Day 19 | 21-Day Growth Challenge | "Factors Leading to Poverty and Prosperity"
SELECTED SCRIPTURES & INSIGHTS FROM PROVERBS 21:
Proverbs 21:2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
One of the great advantages of knowing the Lord is having the Holy Spirit examine our hearts. Obviously, we only know what we know. We tend to be persuaded only to our own points of view. We are inherently subjective, meaning that we trust our own feelings more than anything else. God helps us to become objective, meaning that we can look more independently at our own opinions and views. Let the Lord examine your heart, and be willing to change your view or opinion based on the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
There are a number of scriptures in this chapter that address practical concerns regarding prosperity. Here in Verse Five is one of the most fundamental principles of success: Planning well and working hard brings successful outcomes. On the other hand, being hasty and taking shortcuts to quality, leads to lack and the condition of poverty.
Proverbs 21:6 Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.
Wealth is neither a sure sign of godliness nor of prosperity God's way. There are a lot of wealthy people in this world who have gotten rich by telling lies, deceiving people, and using other wrong methods. People who became wealthy by immoral means may not lose all their money. However, as far as biblical principles is concerned their wealth is illegitimate. The text also characterizes ill-gotten gain as a "deadly trap."
Proverbs 21:13 Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.
This is another instance in the book of Proverbs where Solomon highlights the importance of having compassion for the poor. Any plan of success or prosperity that excludes ministering to the poor is a short-sighted plan.
Proverbs 21:17 Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.
One of the major barriers to prosperity God's way is indulging in pleasures and wasteful lifestyles. Some of the most successful people are very reserved and disciplined in their behaviors.
Proverbs 21:20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.
People who are unwise often squander their resources. Many of these folks do not save, plan, or exercise restraint in their spending. Some people use credit cards for consumable items like food and clothing.
_________________________________________
PRAYER:"Lord, help me hold to principles that bring blessing and make me a blessing to others. Give me wisdom in handling my affairs. In Jesus' Name. Amen!"
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 is the importance of inviting God to examine our hearts?
- What are some behaviors that lead to prosperity?
- What are some behaviors that lead to poverty?
- What actions will you take today related to this lesson?
COMMENT SECTION:
Click on "Comments" to read others and add yours afterwards.
