PROVERBS 22:1 – A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Lord I remember what the disciples said about silver and gold… “Then Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6). The “good name” of Jesus must be my focus… not silver or gold. Power developed through time spent with Jesus is of far more value than devotion to money making!
“Lord, You are more precious than silver.
Lord, You are more costly than gold.
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,
And nothing I desire compares with You!”
PROVERBS 22:2 – Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.
Rich or poor…God, You are the Lord and maker of them all. Both rich and the poor need to be reminded of Your Lordship. The rich, who might be tempted to self-sufficiency and forget the Lord need to be reminded of You. And the poor, who might be tempted to covetousness and pursue riches instead of Christ also need to be reminded of You. (See Proverbs 30:8)
PROVERBS 22:3 – The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
A wise man will be able to see through the dangers of materialism and greed and hide himself from this snare. A fool will pass right by this warning and have to be punished. How many people, Lord, have foolishly pursued the false promise of happiness through riches only to be punished in the end? Help me to be wise and avoid this trap.
PROVERBS 22:3 – Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.
True riches are humility and the fear of You, Lord! This brings true life…true honor in living! Possessions have a way of possessing…but pursuing You, Jesus, brings abundant life (John 10:10) and true joy! Many wealthy and miserable people spend fortunes in pursuit of happiness in life…real life is only in You Jesus! Help me to pursue You!
(SHELBYVILLE MILLS BAPTIST CHURCH)