25 Scriptures on financial wisdom

Principles for Financial Stewardship, Contentment, and Spiritual Prosperity. 

Money and success are aspects of life that hold great significance for many people. The Bible, a timeless source of wisdom, provides comprehensive guidance on how to approach wealth and success in a way that aligns with God's principles. This article explores the rich tapestry of biblical teachings on money and success, delving into specific principles for financial stewardship, contentment, and spiritual prosperity. By immersing ourselves in these teachings, we can cultivate a balanced and purposeful approach to financial matters, while deepening our connection with God and experiencing true spiritual abundance.

The Source of Wealth: Acknowledging God's Provision

At the heart of biblical teachings on money and success is the recognition that all wealth comes from God. The Bible emphasizes that God is the ultimate provider and that it is by His grace that we are blessed with resources and opportunities for financial abundance.

Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, "But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth." This verse establishes the foundation for our understanding of wealth—that it is a gift from God. Embracing this perspective fosters gratitude and a sense of responsibility in how we manage our financial resources.

There is a beautiful story that I picked up from a book by JOEL GOLDSMITH, The Infinite Way, that explains this abundance beautifully.

Batoni- The prodigal son Luke 15:11-32

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On the earth, before we were present here, and long after we leave, there have always been laws that govern nature's provision to all its inhabitants. If we take agriculture as a metaphor, everything grows and supplies the earth and in much the same way that a law governs growth, there is also a law that governs its distribution. All we need to do as human beings is to relate closely to the spark of divinity that resides within each and every one of us and align our lives to the source of all life and in accordance to the law, we will also be provided with the sustenance that we need. Jesus spoke of the lilies of the field and birds of the air, having no worry for today, yet their Father in heaven provides for them daily; why not you?

Understanding that God is the source of our wealth encourages us to approach money with humility and gratitude. It also reminds us to use our resources wisely and in ways that align with God's purposes.

There is a principle practised in Roman Catholicism called the universal destination of goods. This is in principle everything mentioned in the paragraphs above, namely that all we have belongs to God, even our very lives. In a cataclysmic event, say famine, floods, or even being attacked by aliens, if the community needs resources to save the many, then at that point the rules of private ownership cease in favour of the wider good. We saw this in the world wars when many country estates and homes were commandeered by the military. One family cannot have food that can feed or thousands, yet have thousands around them starving. Frankly, it seems like common sense, but there may be those who disagree.

Feti - Parable of the Vineyard Matt 20:1-16

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 The Perils of the Love of Money

While money itself is not inherently evil, the Bible warns against the love of money and the pursuit of wealth as the primary focus of one's life. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." This verse highlights the potential dangers of placing material wealth above spiritual values and relationships.

The pursuit of money for its own sake can lead to selfishness, greed, and neglect of more important aspects of life, such as relationships, character development, and spiritual growth. The Bible cautions us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and the well-being of others over the accumulation of wealth.

I refer you to the parable of Lazarus and the Richman Luke 16:19-31 or the rich old fool Luke 12:13-21. In both cases, the point is emphasized that all material wealth will remain here when we depart the earth, however, my personal addition is that you will carry with you all the non-material good that you acquired/offered while on this earth e.g Love, Kindness, Charity, Caring and so on; it's about what you do for others, how you make them feel and thus the impact you made on their lives, no matter how small; consider these as significant additions to your bank account in the pearly heights.

Financial Stewardship: Managing Resources Responsibly

Biblical teachings emphasize the importance of financial stewardship—the responsible management of the resources entrusted to us by God. Stewardship recognizes that we are not owners but caretakers of the wealth and possessions we possess.

The principle of tithing is a key aspect of financial stewardship mentioned in the Bible. In Malachi 3:10, God challenges His people to test Him by bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse. Tithing involves giving a tenth of our income back to God as an act of obedience, trust, and gratitude. This practice encourages us to prioritize generosity and acknowledges that our provision extends beyond material possessions.

