Wealth has it's pitfalls

Proverbs 28:8-11

“Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.  If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.  Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.  A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out. ”

This is my favorite time of the year in Texas, it is cool but not cold, and Thanksgiving is a couple of days away.  I’ve already smoked a Turkey and Jan is going to make the dressing and gravy today, and the best part is yet to come.  In two days we are going to Austin, Texas and spend the day with our family, if the Lord wills.  But today I want to look at the six verses above and let the Holy Spirit talk to us about them.

Let's begin with verses 8-9, and first look at what someone else thinks, in my Study Bible it states in verse 8, “In this life or eternity, God will punish those who exploit the poor and reward those who help them.”  One must remember the Proverbs are true and apply to both believers in God and those who do not put their faith in Him.  That is why a follower of Christ is told to fear God, because our act of rebelling against His commands will bring discipline now not in heaven, and often it can be excruciating.

Now verse nine, if one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.  When we doubt or do not obey God’s law, it shows a lack of faith on our part and our Father will not put up with that.  Hebrews 11:6,  “And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”  My prayer for us is that we are never an abomination to our Father.

Often we read and understand at least on the surface what Solomon is telling us, I believe that is the case with verses 10-11, “Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.  A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.” 

Let me share that I believe I’m rich, in family, friends, and yet I’m not a man of wealth by the standards of this world, but I do believe that verse 11 applies to me.  Many years ago I attended a men’s breakfast in Corpus Christi.  A man who sat by me was older gentleman and yet I did not believe at my young age that he could teach me much.  As we talked, he began to tell me things about me he did not have any knowledge about.  I had not acted on them yet.  But they were evil desires of lust and greed that I had thought were hidden in my heart.  Yes, God’s Spirit knows your thoughts and will expose them to one who will confront you.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice