He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Wise Attitudes: Our Possessions: Proverbs 13:7-12
7) There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is]
that maketh himself poor, yet [hath]
great riches.
8) The ransom of a man's life [are]
his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9) The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked
shall be put out.
10) Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
11) Wealth [gotten] by vanity
shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12) Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it
is] a tree of life.
EXPOSITION:
7) There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is]
that maketh himself poor, yet [hath]
great riches.
The
true wealth of a person is not found in physical possessions but in spiritual
blessings of God…
1. There are those that accumulates earthly
possessions, yet in the end they will possess nothing of lasting value
2. There are those who sends away his
possessions in an attempt to help others, in the end they will possess the
blessings of God throughout eternity
“Cast thy bread upon the
waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what
evil shall be upon the earth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2)
8) The ransom of a man's life [are]
his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
Another
detriment of riches vs the benefits of being poor…
1. A rich man attracts those who would desire to
abuse and steal from him. He is always
faced with physical opposition and threathenings.
2. A poor man attracts no one’s attention, nor
must he worry about the loss of his physical possessions for he has none.
“They that trust in their
wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None [of them] can by any
means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of
their soul [is] precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live
for ever, [and] not see corruption. For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish
person perish, and leave their wealth to others.” (Psalms 49:6-10)
9) The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked
shall be put out.
The
influence of the righteous is far greater than the wicked when they
sacrificially give to help others in need…
1. A righteous man through his sacrificial
actions sends forth a light into the world showing Christ, His love and His
grace to those with whom they have contact.
2. A wicked man who accumulates wealth selfishly
faulters in having a lasting reputation and influence in the world around them.
“Unto the upright there
ariseth light in the darkness: [he is] gracious, and full of compassion, and
righteous. A good man sheweth favour,
and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.” (Psalms 112:4-5)
10) Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
1. The accumulation of wealth, many times is the
result of a prideful person who desires to exalt themselves. This prideful and selfish attitude ends in
opposition from those around them.
2.
Those who seek Godly counsel will gain
wisdom and see the need and benefits of giving to meet other’s spiritual and
physical needs.
“From whence [come] wars
and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war
in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye
kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not,
because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not,
because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and
adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the
scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?” (James 4:1-5)
“The way of a fool [is]
right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise. A fool's wrath is
presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame.” (Proverbs 12:15-16)
11) Wealth [gotten] by vanity
shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Not
only is how we use our wealth important, but also how we supply our physical
needs is a great opportunity for service to the Lord as well….
1. Wealth that is gained by “vanity” shall be
gradually wasted and diminished until it is gone. The idea of vanity comes from
a Hebrew word for “breath”. It is
describing wealth that is accumulated very easily through deceitful speech as
compared to physical labor. Why is it
wasted so easily? The “value of a
dollar” is not recognized because of the ease at which it is gained.
2. In comparison, those who labor for their
possessions understand their value and, therefore, are careful how it is
used. When a person is willing to work
for their possessions and share them with others in need, the Lord blesses them
and supplies their needs.
“Because he hath oppressed [and]
hath forsaken the poor; [because] he hath violently taken away an house which
he builded not; Surely he shall not feel
quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired. There shall none of his
meat be left; therefore shall no man look for his goods. In the fulness of his
sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon
him.” (Job 20:19-22)
“For thou shalt eat the
labour of thine hands: happy [shalt] thou [be], and [it shall be] well with
thee.” (Psalms 128:2)
12) Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it
is] a tree of life.
When
we help others at our own expense, many times we do not see the results of our
labors, nor do we receive a reward immediately.
It is only after consistent obedience that we receive the reward of
faithfulness…
1. Realizing we do not receive immediate
gratification for our obedience, we must expect to be tempted with
discouragement and weariness.
2. However, as we continue in faithfulness, the
results of our labors will be seen and rewards for our obedience will be
received. If not in this world, for
certain in eternity to come.
“To the chief Musician,
Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so
panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and
appear before God? My tears have been my meat
day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?” (Psalms 42:1-3)
“I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried:
mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.” (Psalms 69:3)
“He brought me up also out
of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and]
established my goings. And he hath put a new song
in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and
shall trust in the LORD.” (Psalms 40:2-3)
“As for me, I will behold
thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy
likeness.” (Psalms 17:15)
SUMMARY:
Do
we seek to gain physical wealth for the right motives and using the right
methods? Are we willing to share our
wealth with others who are in need? Do
we realize that through our giving to others, when motivated by a heart of love
for God and concern for others we glorify our Lord and present a living
testimony of His grace and kindness?
By
God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value
that they deserve.
May the
Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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