by Bryan Sherwood

Created on: April 13, 2009   Last Updated: November 02, 2009

As humans, from time to time we encounter the desire for money. Yet every so often, a feeling of uneasiness over our monetary attitude manages to firmly implant itself on that remarkable organ known as the heart. So where should we turn? Thankfully, the Almighty has provided mankind with the extraordinary book of Proverbs.

The book of Proverbs contains a vast amount of information, shortened and condensed into powerful parallels that pack a punch. Few describe the book as having one unifying theme. However, one of the themes addressed in Proverbs is wealth and riches.

Before discussing what a person should do with wealth, we must first address the Biblical methods concerning the achievement and/or loss these riches. Proverbs 13:18 warns us that "poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored". Throughout the book, the images of "Lady Wisdom" and "Lady Folly" are constantly brought up. The Proverbs depict Lady Wisdom with "long life in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor" (verse 3:16). She stands out in the streets, calling out "riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness!" (verse 8:18). Lady Folly, on the other hand, presents herself as an adulterous. Proverbs 29:3 tells us, "He who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth". Therefore, we are instructed to follow Lady Wisdom.

In order to live wisely, one must avoid laziness and work diligently. Proverbs 12:27 says, "whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth". Verses 13:11, 10:4, 6:11, 14:23, 20:13, 21:5, 23:21, and 28:19 all address the same issue.

Perhaps more important than how hard a person works, however, remains their means of achieving wealth. As Marie O' Conner once remarked, "it's not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised; the mosquito is swatted". People could claim to work for a wonderful cause; however, the ends certainly don't justify the means! Both the process and the end shape us. As a result, the Bible cautions us against gaining wealth in sinful ways, particularly when it involves taking from the poor.

Verse 22:16 states that "whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty". Proverbs further warns against gaining riches through sin in 13:22: "a good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is

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