Business and the Bible (part 2)

Copyrighted, written and edited by
Lara Velez of Moms of Faith (momsoffaith.com),
Rachel Lower of Christian Mommies (christian-mommies.com)
By the grace of God

Wisdom Over Wealth

Proverbs 3:13-14
Blessed is the man that findeth wisdom,
and the man that getteth understanding.
For the gain thereof is better than the gain of silver,
and her revenue than fine gold.

R: It is mainstream to be obsessed with earthly riches. Many of us who go to work on our own do so simply to earn an income to meet our families needs, or to supplement a spouses income. For some, going into business is believed to be a means to immense wealth.

Proverbs 23:4a
Weary not thyself to become rich....

When we focus our business energies on God's will and priorities for our lives, offering a useful service, doing our job well, maintaining business relationships and being responsible with our resources, we can have a positive, successful career.

When we focus on money, money, money, the business may dwindle down to a “me want” show that no one will watch. Yes, some will get their money, but at what cost? Their families? Their soul? Will they use it to further God's kingdom like Abraham, spreading out their wealth selflessly? Or will they use it for their own “wants” agenda, like Solomon did for a time when he let go of prudence [ignored his better judgment and God's wisdom] and ended up having his heart turn away from God as a result?

If God means for anyone to be wealthy, then hard work and integrity will get them there, and they will spend it in His honor. When a righteous man has money, buying Bibles for those in foreign countries will not be beaten out by amassing collections of watches and jewelry. The focus should never be on getting rich and hoarding junk. The focus should be on pleasing God and serving others.

Does the idea of only having your simplest needs meet for the rest of your like, void of a second home or yacht, upset you? What about selling everything you own, if God asked you to? Does it make you feel ill? Then you're simply not focusing on Him. Instead, your heart is set on worldly things. Worthless things that won't last forever. Repent, and put your focus back on God and His Kingdom.

Remove far from me vanity and lies;
give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the bread of my daily need...

L: In 1 Kings 3:1-15 Solomon had an opportunity to ask God for anything that he wished. God would give it to him. What's amazing this about this is that he didn’t ask for riches! He asked for wisdom, understanding, and a hearing heart.

God was so pleased by this that He didn’t just give Solomon wisdom, but He made him the wisest man who ever lived. That’s not all…God also gave Solomon honor and an incredible amount of wealth!

You see, if we would set our minds on God and gaining His wisdom to live an obedient and upright life, He will bless us with the rest. It may not be earthly blessings like thousands of horses or cars, but we will be blessed with very good things.

The Word tells us in Psalm 37:4 that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires and secret petitions of our hearts.

The reason He can do this is because, if we are wise and walking with Him, we will not ask for blessings out of greed and lust. We will ask for and with wisdom, and we will be close enough to God and wise enough to handle any type and volume of wealth that He blesses us with.

More References
Pr 3:13-26, 4:5-13, 8:10-11,
8:19, 11:4, 11:28, 15:16,
15:17, 16:8, 16:16, 20:15