February 11, 2008

Today's Reading - Proverbs 11
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Following Scripture Verses

1. A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
2. When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
3. The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
4. Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
5. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
7. When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
8. The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
9. An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
10. When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12. He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
13. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
14. Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
15. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16. A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
17. The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18. The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19. As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22. As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
23. The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27. He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
29. He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

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Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. - Proverbs 11:4

Solomon is again advising his son concerning money. In this passage he is contrasting the gaining of wealth with righteous living. It must be noted first of all that having money is not inherently sinful, nor are riches a sign of carnality and wickedness. It is possible to have both money and righteousness (I Tim. 6:17-19), and if God has blessed you in this way, then praise Him for it.

It does seem, however, that for many people wealth and righteousness do not go hand in hand. People desire to have money and all the trappings that go with it. They want a bigger home, a newer car, a nicer vacation, finer clothes, and numerous other trinkets. In order to get these things, many people choose to sacrifice their personal righteousness. They stop attending all the church services because they want to work overtime or take on a second job. They stop tithing and giving offerings because they need the funds for something else "more important". Keeping their positions becomes more important than keeping their testimonies. Then once they have acquired their "toys", their faithfulness wains even further because now they have to take the time to enjoy them.

Here is the principle: when you stand before God, the size of your bank account is not going to matter. When you give account of your life, your material possessions will not be of interest to the Lord. What is going to be important is your level of righteousness. In this life you may be able to buy off those in authority, and men may grovel at your affluent feet. However, your relationship with the Lord and your obedience to Him is all that will matter in the day of judgment.

Riches or righteousness - which one are you choosing?

Pastor Mark J Montgomery