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Proverbs 28
Author: Raymond Richardson

When I think about the book of Proverbs I think of finances and law. Proverbs is a powerful book because it generally gives the two extreme statements. There are not many grey lines in Proverbs. Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. (Proverbs 28:14) Open hearts versus closed hearts; blessed versus trouble. This is easy to understand when the author gives these types of comparisons. It shows us exactly where the Godly should be in their spiritual walk with God.

I have always been a fan of Dave Ramsey and his teachings on finance. Our family follows his biblically based principles. Proverbs has so many gems in regards to how a person and a family should manage their finances and how the eyes of their hearts should view money. If we look at Proverbs 28:20 it says, “A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished”.

Blessings are the product of honest labor. Just as Abraham was rich in gold, silver, and cattle because he was blessed of God, God will bless you abundantly if you have the faith of Abraham. Abraham was blessed and saved by faith. We are blessed and saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Someone in a hurry to get rich is taking short cuts. His ways are not pleasing to God, because they are not honest. God will hold him responsible for the way he made his money. