We should caution ourselves to be thoughtful, prayerful, and humble while we read the wisdom of Proverbs. Read it slowly, verse by verse, seeking to soak it in and meditate on it. If we read it quickly and without thought we miss the point and we get no wiser. Be as a wise man, who listens to counsel and becomes wiser. I have selected the verses that can relate to finances, but encourage you to click the link and read through the whole chapter.
Contrast the Upright and the Wicked
1Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof is stupid.
5The thoughts of the righteous are just,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
9Better is he who is lightly esteemed and has a servant
Than he who honors himself and lacks bread.
11He who tills his land will have plenty of bread,
But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.
12The wicked man desires the booty of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
17He who speaks truth tells what is right,
But a false witness, deceit.
19Truthful lips will be established forever,
But a lying tongue is only for a moment.
20Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
21No harm befalls the righteous,
But the wicked are filled with trouble.
22Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
But those who deal faithfully are His delight.
24The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the slack hand will be put to forced labor.
26The righteous is a guide to his neighbor,
But the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27A lazy man does not roast his prey,
But the precious possession of a man is diligence.
28In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.
Reflect on the last verse for awhile… “In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.” Should we not all seek righteousness, not only to know it but to live it? Pray for God’s help and be humble enough to admit areas where you need to change and then change. Choose to follow after God rather than our own selfish nature.
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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 .