Proverbs 11:4 - It's All Going to Burn

Proverbs 11:4

Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,

But righteousness delivers from death. 

Message: It's All Going to Burn

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: Our pastor on Sunday did a lesson from Proverbs on gratitude. Along the way, he explained Proverbs and the different ways the verses in this book are mentioned. Well, I am still focused on these contrasting phrases and continuing to read and walk through them.

Today, it is riches and the reminder that riches do not profit at the end or in the day of wrath. This seems to be the day of judgement. Friends and I will often say, "It is all going to burn" meaning that we really should not put our focus on wealth. The pastor's lesson on Sunday was basically the idea of giving and you will receive with verses like 11:24, "the one who scatters increases all the more" and 11:25, "the generous man will be prosperous." I studied Philippians 4 where Paul says in verse 17, "giving....increases to your account." This idea of giving will make us rich. I am not sure if that means monetary payback always, but maybe just the feeling that a person hast not been focused on wealth and accumulation, but rather in helping others and helping others is a good thing. 

In my life, I have gone from a 600 square foot one bedroom apartment to a 1300 square foot house to start a family and then to a 2050 square foot house the last 21 years now. I can't imagine going up any more. There is no need. At times, I think this house is too large. I try to not focus on accumulation. Plenty of people have needs and it makes no sense for me to have a lot and them to have a little. 

But, today the lesson is really more on the end and the day of judgment and the simple message that at the end, it really will not matter how much money you have. God will not be judging you on money accumulation, but rather on our heart and our lives and how they were lived. Ultimately, I am a sinner, saved by grace. Christ saves me because of what Christ did, not me. I understand this and believe this. I believe in God and that He is creator and this world is His and I surrender to Him. He provides me peace then to live life in a way in which life is full. Life isn't only about one thing when it comes to me and living. And from Solomon's perspective, it is righteous living. It is righteousness. 

But wealth matters. It seems that I will be judged on what I have done with my money. More and more I am having a hard time with wealth accumulation. I am struggling with this idea of having new things at times and the need for nice and pristine. We are flawed people and yet we don't want our cars to be flawed with dents. We want it all to be good, looking nice, and never a problem. And so from a money situation, I am struggling with riches, especially when there is such an imbalance in life. It is a struggle to me that people have this need to have no wants and everything is taking care of in this life. 

Everything in our life is wearing down. The car needs to be fixed. Yet, sometimes people get lucky and have a car that lasts. They don't get in accidents. We have a fridge that we bought 5 1/2 years ago. It has been great. But now, it is not working and has errors. Our bill to repair it is now approaching half of what we paid. And the concern I think is whether it will be fixed ever again. Or will we have to start over. These things happen. We don't like them. We like life to be running well, with pristine looking appliances versus accepting everything that is broken. And yet in all of that we have comfort. We have clothes to wear, food to eat, good jobs and a lot of joy with family and friends and people. 

So focus on right-living. Focus on righteousness. I review these words again. 

10:3 - The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger. 

10:6 - Blessings are on the head of the righteous. 

10:7 - The memory of the righteous is blessed.

10:11 - The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.

10:16 - The wages of the righteous is life.

10:20 - The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver.

10:21 - The lips of the righteous feed many. 

10:24 - The desire of the righteous will be granted. 

10:25 - The righteous has an everlasting foundation. 

10:28 - The hope of the righteous is gladness.

10:30 - The righteous will never be shaken.

10:31 - The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom. 

10:32 - The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable. 

And now 11:4 - Righteousness delivers from death. 

Rather than being rich, what matters is righteousness for that delivers from death. 

And this is my quest still, righteousness.

Summary: O God, I want to be this type of person. A righteous person. That's what I want. I want to do my work right and do things well and make good decisions and make things better. I think I have. I have tried, but still I make mistakes. Like the fridge, sometimes I have to start over. But you love me and know me and I am so thankful for that. I struggle God at work with those people that don't meet my expectations. I struggle with it at home, with it everywhere. I said it in front of people that I am trying to meet people's expectations and anticipate them. Help me God. Help me to give myself grace when I need it. Help me to rest in who you have made me to be. Help me to have moments of celebration where I feel like what I have done is good. It is hard to be on this quest of constant improvement. I get tired with it God. Make me God the person you want me to be. And let that be enough. And then take me home to You. Whatever you want me to go through, I will do it. Selfishly, I want to live this life now and figure out what I can do for me and how to help others. I want to do this Lord. I want to be righteous and want this in others. 

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