There are two main dichotomous themes of righteousness / evil, and wealth / poverty.
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.” (v5-6, 17, 20, 25)
Solomon indicates that there are two main ways to acquire economic standing – hard work, and evil means. Hard work is blessed by God when conducted in alignment with His commands. Evil gains (through deception, theft, extortion, etc) are ‘fleeting’, and will not be blessed or multiplied by God.
Why would Christ followers want to build up economic wealth – isn’t that considered sin in scripture? Not exactly. Those who are malcontent, or desiring to be rich out of greed / a love of money are sinning (see the full context in 1 Tim 6:6-10). The Bible does not speak against the accumulated economic wealth of those who love God and receive economic blessing as a result.
The reason God chooses to bless some of His diligent workers with economic wealth isn’t just so they can be comfortable – it’s so they can use that wealth for the building of God’s kingdom here on earth. Remember that little concept of tithing? How about the calling to care for widows, orphans, poor, and other marginalized people?
If we find ourselves blessed with economic means, I strongly urge us to seek the Spirit’s guidance in reinvesting that into God’s kingdom. I’m not suggesting we don’t prepare for our family’s future, or that we don’t have an emergency cushion. I am suggesting we have a reasonable economic plan, and give away the excess, trusting God will continue to provide for us.
Do I have more than I personally need at this moment? Yes. This means I can prayerfully discern needs around me, and generously respond as God sees fit. After all, these are God’s resources He entrusted to me – why shouldn’t I use them as He directs me to?
Father God, our Generous and Giving Lord, You bless us far better and far greater than we deserve. Father please guide our stewardship of Your resources, and help us to use them in alignment with Your will. May we give generously to those in need, just as You have abundantly met our needs. In the name of Jesus, the most generous person who ever walked this earth, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training