Proverbs 10:15 - Wealth and its security

Proverbs 10:15

The rich person’s wealth is his fortress,

The ruin of the poor is their poverty.

Message: Wealth and its security 

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: Finally, in this proverb, I see a different theme: wealth. I guess there was sort of a though of riches and being poor in verse 4 but it speaks more of working discipline. But the rest of the verses so far in chapter 10 just seem to be more common in their themes of righteous living in general. This one feels different. 

The contrast clearly is wealth and what it brings rather than being poor. And yet this verse is more of a proclamation it would seem or an observation than something to emulate. It is almost a matter of fact statement. "The rich person’s wealth is his fortress." The rich person's wealth is important to them, his fortress: A fortress is a fortified building or complex designed for military defense. So the rich person counts on their wealth to protect them, per se. 

In contrast, the poor person, with their poverty is their ruin: "The ruin of the poor is their poverty." In looking at other translations, I don't see much of a difference in words. Instead of ruin there is destruction. Instead of fortress it is the fortified or strong city. 

Cambridge commentary says it well I think: 

We have here an instance of the candour and sobriety of the moral teaching of this Book. Wealth has its advantages and poverty its drawbacks, and the fact is honestly stated. There is nothing of the unreality which represents poverty as in itself desirable, or wealth as in itself to be avoided.

Yes, that's it. And yet, ruin/destruction versus strong/fortified/fortress - seems to give rise to the idea that wealth is better. I see both with problems, but it does seem, based upon my observation that those with wealth have more of a peace about them. And perhaps they can engage in more activities, ministry activities one would hope, though it seems at times it gives opportunity for more relaxation and entertainment. 

At 57 years old, the idea of retirement is coming up more. I spoke of this with a friend yesterday at lunch as we wondered how many more years. I felt like I had at least 10 good more years of working left in me and probably more. I can stay at my current job probably another 5 years and that would be somewhat normal and okay. And yet, I could leave right now and just adjust my lifestyle a little and probably be fine financially. But, in a way I am enjoying things the way they are and so maybe I should stay put. I don't feel a big draw to do anything else. But it isn't that I have more wealth to store up but I just have more of a desire to stay working or staying busy. Sort of an interesting idea right now for me. 

And yet I don't want to be absorbed in work, but rather having a need to minister. At some point, my dad will pass and he has done a very good job with his job and managing it and either I will end up with that or it will end up more in the hands of my kids for their kids. That could end up making life even easier. I have the will to complete still and that is mostly dividing my wealth to good causes once I pass. I need to get that done. But, I still feel that great desire to help those in need. I like it and see that they have the need. I am concerned about those that are working hard and yet having trouble making it. Like Francis in Uganda, James and Joyce, Tonny and Alice. Even Daniel to a point and there are many more that I am not helping regularly. There is Geoffrey in Canada who now hasn't seen his wife Esther in 4 years. There is Benjamin, the pastor in Nigeria. I know he is need of funds for his ministry and orphanage. Jean Claude is doing well. I don't see a big need for him. He doesn't seem to be focused on wealth and it might sort of upset his world if there was an influx. Even Harris in India. Obviously, he needs a job and I am hopeful for that job. After that occurs, he seems eager to do what with it - maybe just support his mom. Kiran is another person in Pakistan. She is taking all she has to help orphans. Again, with so little, is there much of a focus on those that have so little or are the needs greater there. I mean, recently we had things to give away. I took them to Joy Junction with the thought they would help homeless. They were taken to a thrift store to be sold. I could end up buying back my things. Hmm. 

I look at all of these people, in their developing countries and see there standard of living is so different. And yet as I interact with them and they request funds from me at times, though some don't, I can't help but compare my surrounding with theirs. For some, it seems extra money is needed, and yet there almost feels a danger to having more money. Without, they seem to have this great dependency on God. The pastors- James and Tonny are so focused on ministry in their lives. Maybe I am concerned about the depth of their faith, and maybe it seems that some have a tendency to not have depth because of their poor condition. And so while many seem to need a little bit more to help them out. Again, maybe having too much is a problem. 

It is similar to what I see often with people that I hear win a large amount of money, like a lottery and how that impacts their lives. As a kid, I remember a show in 1983-1984 that had a short run. It was called Lottery! - "A lottery representative and his IRS partner meet various winners across the country to present the prizes and change their lives." Money impacts people and changes things. Even as I converse with Harris and see how his life can be lived in such a high moral manner. Why? Well, one he is single, but also he has little money. So again, does wealth or adding riches really help these people. At times, I even feel like God with them because I do have somewhat the means to help them and yet I wonder if it would be helpful. What would that wealth bring to them: I feel problems and a change of priorities. 

For me, with more wealth, what would I do with it. Right, do a lot of home improvement. Probably could easily spend about $50,000 on this house and doing all sorts of improvements inside and out. I suppose that's what I stare at, my fortress and improving it. Which brings me back to the verse -- The rich person’s wealth is his fortress. So is that it? My home. That's my wealth. I mean, it is the first thing I think about to spend money on. Things for the home. 

Perhaps this destruction is what is going on in Nigeria and the scamming of people international. With those folks, part of the blame seems to be their leaders and government that provide so little with the money that is given them. They have little so they invest in themselves. As Daniel mentions in Abuja. The workers get so little. Even at my job - the workers get little. The management gets a lot. There is so much inequity. Can it even be fixed and to what degree?

To have wealth is to have security. There is great tendency to many more problems with out wealth. 

Prayer: O God, this idea of wealth is a tough one. All these people you have placed in my life is an honor for me to know. I have helped some, based upon your leading and so many have needs. I struggle with this and whether to keep helping and wonder if how I am helping is most appropriate and correct. It makes me wonder about me and my work and what I am working for to accumulate. What is the reason and what does it achieve? O God, I need your help. I thank you for these verses and the opportunity to study them and meditate on them. There is richness in their meanings and lots to consider. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Judges 16:1-22 - Samson Defeated

Judges 16:1-22

21 Then the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes; and they brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze chains, and he was a grinder in the prison. 22 However, the hair of his head began to grow again after it was shaved off.

Message: Samson Defeated

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: Verse 1 begins the continued weakness of Samson, after his nameless wife from Timnah is killed, as he travels to Gaza and upon arrival "saw a harlot there, and went in to her." It is 3,000 years ago and nothing has changed since then - harlots remain. 

The people of Gaza heard Samson was there and waited at the gate of the city to kill him. At midnight, he picked up the gates of the city and carried them up to the top of the mountain (v. 3). 

Then a curious story is told. He is found out to have an admiration for another harlot - Delilah. The plot toward him is set to discover the source of his strength. Delilah asks him and he tells her a tale. However, thinking it is the truth, she sets a trap for him only to find out that it does not hold him and he breaks through. This occurs 2 more times (v. 4 -14). The Philistines want him and they have corroborated with Delilah to discover this. 

Delilah asks again, but this time implores him by speaking of her love and how can love be present if there are lies. After being pressed, Samson is said to be annoyed or vexed. He is torn - love on the one hand, fear on the other. He lets his guard down though and gives in and she takes the information to use against him. Not sure where her loyalty resides. And yet Samson had the evidence over and over previously, that each time he shared with her non-truth, she attempted to use it against him. And yet, he does not learn and gives in to the grip that she has on him. He reveals to him the truth and she once again tells the Philistines - her payment is money. She is a harlot at heart who shows clearly her main ambition is money and acquiring it, at whatever cost that requires. Samson however has not a quest for money, his quest is lust. This is an interesting point I think in life - two of the biggest temptations or dangers of life here are mentioned: lust and money. These are two of the biggest inhibitors to quality of life for all people. 

The scripture states that without Samson's hair, "the Lord had departed from him." The Philistines seize Samson and throw him into prison and yet in verse 22, his hair begins to grow again. Good can be restored in a prison, just as Paul wrote many letters from prison. 

Summary: Samson continues to show his problem with lust, dealing with Delilah who has a quest for money. The Lord disciplines Samson as he ends up in prison. 

Promise: We must fight our sinful desires and not simply give into them. 

Prayer: O Lord God, you are merciful and good. Your ways are always right and true. You created me and understand my nature and my temptations. You are good and your precepts and commandments are what I need to live a life that is pleasing to you. Your word states, "You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed (Ps. 119:4)" and yet Lord our vices get in the way of this often as we surrender instead to them. Forgive me Lord for letting lust and the greed for more money take the place of your priorities and your precepts. Change my heart Lord. Help me to be more like you every day God. Thank you for this instruction and these verses today that remind me more and more of your right ways.  

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Mark 12:13-17 - Giving God and Government Their Due

Mark 12:13-17
13 Then they *sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. 14 They *came and *said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought one. And He *said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” 17 And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.

Message: Giving God and Government Their Due

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is in Jerusalem. It is the 3rd day or perhaps the 4th day. He has been causing a stir where he goes, but has mostly been on the defense as the leaders of the community, the religious community have been trying to catch him in a compromising situation regarding who he is. They asked him of his authority but really what they are trying to do was trap him with the question. He knew the leaders were out to get him, but he also had the people of God somewhat protecting Him for the leaders didn't want to do anything to Jesus in front of them.

After the chief priests, scribes and elders tried to trap him with the question on authority, the Pharisees and Herodians come to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. These Herodians were a sect of the Jews who supported the house of Herod, and were in favor of giving tribute to the Roman Caesar. They were so called at first from Herod the Great, who was a great supporter of Caesar. The Pharisees took, of course, altogether the other side, and stood forward as the supporters of the Law of Moses and of their national freedom. So the Herodians and Pharisees cover both sides of the issue.

They *came and *said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. They come to him with words of flattery. But even in those words overstep their bounds. Saying that Jesus defer to no one is getting him to say that he will speak over the Roman authority. Jesus is however often teaching the way of the heart and the motives of the heart. His confrontation with the Jewish leaders of the day has been speaking against their actions to so much the governing authority.

Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay? This was a matter that Jesus had not questioned to this point as he would not for he did not question the governments role and that was not who he was in coming.

But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” Jesus, I think, in a way, laughs at this question, as if it is not even a worthy question to be asking him. Many thought the paying of taxes was a form of idolatry because the coin had the image of Caesar on it and so making payment was in a way paying homage to Jesus, but Jesus does confront this issue and shows that this isn't a form of idolatry. He *said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 

I appreciate this response from Jesus for it is clear that he is come to earth for the things of God and not to speak against the things of Caesar. The government is not the problem, but it is the matters of the heart that is the issue. The matter is fairly simple, as citizens they are to give their government what they request, but then in the same manner they are to give to God what is due Him. If anything, the Christian has the greater responsibility - to give to both what is due.

Summary - The Herodians and Pharisees, each serving two masters and yet each caught up in the legalistic adherence to their respective law, come to Jesus to trap Him. But Jesus responds that the Christian has a responsibility both to God and government. Our beliefs do not excuse us from our responsibilities as citizens.

Promise:  The state is not permitted to overstep its bounds and intrude on matters of God and here God says that God is not overstep its bounds into the state. Believers give to God the things that are God's.

Prayer: Lord, help me to show my service to both God and Man in the way that you decree. Lord, at times it seems easier to give to the government because it is a law that if I don't I could get imprisonment, but to you Lord it seems to be an option, but it is not an option and I must surrender to You all that is due to You. Help me to carry this out in my life. I pray that I would be obedient to your calling and glorify you with my time and money.

Matthew 25:14-30 - Investing for the Future

Matthew 25:14-30
“For just like a man to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. In the same manner the one who the two gained two more. But he who received the one went away, and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.
“Now after a long time the master of those slaves *came and *settled accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
“Also the one who the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’
“For to everyone who has, shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Message: Investing for the Future

Time: The date of Matthew's composition is anywhere from 55-60 AD probably in Antioch of Syria. The writing is most likely to the Jews. His purpose was to show them that Jesus of Nazareth was the expected messiah and both his genealogy and his resurrection were legitimate proofs of this.

What the Lord is Saying: The essence of this passage is profit making or doing something with the resources God has given you. We are to spend less than we earn. The Bible speaks against quick wealth. Proverbs 20:21 says - An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning will not be blessed in the end. There are many different schemes to get rich quick because our desire for things is never ending and we think all would be better if we could have everything now. Thus, the allure of winning the lottery is in a way of acquiring all that we need at one moment. Work is often seen as an enemy in life and we tend to focus so much on play, yet many people with great wealth continue to work. I don't think it is just a desire to wanting more, but there is joy in investing in something and seeing a dividend from your work. There is nothing wrong with holding onto what we earn, but we also must have a plan for that which we acquire. I struggle with this. It seems the needs of life, ever since the kids have been born, is so great. I'm not just focused on spending for 1 or 2 people, but thinking about 5 and there seems like there are always many decisions to make with money. 

Promise: No matter how much one earns or already possesses, it can be increased through patient and wise investing.

Prayer: Lord, you are holy and I need your wisdom. Lord, I tend to repeatedly spend more than I have. Dangling in front of me are investments. I think of this house and the things that I feel like it needs and I feel a desire to take some of the equity that I have build up and use it to purchase things for my house. I think about this wedding and what will be spent on it.  I want to be wise, but it is hard Lord. Help me to make good decisions.

Luke 12:34 - Valuing Goods and Services

Luke 12:34
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Message: Valuing Goods and Services

Time: The Gospel according to Luke was probably the last Synoptic Gospel to be written, thus penned around 60 AD. The words salvation are in Luke, though not in Matthew and Mark. Luke, a gentile physician, wrote more than any other NT writer, writing primarily of redemptive history.

What the Lord is Saying: I have read this verse often and thought about what it means, namely that what is most important to me or what I focus my spending on is what is most important to me. When it comes to spending money, we all do not value the same things in the same way, all the time. This is normal and good. We need different values in order to help one another out. Yet, as it mentions in the 10 commandments, we are not value anything higher than God.

Sometimes, I have often looked at this verse and thought that since I spend money on anything that is not church related or disciple making related or missions related, then somehow my heart is not on God honoring things. But spending is part of life and trading, often my money, to others, for something that they are providing, for something that I desire is still giving Glory to God. But, I think it always comes back to am I valuing that item more than I value God. 

Promise: There are many ways to show that we value God and His kingdom above all else.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for money and enabling me to earn money and then spend it on things that we need. Lord, I pray for your wisdom to radiate my paths, reminding me that spending is okay if it is providing something I need. Keep me focused on glorifying you and keep teaching me about money and how it can be used for your glory.

Ecclesiastes 10:19 - Bread, Wine, and Money

Ecclesiastes 10:19
Prepare a meal for enjoyment, and wine makes life merry, and money is the answer to everything.

Message: Bread, Wine, and Money

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: Scripture is interesting. Solomon here relates a theme that sometimes seems counter intuitive to the gospel and that is enjoy a meal, drink and be merry, and money answers everything. Yes, we are to be givers in life, but we also can have enjoyment. My sense is we need to always strike a good balance.

Food can be and should be enjoyed. In making the meals I am making we want food that tastes good. But, I think we must be careful as I think about James Lumbuku in Uganda and the corn they often eat day in and day out. Food to them is sustaining life and they just need it to survive. We however are focused on food from an enjoyment perspective. If anything I am learning now, through the South Beach Diet, and lowering carbs to make food a healthier part of my lifestyle.

And the line -- money answers everything -- I must remember is written in the context of enjoyment of a meal and wine. It is the medium of commerce in our lives that enables the enjoyment. It is true. Money allows us to have enjoyment. But, it doesn't answer all of life. Money can still be the root of all evil. Again, we are not to worship it, but simply use it for God's glory.

Promise: There is a place for us to enjoy what He has given us as part of thanking Him for his goodness.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for good food, good drink and providing us with enjoyment and the opportunities to see enjoyment from the fruit of our labor. Thank you for giving us good food and having different recipes and different choices for food that we can eat and enjoy. Be with those that are less fortunate and supply their needs. Keep me content and thankful at all times.

Jesus Calling: November 7

Worship Me in the beauty of holiness. All true beauty reflects some of who I AM. I am working My ways in you: the divine Artist creating loveliness within your being. My main work is to clear out debris and clutter, making room for My Spirit to take full possession. Collaborate with Me in this effort by being willing to let go of anything I choose to take away. I know what you need, and I have promised to provide all of that -- abundantly!
     Your sense of security must not rest in your possessions or in things going your way. I am training you to depend on Me alone, finding fulfillment in My Presence. This entails being satisfied with much or with little, accepting either as My will for the moment. Instead of grasping and controlling, you are learning to release and receive. Cultivate this receptive stance by trusting Me in every situation. 

Psalm 29:2
New King James Version
Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name;
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Psalm 27:4
English Standard Version
One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.

My Prayer (2019)
Once again Lord, I see a common theme in this devotion - putting my trust in You throughout all of life - every turn. Before I go any further Lord, let me say thank you for Your Grace. Thank you that my efforts, my deeds, my works, have nothing to do with your acceptance of me. I'm not trained in this kind of thinking in this works-oriented world I live in, but I am so thankful that you accept me as your child without even expecting anything in return. As you know God, I've been reading Packer's Knowing God and studying wisdom and seeing that wisdom is me learning to navigate through all of life's twists and turns, in a manner worthy of my calling, and this wisdom begins with my fear of You. My anchor must reside in You and only You. I give you the Glory, not me. I worship You, not me. It is your beauty I desire. This is the way I want my life to look to everyone around me - that I seek after something greater than things. Lord, show me what I'm holding onto in my life that I am placing higher than You. Take it away if that is what it takes. You have been speaking to me the past couple of weeks and showing me my sin of judging others - how I have these little commentaries on people and what I view as their failures and then the dialogue I can have with others about these failures. Lord, it took someone who doesn't even call you Lord (how embarrassing God) to help me see this sin in me. Damage has been done by my words; their is poison under my lips. I want to begin afresh, yet I have repairs to be made along the way that will also assault my pride. But, I want to release my control and instead let you Holy Spirit take full possession of me. I ask you Lord to bring me into the stance of trusting You in every situation.    


Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Proverbs 20:23 - Unequal Weights and False Scales

Proverbs 20:23
Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, and a false scale is not good.

Message: Unequal weights and False Scales

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.


What the Lord is Saying:

From Tabletalk -- Merchants are not permitted to defraud their customers with standards that allow them to sell less of a product than their buyers think they are getting, and they may not use mislabeled units to buy more of a product than a seller thinks he is selling. The same principle apply to the consumer as well; we are not to cheat merchants our of the fruit of their labor by fraud, theft, or other immoral means. Similarly, governments should not employ unequal measures via the inflation of currency, ever-changing standards of weight, and so forth. Such things are an abomination to the Lord, for He is sovereign also over the economy and prizes truth in all of our relationships. 

Most everything you buy in a store has a label on the product that tells you how much of the product you are buying. What if the label said one thing and the contents of the package had something else? You would feel cheated. You would feel like one thing is being said, but something else is the result.

Even in the marketplace, God wants us to deal with one another in honest ways. This could mean not accepting more change from a cashier than what is due.

Promise: Even in the smallest of economic matters, Christians are to be fair and just.

Proverbs 27:11 - Pleasure and Poverty

Proverbs 21:17 -
He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not become rich.

Message: Pleasure and poverty

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

Initial Observations
The first thing I think of when I read this verse is Hugh Hefner. Isn't it funny that when talking about pleasure, he is the first person that comes into my mind. That somehow the idea of gratifying oneself in a sexual sense is what pleasure is all about. And yet as I was driving to work this morning I had in me the desire to stop by and get a Bavarian cream doughnut. In essence, I was looking for a little pleasure.

Also, both sides of this verse or both lines state the same thing. It says, he who loves wine and oil will not become rich. The price of oil or precious unguent was about equal to the 300 days‘ wages of a field laborer. Indulgence in such a luxury would thus become the type of all extravagance and excess.

Not necessarily poor

So I come back to this verse, he who loves pleasure will become a poor man. Now I wouldn't call Hugh Hefner poor; financially he began an empire that other people wanted and so he was and is paid a lot of money. But I also wonder if that is the only meaning of poor. It seems every time I saw the guy he had a different woman he was holding onto. Like I wonder if he was ever satisfied. I guess if I eat a Bavarian cream doughnut every day on the way to work I would simply spend about $.75 a day and it probably wouldn't make me broke, but it would give me a little pleasure. But, is it that in seeking out a pleasure like a Bavarian creme doughnut (gluttony) and looking at beautiful women (adultery of the mind) or even filling my life with TV watching or shopping or something else, that in these ventures, I am becoming a poor man. There must be something different that is meant by poor.

Never satisfied

I also see with both of these that the love of pleasure or wine and oil always brings people back to wanting more. The pleasure received is enjoyable and pleasurable but it also wears off quickly. Maybe the key to these verses is the word love. The problem with these vices in our lives is that we often do not just sample them, but we become addicted to them in our life. We go from a like to a love and that becomes the problem. Clearly, the drunk is not rich.

People today are selling different types of pleasure indulgences. There is gambling, drinking, but also entertainment of various types, like video games

Promise: We will continually run out of money every time we get it if we make it our aim to enjoy every conceivable pleasure that we can afford. It is right to appreciate the good gifts of God, but these gifts are not satisfying as ends in themselves.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 - Money and Satisfaction

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep.

Message: Money and Satisfaction

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

I'm noticing that as I age, my perception of things changes. Money is one of those things that I notice is changing in my life. I am 48 now and have noticed over the past 10 years or so that as our family income grows, our expenses grow as well. It would seem that through this process life would get easier and better and we would have more money for things, but in reality, our spending habits simply shift and our needs expand. It is sort of depressing to notice. It is only recently, as the older kids leave the house that I am starting to, at times, see less expenditures. I have been more focused and disciplined this year on tithing 10% consistently. That is good. But, I also admit that has been a hard thing to prioritize. I also notice that every year, about May or June I get in this pinch where we can't pay all of the bills and have to take a one-year no interest loan out with the credit cards. Last year, it was the largest it has ever been. Life would just be easier if I didn't have to do that, but graduation expenses and summer camps are tough on expenses.

As I look at this verse 10 from Ecclesiastes 5, it rings true: He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. Our desire for money will never be satisfied with money. There is always something more that we think that we need. It's an interesting thing. If you love food, food can satisfy you. If you love your wife, her love can satisfy you. If you love to go hiking, then when you go hiking, you will be satisfied, but the love of money is not satisfied with money. That's the danger because we often assume it will satisfy us.

Even though Jesus plainly said that no man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24), many people seem bent on trying to prove Him wrong. - Mark Dunagan

This too is vanity. This too is vanity or striving after wind. There is no lasting joy in the pursuit of money.

When good things increase, those who consume them increase. As money increases in our life, our proportion for more money increases. Millionaires often have millionaire valued houses. Isn't it interesting that as we age, the desire seems to be to travel and go many places? All of these things take a lot of money.

It amazes me that these ballplayers making millions sign contracts in which they make more millions. And I often will read about the people they then have in their life. I heard the other day about a millionaire golfer that hired an old friend to be his accountant. Like one person can support one person as an accountant for all his money. There is a growing need for legitimate and necessary help such as personal accountants, lawyers, body guards, managers, gardeners, drivers, cooks, maids, etc.

So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? I saw this: This may mean: 1. In the end the wealthy man outside of Christ only gets to look at more than the poor man. 2. Solomon argued that the only results of increased wealth for a covetous person are increased anxiety and increased vigilance, not increased enjoyment (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 989).

The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep. It is interesting, but in this verse the contrast is a working man and a rich man. It is interesting that what is often the aim of people is play, entertainment, time off. Yet, what is mentioned here is good sleep comes to those that work hard. It is through working hard that we sleep well and are well rested. It is not through having a lot that makes us content. I saw this commentary: 

"One of the human absurdities is we pour out money and effort on exercise-machines and health clubs to undo the damage of money and ease."

We sit around and entertain ourselves, enjoying the couch when there is work to be done and accomplished. 

I find that I worry to much about money and how we are going to pay for things. See, my focus is on having things and then thinking this is what we will bring joy. I cannot even enjoy myself completely unless I have a bunch of things. My focus is not on the right things. This message is a wake-up call for that.  

Promise:  It is perplexing that many people remain discontent even when they can afford any comfort they desire. Keep using my money to fund the Gospel.

Proverbs 19:13-14 - Foolish Sons and Prudent Wives

Proverbs 19:13-14 - ¹³ A foolish son is destruction to his father, and the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping. ¹⁴ House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

Message: Foolish Son and Prudent Wives

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.
 
What the Lord is Saying:

These two verses contrast the impact of a son and mother and their impact on the family and the father. "A foolish son is destruction to his father." The focus of Proverbs and the Wisdom literature is to be wise. I think of wisdom often of the ability to make the right choice. And so the fool is someone that despite all of the facts and despite the experience of others, chooses a different path, a foolish path. So, how can a foolish son be depended upon? That seems to be the contention here.  

Contentions in a wife are also given, which is constant arguing or disagreement. This marks as a drip in the family. Drips drive me crazy. There has been many times that drips have occurred in our sinks and they are quite a bother. It is nonstop.

Tabletalk from January 26 states:

A home should be a place of refuge for its residents, and when relationships are harmonious and things are going well, a home is exactly that. However, when a home is full of strife, its residents desire to flee from it far more than they hope to dwell in it. The book of Proverbs recognizes this reality, and many of its sayings capture both the joy and the sorrow that can be found in the home.

The home should be a refuge. I have always thought that. The world tends to beat us up and we should always have the family as people we can retreat to, to restore life. But, when it is full of strife and tension and you don't feel like you can speak your mind then it is no fun to be there. I have wanted a home of freedom, but sometimes I don't think I've made it that way in our home. So it take divine intervention to have a good wife. It's not the norm. 

In verse 14, it remarks that a prudent wife is not easy to come by like maybe wealth or a good house. From the Reformation Study Bible, "This proverb does not imply that the Lord is not ultimately in control of the inheritance of wealth. It emphasizes rather that the outcome of one’s choice of spouse is not so easy to predict or control. A happy marriage is indeed cause to thank God." 


Promise: The Lord and His providence is the reason people are wonderful to be around.