I am not a believer in tithing, but rather in giving what you are able to give; more or less than 10% is not the issue. The issue is to give because first that we can, and secondly to demonstrate that we truly love our neighbors as we would have them love us. I like to add a caveat, never give at the expense of those who rely on you (family, parents, relatives etc). The gifts you have been granted are first for taking care of them, and then for your neighbors. Do not incur God's wrath by taking away from their sustenance; give only what you consider affordable and extra (and thus give not grudgingly).

Generosity and giving lie at the core of biblical teachings on money and success. The Bible encourages us to share our resources with those in need and to cultivate a spirit of generosity. Jesus affirms the value of giving in Luke 6:38, saying, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap." This verse highlights the principle of sowing and reaping, suggesting that generosity is not only an act of kindness but also a pathway to receiving blessings in return. But I return to the caveat, give only what you can, after taking care of your own. Over and above this, give only to the deserving (generally the poor, unable to help themselves); Gucci-wearing preachers, living in luxury and flying Jets DO NOT QUALIFY REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY MAY TELL YOU! You are better off simply giving the money to a poor shelter for food and accommodation.

Rosetti - Ecce Ancilla Domni Luke 1:26-38

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Additionally, the Bible encourages responsible financial planning, saving, and avoiding debt. Proverbs 21:20 advises, "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." This verse highlights the importance of planning for the future, saving for unforeseen circumstances, and avoiding reckless spending. Wise financial management is an essential component of being a faithful steward.

In regards to saving and planning, be very wary of advertising and the subliminal messages its sends to the population. Brands are irrelevant; a shirt, trousers or car, for as long as they do what they are meant to do are fine. Paying more simply because there is a little tag that suggests you should is utter madness. Yes, I said madness, which has unfortunately deluded most of the world. There is a revolution in the West focused on minimalist living, even for those with vast amounts of money. I suggest you give this a try and watch your savings grow in leaps and bounds.

 Contentment and Detachment: Finding True Wealth

The Bible teaches the importance of finding contentment in all circumstances, regardless of our financial status. It warns against the dangers of greed, materialism, and the pursuit of worldly possessions.

The Apostle Paul provides a powerful example of contentment in Philippians 4:11-12, saying, "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." In the presence of plenty or less, be content.  Moreover, the Bible encourages detachment from worldly possessions and the understanding that true wealth lies in spiritual treasures. Jesus advises in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." This teaching invites us to invest our time, energy, and resources in acts of kindness, service, and spiritual growth, recognizing the eternal value of such pursuits that is, they count towards your bank credits in the afterlife.

Work Ethic and Diligence: Honoring God through Labor

The Bible promotes the virtues of hard work, diligence, and the responsible use of our talents and opportunities. It teaches that success and financial well-being often result from diligent labour and a commitment to excellence.

Proverbs 10:4 states, "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth." This verse emphasizes the importance of industriousness and the potential rewards that come from hard work. The Bible encourages us to develop our skills, pursue excellence, and contribute positively to society through our work.

Additionally, the Bible warns against laziness and the pursuit of quick riches. Proverbs 13:11 cautions, "Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow." This verse advises us to avoid shortcuts or unethical means of accumulating wealth and instead focus on consistent, honest efforts.

I would however like to add a small twist. Work hard, but first work smart. This involves thinking things through, understanding why they are done in a particular way and the expected outcome. A colloquial way of putting this is not to take a "hammer to a mosquito". Intelligence is key. Secondly,  the purpose of man's existence is not to work, but rather to appreciate and love God's creation and our fellow human beings. The almighty never meant for us to be slaves, after all in forests all over the world, all you need to do is stretch out your hand to the nearest tree, and "voila", there is sustenance.

Work is not to be idolized. I love the European tradition of siesta; resting between midday and 3pm in summer. Frankly, I think it should be a global tradition, and reduce the work week to just 4 days. It's more time to spend with loved ones and reduce global human stress worldwide. Work was made for man, not man for work!

Blake  - Nebuchadnezzar reduced to a beast Dan 4:19-37

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 Seeking God's Kingdom First: Aligning Priorities

Central to the biblical teachings on money and success is the exhortation to seek God's kingdom and righteousness as the highest priority in our lives. Jesus urges His followers in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." This verse encourages us to align our ambitions, goals, and financial decisions with God's purposes and values.

Seeking God's kingdom first involves surrendering our desires and aspirations to God's will, trusting in His provision, and allowing His guidance to shape our financial decisions. It prioritizes spiritual growth, obedience to God's commands, and the pursuit of righteousness over personal gain.

The Kingdom of God is already here and it resides within you. Take the time to meditate on Jesus' teachings, and slowly but surely the Kingdom will reveal itself more and more to you. Inculcate Jesus' teachings by experience, attempting at all times to live by the standard he created; it will not be easy and dare I say impossible, but keep trying.

Conclusion

The Bible offers profound wisdom on money and success, providing principles for financial stewardship, contentment, and spiritual prosperity. By acknowledging God as the source of our wealth, practising responsible financial management, cultivating contentment, working diligently, embracing generosity, and seeking God's kingdom first, we can develop a holistic and purposeful approach to money and success. Through the integration of biblical principles into our financial decisions, we can experience both material abundance and spiritual fulfilment. Ultimately, the teachings of the Bible remind us that true prosperity encompasses not only material wealth but also spiritual growth, integrity, and a heart of service.

24. Seven Deadly Sins in the Bible

In this article, we dwell on the Seven deadly sins and lively virtues in the bible and how being aware of them can steer your life to success both terrestrially and hopefully through the pearly gates. 

Desolation of Tamar - 2 Samuel 13:1-22

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The concept of the seven deadly sins is rooted in Christian tradition and refers to vices or behaviours that are considered immoral or sinful. Each of these sins has its own unique characteristics and consequences, which are explained in detail below:

1.  Pride

Pride as one of the seven deadly sins is the excessive belief in one's own abilities or accomplishments, which can lead to arrogance and self-centeredness. It is often seen as the root of all sin because it can lead to a lack of humility and a sense of entitlement. Pride can cause individuals to put themselves above others, leading to harmful behaviours and attitudes.

We are all created in the image and likeness of God, secondly, the fate that awaits us all having been born on this earth is the same, for both King and pauper. Finally, we came with nothing and will leave with nothing; we are all equal in the same way we came in and leave this earth. It is a fool indeed who fails to understand this.

Tissot - Building the ark Gen 7:9-22

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2. Envy

Envy is the desire for what someone else has, often leading to feelings of resentment and bitterness. It is a destructive emotion that can lead to a range of negative behaviours, such as jealousy, gossip, and even violence. Envy can cause individuals to focus on what they lack rather than what they have, leading to a lack of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in their own lives.

3. Wrath

Wrath as one of the seven deadly sins, is intense anger or rage, often leading to destructive behaviour. It is a powerful emotion that can cause individuals to act impulsively and harmfully towards others. Wrath can cause individuals to lose control of their emotions, leading to poor decision-making and negative consequences for themselves and those around them.

4. Sloth or Laziness

Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work (acedia), often leading to laziness and apathy. It is a lack of effort or motivation to engage in productive or meaningful activities. Sloth can cause individuals to become complacent and stagnant, leading to a lack of personal growth and development.

Blake- Nebuchadnezzer reduced to an animal Daniel 4:19-37

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5. Sins Greed

Greed as one of the seven deadly sins is the excessive desire for material possessions or wealth, leading to selfishness and hoarding. It is a preoccupation with accumulating wealth or resources at the expense of others. Greed can cause individuals to become obsessed with money and possessions, leading to a lack of empathy and concern for the needs of others.

The church has a doctrine called the universal destination of goods. In a nutshell, it states that all that is on earth is for all of humanity. Private property must be protected, but owners of such property must understand that they are only stewards of all of humanity. The implication is that in the event of some calamity, one cannot hoard private resources if those resources are the difference between life and death.

