Proverbs 20:12-16 – God and Wealth
Verse 12 – God has made us, He has made our eyes and ears. But we, through our sin, have made those eyes blind and those ears deaf to the love, service, and Word of God. But our Lord, in His grace, opens the eyes and ears of men and women, so that His Word pierces straight to their heart, they see the truth, turn from their sins, and turn to Him.
Verse 13 – Sleep is a gift from God, but the man or woman who loves it too much will end up in poverty. But it’s even worse to be asleep spiritually, to not be awake and alive to the things of God, to not be busy about His work, but to just drift away, this leads to worse than poverty – it leads to destruction.
Verse 14 – The world is full of deceivers who are called clever men, because they lie to drive a hard bargain and brag about their deceptions. A Christian is to be honest in his business dealings as much as anywhere else. We’re not to be driven by greed but grace.
Verse 15 – The world says the wealthy are to be honoured and catered for, but God says of far more value is the man or woman who speaks wisely, who knows the things of God and speaks of them. Do you really believe this? Do you really consider your ministers and elders far more valuable to your life than your employer, your football players, or your pop stars?
Verse 16 – Be wise in your business dealings. If someone is buying something off you, and they are in partnership with foolish, sinful, or unknown people, be careful. Show kindness, but remember that men and women are sinners.
Questions
- What happens if we are lazy about spiritual things?
- How can you honour God with your money?
- Who does God say to value?
Prayer Points
- Pray that you would use your money for God.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.