Proverbs on Money: Wisdom for Financial Living
Summary
### Summary
Good morning and welcome to our 10:30 service. Today, we conclude our series on the book of Proverbs, a collection of ancient Near East wisdom literature. Proverbs are short, pithy statements that convey moral truths, designed to be easily remembered and applied. King Solomon, who either wrote or collected these Proverbs, aimed to teach wisdom, discipline, and understanding to help people live successful and ethical lives.
Proverbs emphasize the importance of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Knowledge is the foundation, understanding goes deeper by explaining why things are the way they are, and wisdom is the application of this knowledge and understanding in daily life. Living wisely means living in harmony with the way God created the world, while foolishness is living in opposition to it.
Today, we focus on the topic of money, a subject often avoided or misrepresented in churches. Proverbs offers a clear path of wisdom regarding money, contrasting it with the path of foolishness. The first principle is the connection between honest, hard work and success. Despite societal messages that may suggest otherwise, hard work remains a key factor in achieving success. Proverbs 10:4 and 24:33-34 highlight the consequences of laziness and the rewards of diligence.
The second principle is to avoid debt, as it enslaves. Proverbs 22:7 warns that the borrower is a slave to the lender. Debt can lead to financial servitude, and it's crucial to avoid it whenever possible. The third principle is to save and invest for the future. Proverbs 27:23-24 and 21:20 emphasize the importance of being prudent with your resources, recognizing that financial stability is not guaranteed.
The fourth principle is to give generously. Proverbs 11:25 and 22:9 teach that generosity leads to blessings. Giving not only helps others but also brings God's favor upon the giver. Lastly, while understanding the importance of money, it's crucial to place a higher value on relationships, character, and God. Proverbs 23:4-5 and 11:28 remind us that wealth is fleeting, and true fulfillment comes from living a life centered on God and meaningful relationships.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Connection Between Hard Work and Success: Proverbs teaches that diligent hands bring wealth, while laziness leads to poverty (Proverbs 10:4). In an agricultural society, hard work was essential for survival, and this principle still holds true today. Regardless of societal challenges, honest hard work remains a key factor in achieving success. [31:04]
2. Avoiding Debt: Debt is a form of financial servitude. Proverbs 22:7 warns that the borrower is a slave to the lender. Financial institutions often entice us into debt, but it's crucial to avoid it to maintain financial freedom. Debt can lead to stress and financial instability, making it essential to live within our means. [38:53]
3. Saving and Investing for the Future: Proverbs 27:23-24 emphasizes the importance of being prudent with our resources. Financial stability is not guaranteed, and it's wise to save and invest for the future. Understanding the ups and downs of financial markets can help us prepare for economic uncertainties. [40:24]
4. Generosity Leads to Blessings: Proverbs 11:25 and 22:9 teach that a generous person will prosper. Giving not only helps others but also brings God's favor upon the giver. Generosity reflects a heart aligned with God's values and leads to spiritual and material blessings. [44:46]
5. Valuing Relationships, Character, and God Over Money: While money is important, it should not be our ultimate pursuit. Proverbs 23:4-5 and 11:28 remind us that wealth is fleeting, and true fulfillment comes from living a life centered on God and meaningful relationships. Prioritizing character and relationships over financial gain leads to a more fulfilling and balanced life. [46:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:26] - Upcoming Sermon Series
[19:19] - Introduction to Proverbs
[20:00] - Definition and Purpose of Proverbs
[20:40] - Solomon's Collection of Proverbs
[21:22] - Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom
[22:30] - Wisdom vs. Foolishness
[23:12] - Introduction to Money
[23:53] - Common Church Approaches to Money
[24:39] - Personal Experience with Church Offerings
[26:04] - Importance of Discussing Money
[27:09] - Society's Dependence on Money
[28:23] - Proverbs on Money
[29:44] - Hard Work and Success
[38:53] - Avoiding Debt
[40:24] - Saving and Investing
[44:46] - Generosity
[46:22] - Valuing Relationships Over Money
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 10:4 - "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth."
