Lesson 5
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Lesson 5
Rich Man,
Poor Man
(KEY VERSES: PROVERBS 1:10–19; 10:2, 4–5; 11:1; 13:11, 18, 23; 14:21, 31; 15:27; 16:16; 18:9, 11, 23; 22:29; 28:22)
Before you begin …
Getting Started
From the Commentary
In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon tells us a great deal about three kinds of people—the thieves, the poor who need our help, and the diligent workers. (Among the thieves, I’m including “the sluggard,” the lazy person who never works but expects others to take care of him. That’s being a thief, isn’t it?) However, wealthy as he was (1 Kings 4; 10), King Solomon emphasized that God’s wisdom is more important than money. “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” (Prov. 16:16; see 2:1–5; 3:13–15; 8:10–21).
—Be Skillful, page 101
1. What is your first reaction to Solomon’s statement that it is better to get wisdom than gold? In what ways does popular culture uphold this proverb? In what ways does our culture challenge it or deny it? Does the fact that Solomon was a wealthy man add credence to the statement or weaken it?
More to Consider: Review Matthew 6:33. How does this compare with Solomon’s teaching in Proverbs 16:16?
2. Read this week’s key verses (Prov. 1:10–19; 10:2, 4–5; 11:1; 13:11, 18, 23; 14:21, 31; 15:27; 16:16; 18:9, 11, 23; 22:29; 28:22). Which of these verses is most meaningful to you? Explain.
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
The book of Proverbs opens with a stern warning against participating in get-rich-quick schemes that involve breaking the law (Prov. 1:10–19). These schemes are self-destructive and lead to bondage and possibly the grave. Beware of people who promise to make you wealthy without asking you to work or take any risks. “Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but the one who gathers by labor increases it” (13:11 NASB). “A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him” (28:22 NKJV). “Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death” (10:2 NIV).
—Be Skillful, page 102
3. What are some of the get-rich-quick schemes in today’s world that Solomon would denounce? Why are there so many of these in our culture today? What would Solomon say about each of these shortcuts to wealth? Is a shortcut to wealth always wrong? Explain.
From the Commentary
God demands that we be honest in all our business dealings. Dishonesty is robbery. “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight” (11:1 NKJV; see 16:11; 20:10, 23). Moses commanded in the law that people use honest weights and measures (Lev. 19:35–36; Deut. 25:13–16); since Israel didn’t have an official Department of Standards to check on these things, the law wasn’t always obeyed.
—Be Skillful, page 102
4. Consider what a “just weight” looks like in business today. What are some of the ways businesses and organizations you’ve worked with have been a “delight” to the Lord (11:1)? What should our response be when we encounter dishonest dealings? In what ways does dishonesty in business steal even from those who aren’t being dishonest? How does dishonesty steal from families or friendships?
From the History Books
The Internet is rife with get-rich-quick schemes, nearly all of which are too good to be true because they’re scams. Whether it’s an advertisement from a successful motivational speaker selling his “how to be rich like me” books or an email from a Nigerian prince asking you to help him move his money out of the country, there are lots of scam artists preying on our society’s hunger for wealth.
Even the church can be called into question about its practices and promises regarding wealth. Some pastors preach the “prosperity gospel” that says, in essence, “If you do these things, God will reward you with material wealth.” While the Bible surely does promise blessings, it does not promise wealth to everyone who follows certain guidelines. This misleading interpretation of the true gospel is not so different from a get-rich-quick scheme.
5. If common sense says get-rich-quick schemes are scams, why do people still fall for them? How is this an example of trading wisdom for foolishness? In what ways has the church erred in dealing with the hunger for “more”? Why is the prosperity gospel no gospel at all? What wisdom is missing in those who present this as “truth”?
From the Commentary
The sluggard wastes God-given resources. “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster” (Prov. 18:9). The lazy person may be “working” but not doing a very good job. Consequently, what’s done will either have to be thrown out or done over; this means it will cost twice as much.
The sluggard also wastes God-given opportunities. “He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame” (10:5 NKJV).
—Be Skillful, page 105
6. What’s the difference between someone who is a lazy worker and someone who simply isn’t a very skilled worker? How can you tell the difference? How serious a sin do you think laziness is? Why?
