Douglas Baptist Church

Two things I ask of you Of Lord; do not refuse me before I die:Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say “Who is the Lord?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:7-9)

We often wish for more but when was the last time you asked for less? These verse tell us that having (money, riches, things, etc…) brings with it danger. Of course not having (the things we need) brings about temptation also.

How do we go about achieving the balance of having and not having? What does it mean to be content?

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. (Proverbs 28:27)

The second part of this proverb could be restated in the following manner, “those who open their eyes to poor people will be blessed.” God wants us to identify those who are needy, not ignore them. Let’s face it although we may not consider ourselves poor (financially speaking) all of us are needy. It would be wise to treat those in need with grace so that it may be returned when needed. Often if we help others when they are in trouble, they will do whatever they can to return the blessing.  We need each other…Lord give us eyes to see and hearts that care for the poor and needy.

A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him. (Proverbs 28:22)

Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all. (Proverbs 22:2)

All too often the society in which we live categories people. While the financial situation we find ourselves in can have a major impact on our day to day lives and the opportunities we have, let us not forget that God sees value in every person regardless of their bank balance.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. (Proverbs 23:4)

Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (Proverbs 23:5)

It’s hard to pass up a deal isn’t it?! When I saw these two proverbs I couldn’t use one without the other so on my 23rd post of “A Proverb a Day” you get the 2 for 1 deal. I trust these two proverbs will remind us that money isn’t all we make it out to be sometimes!