2. Proverbs 22:7 - "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender."
3. Proverbs 11:25 - "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Proverbs 10:4 say about the relationship between hard work and success? How does this principle apply to both ancient and modern contexts? [31:04]
2. According to Proverbs 22:7, what is the consequence of borrowing money? How does this verse describe the relationship between the borrower and the lender? [38:53]
3. How does Proverbs 11:25 describe the outcome of generosity? What are the spiritual and material benefits mentioned? [44:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of hard work despite societal challenges? How does this align with the message in Proverbs 10:4? [31:04]
2. In what ways can debt be considered a form of financial servitude according to Proverbs 22:7? How does this perspective influence financial decisions? [38:53]
3. How does the principle of generosity in Proverbs 11:25 reflect a heart aligned with God's values? What are the implications for personal and community well-being? [44:46]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current work habits. Are there areas where you can increase your diligence to align more closely with the principle in Proverbs 10:4? What specific steps can you take this week to improve? [31:04]
2. Consider your financial situation. Are you currently in debt? If so, what practical steps can you take to reduce or eliminate it, following the wisdom of Proverbs 22:7? [38:53]
3. Think about your savings and investment strategies. Are you being prudent with your resources as advised in Proverbs 27:23-24? What changes can you make to ensure financial stability for the future? [40:24]
4. Evaluate your giving habits. How much of your resources are you using to help others? What specific actions can you take to increase your generosity, in line with Proverbs 11:25? [44:46]
5. Reflect on your relationships and character. Are there areas where you have prioritized money over meaningful relationships or integrity? How can you realign your priorities to place a higher value on relationships, character, and God, as suggested in Proverbs 23:4-5 and 11:28? [46:22]
6. Identify one person or organization you can support financially this week. How can you ensure that your giving is both generous and impactful, following the teachings of Proverbs 22:9? [44:46]
7. Think about a recent financial decision you made. Did it align with the principles of wisdom and prudence discussed in the sermon? How can you apply these principles to future financial decisions? [40:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Connection Between Hard Work and Success
Proverbs teaches that diligent hands bring wealth, while laziness leads to poverty. In an agricultural society, hard work was essential for survival, and this principle still holds true today. Regardless of societal challenges, honest hard work remains a key factor in achieving success. Proverbs 10:4 and 24:33-34 highlight the consequences of laziness and the rewards of diligence.
In today's world, the message of hard work can sometimes be overshadowed by quick-fix solutions and get-rich-quick schemes. However, the timeless wisdom of Proverbs reminds us that there is no substitute for diligent effort. Hard work not only leads to material success but also builds character and resilience. It aligns us with the natural order that God has established, where effort and reward are intrinsically linked.
[31:04]
Proverbs 12:11 (ESV): "Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you have been avoiding hard work. What steps can you take today to start putting in the necessary effort to achieve your goals?
Day 2: Avoiding Debt
Debt is a form of financial servitude. Proverbs 22:7 warns that the borrower is a slave to the lender. Financial institutions often entice us into debt, but it's crucial to avoid it to maintain financial freedom. Debt can lead to stress and financial instability, making it essential to live within our means.
In a culture that often promotes living beyond one's means, the wisdom of avoiding debt is more relevant than ever. Debt can create a cycle of financial bondage that is difficult to break. It can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness. By living within our means and avoiding unnecessary debt, we can experience greater financial freedom and peace of mind.
[38:53]
Proverbs 22:26-27 (ESV): "Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?"
Reflection: Reflect on your current financial situation. Are there any debts you can start paying off or avoid taking on? What practical steps can you take to live within your means starting today?
Day 3: Saving and Investing for the Future
Proverbs 27:23-24 emphasizes the importance of being prudent with our resources. Financial stability is not guaranteed, and it's wise to save and invest for the future. Understanding the ups and downs of financial markets can help us prepare for economic uncertainties.
Being prudent with our resources means recognizing that financial stability is not guaranteed. By saving and investing wisely, we can prepare for future uncertainties and ensure that we are not caught off guard by economic downturns. This principle encourages us to be good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, planning for the future while trusting in His provision.
[40:24]
Proverbs 6:6-8 (ESV): "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest."
Reflection: Consider your current saving and investing habits. Are you being prudent with your resources? What changes can you make to better prepare for the future?
Day 4: Generosity Leads to Blessings
Proverbs 11:25 and 22:9 teach that a generous person will prosper. Giving not only helps others but also brings God's favor upon the giver. Generosity reflects a heart aligned with God's values and leads to spiritual and material blessings.
Generosity is a reflection of God's character and His love for humanity. When we give generously, we not only help those in need but also align ourselves with God's heart. This act of giving brings blessings, both spiritual and material, as it opens the door for God's favor in our lives. Generosity is a tangible expression of our faith and trust in God's provision.
[44:46]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can be generous today. How can you give of your time, resources, or talents to bless someone else?
Day 5: Valuing Relationships, Character, and God Over Money
While money is important, it should not be our ultimate pursuit. Proverbs 23:4-5 and 11:28 remind us that wealth is fleeting, and true fulfillment comes from living a life centered on God and meaningful relationships. Prioritizing character and relationships over financial gain leads to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Money can easily become an idol if we are not careful. The pursuit of wealth can lead us away from what truly matters—our relationship with God and with others. True fulfillment and joy come from living a life that prioritizes character, integrity, and meaningful relationships. By placing a higher value on these things, we align ourselves with God's purposes and experience a deeper sense of satisfaction and peace.
[46:22]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV): "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
Reflection: Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas where you have placed money above relationships or character? What steps can you take today to realign your priorities with God's values?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The number one source of marital conflict in the United States is money. So if we wanna help marriages, we gotta talk about money. The one of the highest sources of stress and anxiety is money, so we gotta talk about money if we're gonna help people." [26:04] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A wise person gives generously. Proverbs 11, 25, a generous person will prosper. Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 22, 9, the generous will themselves be blessed. See, God blesses givers. What percent of what? What you have, do you use to help others? Or is everything that you have yours?" [44:46] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Money is important, but it is not the most important thing. All the things that money promises you, I'm just saying this to our young people, you get sold on your career. Well, you know, if I go into debt and take this out, and if I get this career, let me tell you something, if your life is not centered on God and Christ and relationships and loving other people, I don't care how much money you have. Your life is going to suck, and you are going to regret it the entire time." [51:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house. Full of feasting and strife. It's better to have your peanut butter and jelly with people who love you and are at peace than to have a great meal with marital and family conflict." [47:48] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Better a small serving of vegetables. And honey, I want you to see it's in the Bible. It's a small serving of vegetables. And I live by the Bible. Better a little with the fear of the Lord." [49:36] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Wisdom is living life in harmony with the way God made the world. So the whole idea behind Proverbs is God has created the world a certain way. And so when you live a certain way, you live in harmony with what God has created. Foolishness is when you live in opposition to the way God made the world or ignorance of the way God made the world." [22:30] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A wise person trusts the connection between honest, hard work and success. Now, the reason I'm going to address this is that we currently are living in an era and a culture where there are certain messages that are being communicated to young people. And they say things like this. If you're born a certain color, if you come from a certain neighborhood, if your upbringing is this or that, if you're an immigrant, that somehow you are a victim and you can't get ahead because everything is stacked against you." [29:44] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "A wise person avoids debt because it enslaves. It enslaves. Proverbs 22, seven, the rich rule over the poor. Why? Because when you borrow money, you are a slave to the lender. Debt is a form of servanthood and slavery. And here's the problem. The number one advertiser in the world, the number one industry in the world is financial institutions selling you debt, their credit card, their loan. They know what they're doing. They want to enslave you." [37:05] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Save and invest for the future. Proverbs 27 verse 23 and 24. It says, be sure to know the condition of your flocks. Give careful attention to your herds. Why? Why should you pay attention to your money? See your, your animals, your livestock, that was your money. That was your bank account. That's what you had in savings. You had 50 cattle. That was your money. That was your nest egg, right? He says, so you should pay attention to how the herd is doing. Why? Because riches do not endure forever." [40:24] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "A wise person understands the importance of money, but places a higher value on relationships, character, and God. I want you to understand this. If you don't understand the importance of money, you are a fool. You say, I don't worry about those budget things. I'm not worried about retirement. I'm just going to trust God. Proverbs says you're a fool. Because that's not how the world works." [46:22] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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