Morning Meditations: Daily Reflections for Clarity

SUNDAY, 2 JUNE 2024

TEXT: Proverbs 19:1-14

1. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity. Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2. Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.

3. The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the LORD.

4. Wealth makes many friends, But the poor is separated from his friend.

5. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape.

6. Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.

7. All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.

8. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.

9. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish.

10. Luxury is not fitting for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule over princes.

11. The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression.

12. The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass.

13. A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.

14. Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD.

(New King James Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: BETTER TO BE POOR AND BLAMELESS

Poverty often makes some believers think that God has abandoned them. 21st Century prosperity preachers relentlessly bombard their followers with the false message that it is God's will for everyone to be wealthy.

To some extent, wealth has been used as a means of measuring one's spirituality. But today's text states that a poor man who is blameless is better off.

No matter how wealthy a person might be, if they don't walk with God, such wealth is useless. Of course, wealth will buy you friends, reputation and even a name.

But such friends are like wild birds flocking to the carcass of a dead animal. As soon as they have their fill, they will fly away.

A blameless life before God receives honour and glory. So, my brother and sister choose to live above reproach and be blameless in the sight of God because such is the character of a child of God.

QUESTION: Would you prefer a poor but blameless life or one of pursuing wealth at all costs even if it means not being blameless before God?

PRAYER: I stand in the righteousness that comes from faith in Jesus Christ and submit myself to a life of contentment, whether in want or in plenty, so help me God, in Jesus name. Amen.