Don’t Spend All That You Get

(Prov 21:20 NIV) In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.

This morning we continue in the book of Proverbs. Here Solomon returns to another of his reoccurring themes: money management. Many scholars believe Solomon was the richest man to ever live. As king he was able to observe the lives of the wealthy, as well as the poor. He knew (first hand) that wealth could buy a certain level of security, while poverty, in many ways, leaves the poor exposed. So he teaches us to be prudent in financial matters. Making poor financial decisions can have devastating results. The Contemporary English Version of this verse reads: "Be sensible and store up precious treasures-don't waste them like a fool." A wise person is sensible with their resources, ensuring they maintain a reserve, however the fool consumes everything that comes into their hands; Caring only for the pleasures of the present time.

In this series I have taught you about four categories of giving that we, as believers, should observe with our personal finances: tithes, offerings, supporting ministries (outside of the local church), and giving to the poor. The fool, however, can do none of these because he selfishly and thoughtlessly spends all he has as soon as he gets it.

This is timely counsel for today's credit laden society. This proverb is about saving for the future, but many today have mortgaged their future for the pleasures of the present. Easy credit has many living on the edge of bankruptcy; spending more than they can afford. Solomon is teaching us about foresight, restraint, and delayed gratification - concepts that seem foreign to today's society.

I am often surprised when I talk to people about money and specifically, what the Bible has to say about money. Most believers want nothing to do with the subject. Actually, and unfortunately, money is a 'taboo' subject I am convinced that the devil happy about it, because if more believers were taught what the Bible has to say about money management and how to honor God with their finances, I am convinced that they would be much better off. And it is extremely unfortunate because the Bible has more to say about money than about prayer and faith.

Sixteen out of [thirty-eight] of Christ's parables deal with money; more is said in the New Testament about money than [about] heaven and hell combined; five times more is said about money than [about] prayer; and while there are 500 plus verses on both prayer and faith, there are over 2,000 verses dealing with money and possessions.

So what does this mean to you? A few things:
1. The wise spares, the fool squanders. Don't spend everything that comes into your hands.
2. As a financial steward, the father expects you to be faithful (1 Cor 4:2); to manage your finances in accordance with the counsel He has provided in His Word.
3. You will never leave and inheritance for your children and children's children (like the Word admonishes you to) if you foolishly and selfishly spend all that you earn.

Father, I thank You for this reminder and for this revelation. You expect me to be a good steward over my finances and I declare that I will. I will honor You financially and in turn I know You will bless the work of my hands. I will tithe, give offerings, support ministries that are making a difference, and give to the less fortunate as You lead me to. I will give, save, and spend - in that order - and by doing so I will please You and become the faithful steward You expect me to be. I am determined to walk in the blessing, to generate the wealth You desire for me to leave for my children and their children, and to finance ministry so that the gospel can be preached to all nations! Thank You Father for the wisdom to manage my finances in such a way that I will be able to live a strong, stable, and secure life. In Jesus' name. Amen!