Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
Dishonest money dwindles away,
but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,
but whoever respects a command is rewarded.
– Proverbs 13:11-13
Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Trouble pursues the sinner,
but the righteous are rewarded with good things.
– Proverbs 13:20-21
A faithful person will be richly blessed,
but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
– Proverbs 28:20
Devotion
In keeping with Solomon’s emphases on wise and prudent living, he takes a dim view of get-rich-schemes. Solomon admits that having money is a nice comfort, but advises it is better to accumulate your nest egg slowly, “little by little”, than by trying win the lottery of life or relying on a windfall of fortune. Don’t be hasty or greedy. God doesn’t usually provide for our needs through get-rich-schemes; more often he rewards our patient, intelligent efforts over a lifetime. Why would God choose to do things this way? It is because he wants to build our character, not our portfolio. God wants us to grow in our dependence, faith and commitment to Him. He wants us to focus on eternal consequences. The world would have us believe that wealth brings happiness and security, but only God can provide eternal happiness and security. Following God’s principals of patience and trust in Him allow us to see His work in our lives, helps us to understand His love and provision, and gives us a spirit of thankfulness and peace.
The Big Question
Have you ever been involved in a financial deal to make money quickly? Was it successful? How did it impact your relationships with your business partners? How can you resist the urge for instant gratification in a society which promotes the idea that you can and should have it all now? Ask God to give you discernment in this area as it impacts so much of our lives.
Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what you have learned.