Proverbs 16:8

Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.

Bible Reading

Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
– Proverbs 16:8

Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
do not trust your own cleverness.
Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
– Proverbs 23:4-5

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;
for riches do not endure forever,
and a crown is not secure for all generations.
When the hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
the lambs will provide you with clothing,
and the goats with the price of a field.
You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family
and to nourish your female servants.
– Proverbs 27:23-27

Devotion

These verses are all about getting our priorities straight. Loving God and growing in wisdom are far more important than striving for money and wealth. Money is a fleeting thing that’s useful for this brief life but not any longer. God’s word says it is better to have a little money but be right with God than a lot of money gotten by unjust means. Time is short and our fortunes are uncertain, so we need to be diligent in what we do choose to do with our lives. We should be faithful in our responsibilities to our families, homes and careers. Farmers who follow the instructions of Proverbs 27 are good stewards with their lands and herds. They could provide for their families regardless of many outside circumstances. Some circumstances are beyond our control, but careful attention to our work and wise planning for the future can help bring order and peace to our lives.

The Big Question

If you were contemplating starting a new business, would you spend a lot of time researching and planning, or would you “wing it”? Which approach do you think has a better chance of being successful? Solomon is very clear throughout Proverbs that we need to have godly priorities and make wise plans for the future. Try to recall a time when you planned something important like a wedding or “big” vacation. How did the planning pay off? How can you apply those same principles to your everyday life?

Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what you have learned.