How Should You Live If You Are Rich? (Proverbs 28)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Are you rich?

You might not feel like it, but keeping in mind that over 700 million people live on less than $2 a day, 99% of the world’s population make less than $34,000 a year, and the basic functions of life many of us enjoy today would have been considered tremendous luxuries just a short time ago, it’s safe to say many in Western civilization are richer than we imagine.

So how are we to act? Proverbs 28 gives us a series of instructions. First, if we have any level of financial abundance, we must be careful that our wealth isn’t used to oppress others. Verse 3 says, “A destitute leader who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no food.” One of the typical modern ways to do this is by profiting from cheap international child or slave labor. We buy clothes, coffee, and cheap goods imported from countries with immoral values and don’t give them much thought.

Another way we do this is by rigging the system in our favor. It’s easy to operate at the expense of others. Thus, if we’re employers, we need to pay our employees a livable wage and be careful that the life we enjoy isn’t at the expense of others. Verse 8 says, “Whoever increases his wealth through excessive interest collects it for one who is kind to the poor.” Commenting on this verse, Bruce Waltke writes, “The ruthless wealthy person, who in his insatiable appetite for money, capitalizes on the misfortune of the poor and needy by charging interest stands over against the one who freely gives the poor his money and food stuff, such as seed for starting a crop.”^[1]

Then there is the issue of generosity. Verse 27 says, “The one who gives to the poor will not be in need, but one who turns his eyes away will receive many curses.” The richer a person becomes, who they are becomes magnified. If they were stingy with little, they will be stingy with much. If they were generous with little, they will be generous with much. Generosity is a lifestyle. We should practice it in seasons of little and seasons of much. But as Duane Garrett says, verse 27 “poses the apparent paradox that those who give more have more.”^[2] In addition, we see a series of other instructions in Proverbs 27 that include:

·      ⁶ Better the poor person who lives with integrity
than the rich one who distorts right and wrong.

·      ¹¹ A rich person is wise in his own eyes,
but a poor one who has discernment sees through him.

·      ¹⁹ The one who works his land
will have plenty of food,
but whoever chases fantasies
will have his fill of poverty.

·      ²⁰ A faithful person will have many blessings,
but one in a hurry to get rich
will not go unpunished.

·      ²⁵ A greedy person stirs up conflict,
but whoever trusts in the Lord will prosper.

In short, Solomon’s advice in Proverbs 28 is this. Steward what you have well, even when you have little to offer. Err on the side of generosity. Be conscientious about ways you might be profiting at others’ expense. Always be looking for ways to bless others, knowing that as you do this, your Heavenly Father will bless you in ways you can’t imagine.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Lord, I praise you for your wisdom and guidance. Your teachings show me the value of integrity, generosity, and hard work. I am grateful for the promise of blessings for those who walk in your ways.

Release | I release my desire for quick gains and dishonest wealth. Help me trust your provision and timing. I let go of any selfishness that prevents me from helping those in need.

Ask | I ask for strength to live a life of integrity, free from deceit and greed. Give me a generous heart that is eager to share with others. Please guide my steps to work diligently and faithfully in all that I do.

Yield | I yield my actions and decisions to align with your principles of righteousness. May I always seek to live a blameless life that honors you. I surrender my desires to your will, trusting your promise of lasting prosperity and peace.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