I find this doctrine very practical and useful. Another example would be an external existential threat (e.g. Aliens attacking the Earth). If such a thing were to happen, won't we all come together as mankind to beat a common enemy? There will be no difference between a King and a Pauper; for to the invaders, we are all the same, regardless of social or economic status.

Cades- Judgement of Solomon

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6. Gluttony

Gluttony is overindulgence in food or drink, leading to unhealthy and wasteful behaviour. It is a lack of self-control and moderation. Gluttony can cause individuals to prioritize their own physical pleasure over their health and well-being, leading to negative consequences for themselves and those around them.

There is a proverb that goes, "all who loves wine and oil will never grow rich". This is a reference to Food and Alcohol. Excess indulgence in food and wine leads to obesity and alcoholism respectively. St Augustine said, and I paraphrase in regards to alcohol.. "Moderation is needed in regards to alcohol, however, for the vast majority, the best kind of moderation is abstinence".. How very true..

7.  Lust

Lust is the excessive desire for sexual pleasure, often leading to immoral behaviour. It is a preoccupation with sexual gratification. Lust can cause individuals to objectify others and view them as a means to an end rather than as human beings deserving of respect and dignity.

The seven deadly sins represent a framework for identifying and avoiding harmful behaviours that can lead to negative consequences for oneself and others. By recognizing these sins and striving to overcome them, individuals can lead more moral and fulfilling lives.

The seven lively virtues (a counter to the sins) are character traits that are seen as virtuous and morally positive. These virtues are an antidote to the seven deadly sins and represent the opposite of those vices. Each virtue has its own unique characteristics and benefits, which are explained below:

1. Humility Vs Pride

Humility is the ability to recognize one's own limitations and weaknesses and to have a modest and respectful view of oneself. It is the opposite of pride, which is an excessive belief in one's own abilities or accomplishments. Humility allows individuals to acknowledge the contributions of others and to work collaboratively towards shared goals. It promotes a sense of community and a willingness to learn from others.

2. Kindness Vs Envy

Kindness is the ability to show compassion and generosity towards others and to rejoice in their good fortune. It is the opposite of envy, which is the desire for what someone else has. Kindness allows individuals to see the humanity in others and to treat them with respect and dignity. It promotes a sense of empathy and understanding and can lead to deeper relationships and connections with others.

3. Patience vs Wrath (Anger)

Patience is the ability to endure difficult situations with calmness and composure and to approach challenges with a measured and steady approach. It is the opposite of wrath, which is intense anger or rage. Patience allows individuals to maintain a sense of perspective and avoid impulsive or harmful behaviours. It promotes a sense of resilience and perseverance and can lead to greater success and achievement.

4. Diligence Vs Sloth (Laziness)

Diligence is the ability to apply oneself with focused effort and persistent work, leading to achievement and success. It is the opposite of sloth, which is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work. Diligence allows individuals to achieve their goals and contribute to the greater good. It promotes a sense of purpose and meaning and can lead to greater satisfaction and fulfilment in life.

5. Generosity

Generosity as a counter to the seven deadly sins is the ability to give freely to others, sharing one's resources and wealth to benefit the community. It is the opposite of greed, which is the excessive desire for material possessions or wealth. Generosity allows individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to the greater good. It promotes a sense of gratitude and appreciation and can lead to deeper connections with others.

I however have a caveat in regard to this. Never give at the expense of those you have a responsibility over. God in his wisdom gives you the ability to generate wealth, it is first for those under your care and thereafter those you choose to support.

6. Temperance vs Gluttony

Temperance is the ability to exercise self-control and moderation in all areas of life, avoiding excess and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. It is the opposite of gluttony, which is overindulgence in food or drink. Temperance allows individuals to prioritize their health and well-being and avoid harmful behaviours. It promotes a sense of discipline and self-awareness and can lead to greater personal growth and development.

7. Chastity vs Lust

Chastity is the ability to maintain purity and restraint in one's sexual desires, respect oneself and others and strive for healthy relationships. It is the opposite of lust, which is the excessive desire for sexual pleasure. 

Chastity allows individuals to approach relationships with respect and dignity, promoting healthy and fulfilling connections with others. It promotes a sense of self-respect and personal integrity and can lead to greater self-confidence and emotional well-being.

Crist - Judith holds the head of Holofernes

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The seven lively virtues represent a framework for cultivating positive character traits and living a morally virtuous life. By embodying these virtues, individuals can strive towards a more fulfilling and meaningful existence, promoting positive relationships with others and contributing to the greater good.

Enjoy!

23 Wisdom of God Bible Quotes 8

We continue from where we left off. In this post, we touch on the power of your tongue by expounding on a few Wisdom of God Bible Quotes about success and wealth. We also touch briefly on bible verses to do with politics and the expectations for Christians in regard to the political field.

“Gold there is and rubies in abundance but lips that speak knowledge are a rare vessel”. There will always be many richer people, than wise people

On The Power of words Proverbs 10:6-14

Our speech has the power to reward and change ourselves and others. All blessings come from God, but they are mediated through a human agent and this entails people praying for God's blessings on the righteous. They are praying for those who go through life with an open hand.

Violence overcomes the mouth of the wicked. The bad words of the wicked invite violence to stop them. It comes back on them thus destroying them. Love draws a veil over everything (meaning that tenderness and forgiveness is always on the minds and lips of those who love). Where there is dissension, hatred (harshness and a lack of love) is normally in the background causing it. Whatever you say is intentionally misunderstood and it stirs up strife.

Tissot- Son of the vineyard, Matthew 25:33-46

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Whenever there is love, a veil is drawn over your faults and whatever is wrongly done is only an incident and not deemed intrinsic to character.  If you want to know whether you are hated or at least where there is no love, then your every action will be considered a character trait; there is no veil of love.

It is a way of speaking that will help the other person and give them life or damage the other person for life, which is actually violence against them.

 Proverbs 11:30 , Proverbs 18:20-21 The power of life and death

“You eat what you speak”. A reckless person’s words pierce like knives/swords. God calls us to love and not to be right. Choose love and not to be right; not to win or to domineer.

Limitations of words. Words should be accompanied by deeds. Faltering in deeds is to show yourself as being lax and entails cowardice, fear, indolence, carelessness, and a lack of resolute strength 

On the Characteristics of wise speech

We use the mnemonic BREATH. Its stands for:

B- Boast not. Never boast about tomorrow, for we know not what it will bring. Self-praise exalts the self and thus destroys relationships

R- Restrained. Restrain yourself from starting a quarrel, for it is like breaching a dam

E- No Gossiping. Be prudent and keep the knowledge to yourself

A-  Apt

T- Thoughtful

H- Honest

So if you have Gentle BREATH in speaking, you know to speak softly, gently, kindly, and sensitively to the other person.

Strozzi- Guardian angel, Matthew 18:10-14

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Love covers all wrongs

An understanding person heals a broken relationship by maintaining an appropriate silence, even when wronged. Do not speak or gossip to other people on the matter.

When you weigh up what to say, it implies self-control and being considerate. Wickedness is not concerned with the other's well-being. The wicked are rash; the loving are gentle and self-controlled.

On the Sources of good speech

·      These come from the heart

·      Useful to judge the character of the person

·      Spend time with the wise and in time become wise

As you come to weigh your words, and thus speech, you gain an ability to quickly assess the characters of others simply by how they speak. This is a very useful quality for assessing character, even as people try to hide theirs.

On politics

Wisdom gives one social skill of know-how, in order to relate both to people and to God. Politics as per proverbs is meant to eschew wickedness in society, by using wisdom over the wicked, whose ethics are derived from what is right in their own eyes and whose morals may include killing the innocent.

Ethics does not set absolute values, but religion does; it in itself has no authority. If there is no God, then there are no absolute standards and this thus allows for relativism.

 Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines relativism as roughly put, the view that truth and falsity, right and wrong, standards of reasoning, and procedures of justification are products of differing conventions and frameworks of assessment and that their authority is confined to the context-giving rise to them.

