Solomon’s economic truth

Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Become debt free.  Don’t struggle with credit card debt.  Prepare for an economically independent future.  Wisely manage your finances identically as you manage the rest of your life.  Never put yourself in a situation where you live paycheck to paycheck.  Living abundantly, which is God’s promise, carries throughout all aspects of our lives.  This is practical and wise thinking.

Teach for life

Proverbs 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” A child is like a piece of clay to a potter or a block of wood to a woodworker at a lathe.  The clay or piece of wood will be formed into something creative and beautiful and that shape will always be creative and beautiful.  Once formed, its structure is determined.  Your and my job is to form God’s children so they are beautiful, creative and full of God’s intended purpose.

Be faithful and humble

Proverbs 22:4 “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.” Realizing God is the author of all your talents, the Giver of all you achieve and the Creator of your entire being makes you a blessed child of His.  To be a child of your Heavenly Father is the greatest gift you or I will ever receive.

We r all alike

Proverbs 22:2 “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is Maker of them all.” Neither you nor I had a single thing to do with our entering into this world.  God is the Creator of us all.  Not only is He the Creator, but He is also the One who gives you and me purpose.  And He is also the One who will bring us Home when this life is complete.  Do we live enjoying and living these 3 truths? Have a great weekend.

Reputation

Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Who are you?  You can ask that question of yourself, and you can ask that question thinking who do others say I am?  The most important question is: Who does God say I am?  God sees you as you are.  He knows how you think.  He knows what motivates you.  He knows the why for every action you live.  Accomplishing His purpose for your life is your and my reason for living on this earth.  That is much more important than accumulating any amount of assets or popularity. 

Never challenge God

Proverbs 21:30 “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” Our God’s magnificence is far, far beyond our comprehension.  Some tragically think of God as an equal or maybe as an imaginary concept.  The result of that mistaken thinking ends in the saddest condition possible.  The universe loudly shouts the glory of God.  His creation is a spectacular display of His majesty. Always enjoy the privilege of walking at His side.  

Give or get

Proverbs 21:26 “All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing.” There are two opposite attitudes or mentalities.  One thinks—give me, and one thinks—how I can help others.  The first does not take personal responsibility while the second assumes personal responsibility.  The first looks on the second as lucky while the second looks on the first as–you could be lucky too.  The first is continually robbing the “bank” while the second is constantly making deposits.  What separates the two is not talent–it is simply matter of thinking.

Be safe

Proverbs 21:23 “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” Always, when you present yourself to others, express yourself wisely so that in the future you will not regret what you have said but also others will come to hear what other words of wisdom you might have to offer. 

Be humble, seek God

Proverbs 21:21 “He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Live life always seeking both a humble spirit and a close relationship with your Savior.  Living with those two goals in mind will guarantee a successful life of joy and abundance.  Trying to live being self-centered and pursuing earthly pleasure will guarantee just the opposite.  

Be careful

Proverbs 21:13 “If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too may cry out and not be answered.” There are no guarantees in any of our lives on this earth for never having a need for help from others.  I cannot think of a single person who has reached any degree of success on their own.  Being blessed with talent is wonderful; however, accomplishments are always a result of teamwork.  When you or I see someone in need, our natural response should be to help—as that person can one day easily be you or me.

Carefully plan

Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Carefully think, plan wisely, consult with a wise team, surround yourself with like-minded Christians, never be impetuous, be in a continual state of prayer while always asking your Heavenly Father for guidance and your desires will not only succeed–they will, and you will flourish.  That is God’s promise.

What is a good life?

Proverbs 21:3 “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” I donate a lot to charity.  I help those in my community by volunteering at the food shelf.  I often give to GoFundMe requests.  I visit the elderly in nursing homes.  I even am an elder in my church.  I want to look good on the outside to my neighbors.  Do you see a problem with all of the above?  It all concentrates on ME.  God wants you and me to always put Him first and live our lives in glory and honor to Him.  God always looks at our heart.  He knows His love for us and wants to see our love for Him.  That is why we do the above.