External and Internal Riches

(Prov 15:6 BBE) In the house of the upright man there is a great store of wealth; but in the profits of the sinner there is trouble.

This morning we continue our series, In this verse Solomon contrasts both external and internal riches. In the first portion of the text Solomon reiterates something that he has stated several times already (to this point) in Proverbs (see 8:18; 8:21; 14:24) and that is that the righteous (or upright) can/should store up wealth. Those that are both righteous (in covenant with God) and wise (applying His wisdom) are people who, generally speaking, are honest, hard working, upright, fair, and generous people. In addition to their own human efforts, they also walk in the Blessing of God and experience His favor.

When you couple their dedication to avoid the things God says leads to poverty, like laziness, deceit, dishonesty, and unfaithfulness, with their dedication to apply the aforementioned things that lead to walking in the Blessing of God, you have a person who has postured themselves to be financially stable and secure. They earn, give, save, and spend (in that order) and they are able to BE the blessing the Father expects them to be in the earth.

On the other hand, in the latter portion of the text Solomon tells us that while the sinner may profit their profit brings with it a trail of trouble. Here Solomon makes it clear that external riches alone should not be the focus. Those who pursue the ways of the world may gain external riches, but they will also reap their share of trouble and the trouble will keep them from truly enjoying what they have toiled so hard to gain.

Just like Solomon had a great deal to say about gaining wealth God’s way, he also has several warnings for those that pursue riches the wrong way. Back in chapter one Solomon said, “Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life” (1:19).

Many in the world are so consumed by the pursuit of riches that they never get to enjoy their lives; their greed robs them of true pleasure. If you ask people like this why they do it, they will tell you that they are pursuing the money SO THAT they can enjoy life, but the actual pursuit is robbing them of the life they say they are pursuing. That’s why Jesus called it the “Deceitfulness of riches” (Mat 13:22). In the 10th chapter Solomon said, “Tainted wealth has no lasting value” (10:2). Whatever satisfaction is received from ill-gotten gains will be temporary at best. And finally, later on in this chapter Solomon says, “Greed brings grief to the whole family” (15:27).

What good is wealth if you cannot enjoy it? As a believer, we would want our household to be full of peace, love, joy, excitement, and Godly anticipation. Those that pursue things in ways that are contrary to God find that they come home to a household full of grief, strife, bitterness, and resentment. Why? Because Solomon tells us that in the profits of the sinner there is trouble!

So what does this mean to you ? It means that you should pursue financial stability God’s ways. When you put God first in all things, then you can have money without money having you. That way you can give (helping to finance ministry and giving to the less fortunate), save (both short and long term), and spend, without any condemnation; knowing that you have honored God with your finances.

Money makes a great servant, but a poor master. Use money as a tool that serves you; don’t allow it to make you the tool that serves it.

Father, thank You for giving me the insight that I need to apply Your wisdom to every area of my life. I declare, right now, by faith, that I will honor You with my finances. I will earn, give, save, and spend in such a way that brings glory to Your name. Use me to finance Your Kingdom purposes in the earth. Use me to be a blessing to the less fortunate As you do and as I seek to please You in all my ways, I know that my household will be full of internal, and not just external, riches. My home shall be a home of love, joy, peace, contentment and excitement for the things of God! In Jesus’ name. Amen!