If you read the above between the lines, it's essentially saying that ethics are situational, and thus change depending on the context. Christianity however sets absolute standards , regardless of the context.

So what type of government will govern us as a people? It will either be the value and ethics of scripture or of the pragmatic person, who has no absolute right or wrong; one could say the ethics of common sense rather than the of Christianity.

Relative values are always determined by consequences of what gives one pleasure, and what is right in one’s own eyes; this is unlike Christian ethics, which we believe come directly from God in the Pentateuch. Whether we like them or not is irrelevant;  we simply consider them absolute.

Watts- Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37

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 On Separation of church and state. 

Government should not interfere with the people's right to worship, however as a Christian country our ethics are based on Christ as should the values espoused by the government. Christians belong first to the Kingdom of God and second to the state. It is incumbent upon us to take from the Kingdom of God and apply it to the state

God gave rulers the sword and the power to uphold righteousness. The government restrains anarchy and evil. If the government represents God, then it has the authority of God behind it. But if it steps out from under God, then it has no real authority behind it and should be challenged. Even at home, if the parents disobey God, then the children can disobey the parents 

Why get involved in politics? 

It is inevitable and inescapable. In a democracy, we all rule and exercise our rule through the ballot. Politics is a form of spiritual war, all aimed at restraining evil; if we do not vote, we inadvertently vote for the wicked. 

Finally, the world is full of fools, mockers, sluggards, and the like, who will continue to have their cake and eat it if the community of believers fails to participate in Politics. We must participate in government because it is there to establish righteousness. Christian political activity is salt and light in a depraved world; we should thus be involved in politics.

 Wainwright- Wise and Foolish Virgins Matt 25:1-13

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We pray and hope that you have enjoyed this short work on certain practical aspects of proverbs. We encourage you to practice, as without it you can derive no benefit.

Feel free to write to us at biblesceneimages@gmail.com should you have any comments, good or bad. We are quite welcoming of praise and criticism alike.

God bless you and we pray that this short read has been useful to you.

Enjoy 

22 Wisdom of God Bible Quotes 7

We continue from where we left off in the previous post. We focus on Wisdom of God Bible Quotes about money. 

Money has both a temporal and spiritual quality. Temporal values do give us security against misfortune. It however cannot save you from death, the ultimate enemy. It also cannot do what wisdom does. We expound further on bible verses about money and their verses.

On Money and Temporal values Proverbs 10:15,  Proverbs 22:7

The temporal value is security against misfortune and also against slavery. It leads to a better quality of life Proverbs 12:9 Money enables you to have a slave so that you can enjoy a better life. We all have appliances in our homes; in the past, people did these things; today's slavery is in what we call jobs (specifically those that underpay). 

Without money, you can’t get an education, a home, etc. Proverbs recognize a real value in money, but while temporal, they are still very real and impact your daily life.

Rembrandt- The prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32

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 On Money and Spiritual values

Not too much or too little. Augur, a wise man mentioned in the proverbs, prays to God on wealth by asking Him not to give him too little, lest he dishonours Him by stealing, and not too much, lest he forgets Him in his plenty.

Helping the poor. This is for most, common sense. If you readily accept that wealth is a gift from the most high, it follows that you will use your good fortune, to assist your fellow creatures.

The practical problem presented here is that not all of us can be Mother Teresa, and it's natural not to want to associate with the poor. A needy person is not somebody we want to make friends with. Secondly, the world is full of rascals, masquerading as needy, but they are ravenous wolves, hungry for profit.

The practical solution is to use a well-known body like the church to direct your offerings to the poor. The church organizes human beings for the Kingdom that is coming and assists the needy in their day-to-day wants. A church that focuses on Ferraris and Jets for the clergy (whose main objective is evangelization and not enrichment), is in my view far from the teachings of Christ on the role of the Church. Be discerning about who you entrust to help the poor.

On the poor Proverbs 14:20-21

 The poor are shunned and you don’t want to associate with them, but at the same time, we should be kind to them. As mentioned above, the church and those with special charisms to assist the poor should be supported to the hilt.

We may not want to admit it, but it's human to shun the poor; nobody wants a needy friend or to lose existing relationships as a result of having needy friends. It’s the way it is, but many opportunities for helping them exist.

On generosity Proverbs 11:24-25

 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed

On past evils Ephesians 4:28

 He who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 

The purpose of work is to help those in need and thus become righteous. Money enables us to be righteous... it’s a real value… and it pays dividends in return, but we cannot say with certainty whether it’s in this life or the one to come.

On threatening the poor Proverbs 13:8 

If you are not in a position to change your circumstances financially, no threat of any kind moves you. Don’t threaten the poor, they don’t frighten easily, on account of having little to lose. They rely on God and Men of goodwill to fight their battles.

How to have enduring wealth Proverbs 11:23-27 

Those who seek the good, are naturally rewarded (I qualify, however, in this world or the one to come). Proverbs 1:7 True and enduring wealth begins with a fear of IAM.

Our dependence on God Proverbs 3:9-10 We need to say to the community, that we depend on him both in service and in how we give. Our intention is to be righteous by aiming for righteousness.

This is in no way about the prosperity gospel, which suggests an immediate mentality of quid pro quo, that is a market transaction where you give and expect an immediate reward in return. Anyone that preaches the prosperity gospel is in my view inherently evil and should be avoided. Under no circumstances should you give any fruits to them, for the sums never reach the needy, but are devoured by Wolves in sheep’s clothing.

The spiritual world, is a world of probabilities, that fall both in this world and the afterlife. We don’t know the full workings of it all, but we do know that our temporal intentions should be about the achievement of righteousness, and the rest will follow, either in this or in the world to come or both.

On having an open hand Proverbs 11:23-27 

The idea of giving freely is going through life with an open hand, helping where you can, but with caution (meaning you give where there is a need and only to the deserving; sluggards and mockers don’t qualify).

A Christian will not use the market against the poor to enrich himself. Think of others, but be fair to yourself. If you understand business or economics, then use it for both your benefit and the benefit of others; accommodating all in the value that you intend to create in the market. Other human beings must come first before profit. It is not a zero-sum game but a win-win scenario at all times; this must always be the perspective that a Christian must have.

A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapour and a deadly snare. The problem with sin (in the form of easy money), is getting accustomed to it, namely growing callous against hard work and what is right. When you get used to easy money, you forget how to make it legitimately and frankly you no longer have the patience to wait.  This is the slippery slope that becomes the Achilles heel; you simply forget hard work and scorn those who do.

Never be a surety or guarantor for anything

This is a sure way to poverty for no action of your own except your goodwill

Never feed the leech Proverbs 30:15 

Never feed a fool, and certainly never a sluggard…for a sluggard is worse than a fool (he who refuses to acknowledge our reliance on the almighty, and our equal status as human beings before Him). 2 Thessalonians 3:10 We are obliged only to help the truly needy

On withholding good Proverbs 3:27 

Do not withhold good from the one who processes good; the moral good. Do not withhold material goods, from the one who processes spiritual good. You go through life generously, but you are obligated to the morally good and thus not withhold material good from them. You are free to ignore the immoral.

Have an open hand, but be careful who you give to. Many charlatans are posing as conduits for the poor and neglected, only for them to enrich themselves. The fault does not lie in the giver, but all the same, choose to be discerning in your giving.

On taking care of the poor Deuteronomy 24:21

In the modern world, a progressive tax system actually achieves this. The poor will benefit more from taxes than the rich, who can create the necessary infrastructure for living using private capital. Progressive taxes, tax-free bands, free health care, food stamps, social benefits etc and the like makes life easier for the foreigner, fatherless, and the widow…  “leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow”… It actually belongs to them.

The same principle applies to your run-of-the-mill mum-and-pop shops and small businesses in general. Why compete with small businesses when you can make money in niches that require significantly more capital. As a rule of thumb, what requires little capital will generally be very competitive, but it becomes easier for the rich since they can compete with the fewer where more capital is required e.g Manufacturing as opposed to retailing. It is simply wrong for one to own the value chain from manufacturing to retail simply because you can; where are the poor that you find there supposed to go? Damn efficiency and applaud humanity!

Related to this kind of thinking, is the issue of social benefits and the desire to work. As human beings, we must give people dignity, regardless of their innate capacity. The government's work is to ensure that its citizens attain a reasonable standard of living, which is further supplemented by hard work. Ensuring a reasonable living standard through social benefits is also a cure for many societal evils brought upon by poverty.1Timothy 5:3-6 This is a natural law and pleasing to God

Slevogt- Return of the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32

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On giving what you can, and no more Proverbs 3:27

We are not to give more than we can afford. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it. Ecclesiastes 7:18 We help only when it is in our power to do so; do not borrow to help. Whoever fears God will avoid extremes. By fearing God we obtain discernment to make decisions regarding the needy. You should never do so at the expense of your obligations to your loved ones and those whom God has given to you as your wards. To do so is to test God, who has given you the means to take care of them. 

On Being diligent, content, patient, and Hardworking Prov 12:11-24 

Working the land is tilling, fertilizing, and cultivating; this is hard work. Get-rich-quick schemes and fantasies along the same lines lead to nowhere but failure. Hard work inculcates character; the character needed to enjoy the fruits of that hard work. There is much truth in the saying that “a fool and his money are soon parted”. Easy come, is truly easy go, for the hard work does not act as a buttress against being a spendthrift or prodigal. Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers little by little lets it grow. and is careful about how it is spent 

Prov 14:23 Is against foolish spending. Prov 13:11  In all toil there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. 

I have always loved these proverbs. Hard work is truly its own reward. Indeed, the profit margins may differ from one activity to the next, but one will always be in the black when following these Godly principles.

Tim 6:6 Indeed, enjoy the creation of God, but in all things let there be moderation.

Hurry hurry has no blessings Proverbs 21:5  As a kid we always heard the adage “Hurry hurry has no blessings”. Haste in money/material things connotes greed. Haste in speech connotes a lack of self-reflection. Never do anything in haste, or feel the urge to act hastily. There will always be a chance for profit or putting in a word; if it can’t wait, then it was never for you to act or say.

It is imperative to establish a firm economic base by taking care of your sources of income through planning and hard work. Get your fields ready and then build your house.  Know the condition of your sheep and cattle, because riches don’t endure without maintenance.

Always replenish your income sources. There is a constant resupply in the order of creation to sustain wealth; creation constantly reproduces itself. As God resupplies, we must rethink to fit this new order of things.

 On gifting the rich Proverbs 22:16  

Gifts to the rich are typically for favours and not out of love; they are the same as bribes (to protect what one has obtained by oppression; so shall he lose by being oppressed by the rich he seeks help from). The oppressor and self-aggrandizer suffer the loss of love.

On The Oppressed Luke 14:12-14

In case you imagine that the oppression of the poor does not affect you, here are some not-so-obvious examples:

-         Underpaying the worker (beneath the cost of living)
-         Exorbitant salaries to management and low wages to workers
-         Sweatshops
-         Controlling the supply chain thus locking out smaller producers (even when you                  are already swimming in profitability)
-         Unnecessary competition that leads to growth of market share for larger firms at the              expense of smaller
-         Substandard products
-         Fake weights and measures
-         Denying producer countries, a fair share of the price to alleviate poverty in producer              nations

Frankly, the list is endless...

Related to the above is the issue of social benefits to the poor as a means of giving them a decent standard of living. The spirit of the Government in doing so is to give dignity on the one hand and prevent social ills that arise from poverty and hunger. The argument that social benefits make the poor lazy, in my view can only come from those that have not encountered hunger and the other travails of poverty.

Tissot- The rich man in hell reaches out to Lazarus in heaven, Luke 16:19-31

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We continue in the next post

Enjoy