Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional by Kenton Cheek

5 June 2024

Reading From Proverbs 10-12

“Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath,
    but righteousness delivers from death.”

“One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
    another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

“Those who trust in their riches will fall,
    but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

“Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”

“The lazy do not roast any game,
    but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.”

–Proverbs 11:4, 24-25, 28, 12:11, 27

     As I read through the book of Proverbs, I am amazed at how the wisdom of God can be applied in different situations.  I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1 which tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  Some Proverbs seem contradictory but that’s not actually the case.  In life we find ourselves in various circumstances and need different medicines for different illnesses.  We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to know when, what and how to apply different spiritual remedies. 

     The whole counsel of God, the entire scope of Scripture, needs to be consulted when seeking to understand poverty, wealth, and blessing.  From what we see in the Bible, God values hard work, diligence, and wise stewardship but laziness, lack of focus, and ignorance are not qualities He blesses.  We are all born into different socio-economic situations, but what we do with the tools at hand make all the difference.  His blessing in our lives looks different in every individual and family. 

     God rewards hard work, diligence and wise stewardship, but the blessings we receive from Him are not meant to be hoarded.  Blessings, whether spiritual or temporal, are to be generously shared with others so that He is able to bless us with more and continue that cycle of blessing and giving.  Material wealth is of no use to a person on Judgement Day.  Only the spiritual wealth that comes from knowing Jesus and being known by Him is what will count. 

     Even in our present reality, riches are not meant to be trusted in, God is the only One we are able to depend on.  He alone is our source of Provision.  God gives us strength and wisdom to work jobs, manage investments, use money and possessions as tools to care for our families and communities and build up His Kingdom.  These tools do not save people spiritually, but they can be used for helpful programs and buildings to facilitate the ministry of Jesus on Earth.  Some might say, “Jesus ministered to people outdoors, He didn’t need buildings or programs.”  That’s true, but He was also living in a Mediterranean climate.  It would be very difficult to minister in the same venues as He did in Alaska and His program was to send out His disciples two by two.  God blesses us so that we will be a blessing to others.  In this way we share His love.

“God, I pray that You will give me more understanding with regards to these matters.  I pray that I would be content with the blessings You have given and yet hungry and thirsty for righteousness.  Please continue to guide me into all truth.  Expand my understanding as I read and study Your Word.  Show me how to put it into practice.  I pray that I will steward resources wisely, care for those placed in my charge and share Your abundance with others.  Amen.”

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

–Philippians 4:10-13