Chapter 618 of 1163

PROVERBS 22

If you measure life by riches, you will be disappointed. God made both the rich and the poor (v. 2), and both are important to Him. (See Luke 6:20–26; James 2:1–13.)

Major on character—a good name—and not on great wealth (v. 1). Money can buy fame but not a good name. If you are proud, all you may get is money, but if you are humble, God will give honor and life along with the wealth He wants you to have (v. 4).

Do not allow debt to put you into bondage (v. 7) or the love of money to cause you to oppress others (vv. 16, 22–23). If you give gifts to the rich just to get their favor, you will end up poor.

No matter how rich or poor you may be, it is integrity that really counts. Even the king, probably the richest person in the land, pays attention to people of character (vv. 11, 29). And do not forget the King of kings before whom you will one day stand.

Properly View Wealth

The book of Proverbs issues a number of stern warnings about wealth. Wealth cannot give you peace (15:16) or wisdom (16:16), but it can create pride (18:11, 23) and trouble (15:6, 27) and friends who will not last (14:20). You should fear God (22:4) and share with others what God gives to you (11:24–25; 19:17). Watch out when somebody promises to make you rich in a hurry because those schemes backfire and leave you poor (20:21; 28:20, 22). The way to gain wealth is through hard work (10:4, 22) and faithfulness to the Lord.

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