Elon Musk is a pretty smart guy. Along with Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and a myriad of entertainers, sports figures, and others, they have amassed great wealth by bringing convenience, productivity, creativity, and joy to other’s lives. Whether their earthly wealth has anything to do with their heavenly rewards remains to be seen. Some very rich people are also very kind and generous. God has some principles of all of us when it comes to money, generosity, and the poor. In Proverbs 22, Solomon shares some realities, godly perspectives and attitudes. Let’s live by them and ‘store up for ourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust cannot destroy’.
The rich and the poor have a common bond, The Lord is the Maker of them all. v2 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. v7 One who is generous will be blessed, because he gives some of his food to the poor. v9 One who oppresses the poor to make more for himself, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. v16 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, nor crush the needy at the gate; for the Lord will plead their case and take the life of those who rob them. v22-23 Do not be among those who shake hands, among those who become guarantors for debts. If you have nothing with which to repay, why should he take your bed from under you? v26-27
How am I using earthly wealth to advance the kingdom of God, assist the poor, and honor God? Do I hold a godly opinion of the poor?
God, as this day begins- I am so grateful for Your provision. I know that I am a mere steward of all in my possession. Help me be faithful. Would you provide more than I need so I might be generous on every occasion? I know You’ve given me even the ability to produce wealth.
