Proverbs 13:11-13 – Hope Fulfiled
Wealth, gained dishonestly through theft or lies or used dishonestly, will dwindle away. Over time God will take this wealth away, and the owner will be left standing before God with nothing but disobedience to show. But God blesses those who faithfully use His money that He gives them as stewards. As we are faithful in the little things, God gives us bigger things to be faithful in. And little by little our faithfulness, our responsibility, and our blessings grow.
Who has not felt the sickness in their heart that Solomon describes in verse 12, when something we have hoped for and longed for is denied to us. The disappointment almost chokes us, and we suddenly realise how much we wanted it. But have you never felt that great joy that comes when you receive what you’ve longed for. After you’ve prayed and prayed and prayed, often for years, and finally your prayer is granted, and sheer happiness wells up in your heart, and you feel as though you’ve got a new lease on life. Praise be to God that though we go through many griefs and disappointments in life, our greatest hope will never fail us – our hope of eternal life in Christ, of sins forgiven and fellowship restored. This hope is indeed a tree of life.
Verse 13 again points out the folly of going your own way, or refusing to listen to advice, of thinking that you know it all. How much worse is this kind of attitude when it comes to the things of God. Refusing to listen to God’s instructions, go your own way instead of God’s, and you’ll find the cost is higher than you can bear. But those who seem to be paying a high cost right now for following Christ are actually investing in a treasure-filled future. Which way will you go?
Questions
- How do we increase our responsibilities?
- What great hope do we have?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the hope we have in Christ.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.