The Truly Rich & The Truly Poor

(Encouraged reading: Proverbs 13)

     “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” Proverbs 13:7

     Fairness may seem to be a little lopsided these days. Those promoting vile and wicked things seem to be at the top. They are the ones with yachts, sports cars, thriving businesses, second homes, and expensive clothing. We can see all they have and feel that we are worse off, but Proverbs 13:7 says the opposite.

     The truth is that the righteous and wise are very wealthy. Chapter 13 says: the righteous shall eat out of the fruits of their mouth. The diligent soul shall be made rich. The humble in heart will have great riches. With wisdom there is no pride or strife. Those who labor will increase and who fear the commandment will be rewarded. “Good understanding gains favor,” (v.15a). A faithful ambassador brings health. A man who takes rebuke will be honored. Good shall be paid to the righteous. The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous. The righteous will eat and be filled.

        As for the wicked they will: feed on violence, have destruction on their lips, desire and have nothing, come to shame, be overthrown, be put out, be diminished, be destroyed, fall into trouble, fall into poverty, and be in want.

Application:

     What matters to you? Be honest about what you desire, and remember eternal riches, those which do not perish, have very little to do with material and earthly accumulation. What we store up for the next life matters. A life on fire for the Lord will collect much revenue in Heaven. To be like the righteous man in this chapter we need to be diligent, humble, wise, hardworking, reverent, a faithful ambassador, and student.

Prayer:

     Lord, please search our hearts and cleanse them. We desire to store up spiritual riches instead of earthly ones because You alone can fill the void in our heart.