With me (wisdom) are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity
Proverbs 8:18 (NIV)
Wealth, worth and position are drilled into the psyche of humankind. So each day of our lives we go about seeking wealth which presently is synonymous to money. The amount of money one has, has become a measure of one’s wealth and hence one’s social standing. We are instructed to remember that the Lord our God is the one who gives us the ability to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). What kind of wealth is being described here?
This wealth is the wisdom that expresses the Almighty’s love in truth and humility. The world’s definition of wealth is typified by the story of the rich young man who approached Jesus seeking eternal life. Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19:21-22)
This young man was possessed by his physical wealth and missed the wealth of God. Again Christ told a parable about finding wealth, that is the kingdom of heaven. He said, When you find the kingdom of heaven you will sell all you have so you can go and buy it. (Matthew 13:44-45)
Wealth is wisdom. Wealth is understanding and practicing the ideals of the Kingdom of Heaven. What have you been considering as wealth? Money or possessions or the wisdom of the Kingdom of heaven? Let us be reminded of the Lord’s advice to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all we currently describe as wealth will follow us (Matthew 6:33)
Let us pursue wisdom. Let us pursue the Almighty’s truth. Let us pursue expressing the truths of His kingdom in humility. Let’s learn from Zaccheus the tax collector, who accumulated illegal wealth. When he found Jesus and the kingdom ideals he promised to restore (X4) all he had illegally gotten (Luke 19:1-10). Let us remember that it is the Lord who gives us power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18) and His blessing brings wealth, without painful toil for it (Proverbs 10:22). Rejoice as you stay wealthy. Amen
Dr Rex
