Day 12 | 21-Day Growth Challenge | "The Blessings of Right Living"
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 10:1(NLT)
2 Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.
9 People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.
16 The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.
19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
22 The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
INSIGHT:
Proverbs Chapter Ten begins with the heading "The Proverbs of Solomon." (v. 1)
A proverb is a maxim or rule of conduct. The word comes from a Hebrew root meaning "to be like" or "parable." (http://www.biblereferenceguide.com/study/proverbs.html) In this chapter, almost every verse is a proverb in itself. The verses shown above were selected for this post. Below are my insights by verse.
Verse 2: We could think of "Tainted wealth" as something like winning the lottery. It is wealth not earned, but gained by games of chance. Interestingly, about one-third of lottery winners end up bankrupt. Some find it necessary to live in secrecy to avoid the onslaught of people requesting money. Many quit working to live off their winnings, while thers find that working helps keep their lives and relationships bearable.
"Right living" helps believers achieve prosperity God's way. According to verse 22, "The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it." I know some believers who have earned their way to great success and wealth God's way. Such persons have been blessed by God to be humble, joyful, and generous. Certainly not the "tainted wealth" that lacks true value.
Verse 16: People who embrace God's wisdom are not corrupted by material success, because their foundation and focus is not material, but biblical.
Verse 19: It is important to manage our thoughts so that an abundance of speaking does not result is uttering words we regret. Not speaking is sometimes the best thing we can do.
"Lord, help me avoid schemes that promise prosperity, but only deliver grief. I choose to trust you and work for those blessings that You desire for my life.
ACTIVATION:
(Use comment section below to share your insights. Record sensitive items in your personal journal. You can login or simply use your first name.)
- What 2-3 verses (proverbs) stand out to you and why
- What actions will you take today related to this lesson?
COMMENT SECTION:
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