gold, or jewels and yet also find great advice to help us increase in our finances as well.
Answer for yourself today… “In whom do I put my trust for my personal finances?” Prayerfully consider this question and do not quickly answer. Consider how you work to generate income, how you manage spending, and how much you give to provide for the needs of others. If someone were trying to convict you of being a Christian in a court of law… would there be enough evidence, based on how you manage your finances, to convict you?
Humbly consider what changes you should make to submit more fully to God’s wisdom and guidance in regard to your finances.
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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .