This week’s sermon flows naturally from last week’s message from Jeff Walsh on the Parable of the Talents and the reminder that all we have belongs to God and we are simply stewards. Proverbs has a lot to say about how we are to think about money and possessions.

Things aren’t always what they seem.

“One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth” (v. 7 ESV).

Other translations say something like, “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches” (NKJV). In this translation the implication is that one may have material riches and yet be lacking in spiritual riches. The ESV and other versions that use the word “pretend” seem to emphasize the appearances that people project. Both interpretations may be correct. For our purposes we’ll focus more on the pretenses that are common especially in today’s culture. Social media has influenced many of us to carefully curate our public persona. Our online profiles often show just the best parts of our lives, leading others to assume we have it all together.

Likewise, financially we may lead others to believe we have more than we do, or we may be living deep in debt as we try to maintain a lifestyle that’s above our means. That may be more common than the idea of pretending to be poor, but those who live frugally may have more than others would guess.

“The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth but a poor man hears no threat” (v 8).

For the rich man, his wealth may serve to get him out of some jams. Some may literally have to pay a ransom for their lives. The poor person doesn’t face the same threats because he doesn’t appear to have anything that others may want. The rich more often feel the need for elaborate security systems to protect their homes and cars, while those who don’t have many possessions don’t worry about them being stolen.

The point is—don’t compare yourself to the appearances that others project, either online or in person. We don’t need to “keep up with the Joneses” next door. Their choices shouldn’t influence ours, especially if they don’t align with Scripture.

The good life is not about appearances but righteousness and wisdom found in Jesus Christ.

“The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out. By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom” (vv. 9-10).

The light and lamp in Scripture often refer to life. Righteous living leads to greater joy and peace in life. Darkness and wickedness lead to evil consequences and conflict. Fools may become rich, but apart from Christ they will face judgment and eternal death. Insolent and prideful people create strife with those around them. Would you rather have wealth and a house full of conflict, or poverty in a household of peace with one another? (Think of Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit.) It is better to seek peace with God and others than to pursue great riches.

A practical word on increasing wealth.

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it” (v. 11).

Get rich quick schemes rarely succeed. Whether it’s winning the lottery, robbing the bank, or waiting for a windfall inheritance, sudden wealth brings many problems. Studies have shown that lottery winners are more likely than the average person to declare bankruptcy within just a few years.

The way to gather income is to consistently pursue good, hard work. Over time, with wise stewardship, hard workers will generally earn more than they spend and therefore make financial gains. Wise budgeting considers not just our income and expenses, but also remembers that God is the source and goal of all our wealth.

Having great wealth is not wrong in itself. Job was known as a wealthy and righteous man (Job 1:1 and 42:10). Phoebe was a financial supporter of the Apostle Paul and many others (Rom. 16:1-2). However, the rich young ruler sadly walked away from Jesus because he valued his money more than a relationship with the Lord. This led Jesus to remark “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23). As we saw in last week’s passage, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matt. 6:24).

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Tim. 6:10).

Money and possessions must always be kept in their proper place—under the lordship of Jesus Christ. When Christ is our first priority, we can find contentment in all kinds of circumstances, including poverty (Phil. 4:10-13). It is when we make our possessions a higher priority than our faith that we run into trouble with God and men.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21).

Application

1) How does society view money? How has that influenced your own perspective and choices? How has faith in God guided your financial decisions?

2) Do you need help to budget more wisely? Contact Pastor Matt for recommended resources.

3) What else does Proverbs say about money, treasure, and wealth? See for example 3:9, 11:7, 12:27, 15:6, 17:16, 22:16, and 28:22.