More to Consider: Wiersbe writes in Be Skillful that “the biggest thieves of all are the lazy people who could work but won’t, the people who consume what others produce but produce nothing for others to use” (p. 103). Go through Proverbs and circle any references to “sluggards” or “slothful men” (they’re mentioned at least seventeen times). Then note what Proverbs says about these people.
From the Commentary
What are the causes of poverty and need? Some people are poor simply because they won’t work. Work is available, but they prefer not to know about it. “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth” (Prov. 10:4 NIV).
Unfortunately, some people weren’t disciplined when young and taught the importance of work. “He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored” (13:18 NIV). Listening to orders and obeying them, paying attention to correction and reproof and not repeating mistakes, and respecting supervision are essential to success in any job.
—Be Skillful, pages 106–7
7. How can you tell the difference between those who are in poverty because of circumstances out of their control and those who are in poverty because of their own choices? Does your response to poverty depend on the reason someone is poor? Why or why not? What practical answers would Solomon give to those who are suffering from the poverty of laziness? How can the church help people in this situation?
From the Commentary
There are also times when people become poor because of people and events over which they have no control. “A poor man’s field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away” (13:23 NIV; see 18:23; 28:8).… When there’s injustice in the land and people fear the Lord, then the poor have a voice and protection from oppression.
Oppressing the poor is condemned by God. “He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy” (Prov. 14:31 NKJV).
—Be Skillful, page 107
8. What should the church’s response be to those who have become poor because of injustice? How can the church become a voice for those suffering in poverty? In what ways does our society sometimes oppress the poor? What are some practical ways your church and community can honor God through serving the poor?
More to Consider: Read 1 Timothy 5:4, 8. What do these verses tell us about whom we’re to take care of first? How does this relate to Solomon’s teaching on helping the poor?
From the Commentary
The reward for faithful hard work is—more work! “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things” (Matt. 25:21 NKJV; see Luke 19:16–19). “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men” (Prov. 22:29 NKJV).
One of the blessings of diligent labor is the joy of developing the kind of ability and character that others can trust, thereby fitting ourselves for the next responsibility God has prepared for us.
—Be Skillful, page 109
9. What great responsibilities did God give David (Ps. 78:70–72)? What are other examples of increased responsibility given to someone who is diligent in work? How does this apply in the workplace? In areas of service?
From the Commentary
If God blesses our diligent work with success, we must be careful not to become proud. “The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall” (18:11 NIV).… If successful people aren’t careful, they’ll start mistreating people (Prov. 14:21; 18:23) and becoming a law to themselves (28:11).
The wrong attitude toward money can wreck friendships and even destroy a home. “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live” (15:27 NKJV). The man or woman who thinks only of getting rich will put money ahead of people and principles, and soon they start to neglect the family in their frantic pursuit of wealth.
—Be Skillful, pages 112–13
10. What are some ways greed has damaged the work of the church? In what ways do successful people sometimes mistreat others (Prov. 14:21; 18:23)? Why do you think success often goes to people’s heads? What is the proper attitude to have toward money in order to avoid becoming proud?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of “Rich Man, Poor Man.” Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. In what ways have you been tempted by get-rich-quick schemes? Have you ever tried one? What was the result? Why are you tempted by shortcuts to wealth? When you’ve worked hard for your money, how has that affected the way you relate to it?
12. If you’ve been dishonest in any business dealings, what was the underlying reason for your dishonesty? Have you made those things right? If not, what would you need to do to resolve them? If you’ve witnessed others’ dishonest dealings, how have you dealt with them? What are some biblically based ways to confront dishonesty in the workplace?
13. What is your emotional reaction to poverty? In what ways do you tend to judge others for their circumstances? Does it matter if the poor are poor because of their own laziness or because of circumstances out of their control? Why or why not?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to reevaluate your perspective on money? Do you need to do more for the poor? Be specific. Go back through the key verses in this lesson and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Spend a day helping out in a homeless shelter or a similar place where the poor are offered assistance. As you serve, ask God to reveal to you the right attitude to have toward those in poverty and the right response to their need. Then act on what God says to you.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups: