Money and Favor

(Prov 17:8 NIrV) Money buys favors for those who give it. No matter where they turn, they succeed.

Solomon was rich. That's not hyperbole; it is a statement of fact. He knew quite a bit about money management. He ran a nation with a billion dollar surplus. He is more than qualified to teach us about money and he says that there is a level of favor connected with giving. The words "blessed" and "prosperity" are not limited to money; let's make that clear. You can have lots of money and NOT be blessed or prosperous. However, these words do not exclude money either. There has been so much non-Biblical teaching in the church about money that many believers don't even know how they should feel about it. Some over emphasize it and make it the primary focus of their lives. Others think it's evil so they run from it and quickly associate godless living with anyone who has it.

The truth is that money is NOT evil, and NO, that is NOT what the Bible says. When mentoring his spiritual son, Paul said, "For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. Some have been so eager to have it that they have wandered away from the faith and have broken their hearts with many sorrows" (1st Timothy 6:10). There is nothing wrong with having money, just as long as money does NOT have you. Money makes an excellent servant, but a poor master. Solomon was not opposed to money and he had a great deal to say about it.

The often quotes Proverbs 18:16, in the traditional King James Version, reads: "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men." Many read this to mean that the gifts that you have - like singing, dancing, performing, etc. - will open doors for you. While that may be true, the type of gift Solomon speaks of in this verse is external (or tangible). Other translations make this clear. For example, the God's Word translation reads: "A gift opens doors for the one who gives it and brings him into the presence of great people."

In Solomon's time it was customary for someone to bring a gift when attempting to see someone of prominence. Depending on the size of the gift, the doors could open more quickly and grant you access to the highest levels. For example, when Naaman went to see the king of Israel, looking for healing, he took a letter from his king AND 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and ten sets of clothing (2nd Kings 5:5). When the queen of Sheba went to visit king Solomon, she knew that she could not come empty handed. She brought an exceptional gift, to make sure she was granted an audience with the king quickly. Her gift is recorded in 1st Kings 10:

"Then she gave the king a gift of 9,000 pounds of gold, great quantities of spices, and precious jewels. Never again were so many spices brought in as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" (v.10).

So what does this mean to you? While it DOES NOT mean that you should try to use your money to get your way, it DOES mean that you should be a giver. There is a certain level of favor associated with those who practice giving. Simply put, the Father blesses those who give.

Are you blessed financially? Great, but remember that you are blessed TO BE a blessing. The gospel of the kingdom must be preached to the entire world before the end will come (Mat 24:14), and ministry requires resources. God gives pastors vision, but He is counting on you (believers) for the provision. Support your local church and it's vision. Give to the less fortunate. Give to those who are making a difference.

Believe me, your giving will unlock favor and success!

Father, I thank You for helping me to establish a healthy attitude about money. Money is my servant, not my master. I use money as a tool TO BE a blessing to others. I support my local church. I give to the less fortunate. I support organizations that are making a difference. I honor You with my finances and I finance ministry! Since You know You can trust
me with money - to be a conduit through which provision can flow - I know You will bless me abundantly SO THAT I can BE a blessing to others. In Jesus' name. Amen!