FRIDAY, 7 JUNE 2024
TEXT:
PROVERBS 23:1-18
1:
When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you,
2:
and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.
3:
Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.
4:
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.
5:
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.
6:
Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies;
7:
for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and
drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
8:
You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your
compliments.
9:
Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.
10:
Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the
fatherless,
11:
for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.
12:
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
13:
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they
will not die.
14:
Punish them with the rod and save them from death.
15:
My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed;
16:
my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
17:
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the
Lord.
18:
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
(New International Version Holy
Bible)
TOPIC:
THE INORDINATE DESIRE TO GET RICH
Is
it possible to desire to be wealthy without falling into the trap of being
possessed by such a desire? Absolutely yes! The motivation to get rich is very
important.
Verse
4 says: "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show
restraint." This means that we should not be desperate to acquire wealth
at all costs and for its own sake. The lesson here is that wealth is transient
and therefore not something anyone should place his whole life and hope upon.
When
a man's heart is driven by the desire to get rich at all costs, then wealth
becomes his master. And, unfortunately, money - mammon - is a cruel taskmaster.
God
has called us to a life of total dependence on Him and His provisions even when
we are privileged to create wealth at any level because "godliness with
contentment is great gain." Guide your heart into wealth creation with an
attitude of contentment, total trust in Christ and a commitment to live above
reproach.
QUESTION:
Are you restless with the desire to get rich at all costs?
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, help me to choose a life of contentment, trusting You to protect my
heart from being possessed by greed and selfishness, in Jesus name. Amen.
Remain
Blessed
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