|
It's much better to be wise and sensible than to be rich.
Proverbs 16:16 (CEV)
There are many safeguards for us to apply when dealing with money, and all of them are being covered in this Core Area (Motivation). In this article we shall consider the importance of ‘wisdom’.
Most of the book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon - not only the wisest man alive, but also the richest! As people looking to create wealth for Kingdom purposes, what better person could we turn to for advice? With this in mind, we’ll take most of the scriptures in this article from Solomon’s writings.
A PRICE TO PAY
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)
Did you read that? It sounds like a paradox: we want wisdom to manage and create wealth - but it’s going to cost us at the same time. If you look closely here you’ll see that actually wisdom is an investment. It is one of the greatest spiritual investments you’ll ever make in your life - whether personal or business.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:11 (NIV)
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)
You may well have honourable intentions, and even be praying for God to intervene in your personal or business finances, but God wants us to intervene – with his wisdom. So whether you’re praying for debt relief or praying for increased regular income, start praying more specifically for godly wisdom! Having the blessings of God is one thing, but having the wisdom and understanding of what to do with them is another.
IT’S A MATTER OF PRIORITIES
Which do you value most: knowing how to receive God’s blessings or knowing how to handle them? Blessings follow God’s people night and day. Many come and go without us even noticing. What we need to be doing is using godly wisdom in those blessings.
Maybe you get a pay rise at work which gives you the opportunity to invest some of your new found disposable income. Fantastic! Listen out for the wisdom of God in the myriad of investment opportunities available to you and you might find yourself with profits beyond your expectations. Maybe you get blessed with a new business opportunity. Great! Start applying the wisdom of God into that situation and it could turn out to be a greater opportunity than you could ever have imagined! And if you lack wisdom?
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 (NIV)
If you seek wisdom above all things (including money) then you will be blessed and prosperous because you will have got your priorities in order. If you have wisdom, God can trust you to use your wealth wisely!
God blesses everyone who has wisdom.
Proverbs 3:13 (CEV)
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.
Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)
King Solomon is the best biblical example of someone who got his priorities right (until later in life). He sought solely after wisdom and as a result, the blessings of God followed him. In 1 Kings 3:5 we see Solomon as he starts his reign as king over Israel. God reveals himself to the king in a dream and offers him anything he desires. Out of all the things he could have asked for, such as riches, wealth, great armies or influence, he chooses wisdom to rule diligently. His request delighted God so much that the Lord automatically added wealth and honour to his wisdom.
Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honour – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.
1 Kings 3:11 (NIV)
A SOBER WARNING
The Bible issues this warning to those who have money but do not have the wisdom or the spiritual maturity to handle it:
A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
Psalm 49:20 (NIV)
Perhaps one of the best prayers that we can regularly pray is to have wisdom in all that we do, to have discernment when life’s choices aren’t obvious. In light of the warnings and safeguards mentioned in the Bible about having wisdom to handle our money, we should be constantly seeking God to direct our financial affairs.
Now, before we end this article, we must realise that there is a ‘second series’, a 'must see' sequel. It’s a biblical equation that we are going to have to work through if we are to receive this godly wisdom. It is this: we have to be ‘God fearers’ in order to receive ‘God wisdom’. For Proverbs 9:10 tells us that…
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
and Proverbs 15:33 reiterates this by exclaiming:
The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom.
Look out for the follow-up article entitled ‘The Fear of the Lord and our Finances’.
|
The Articles 
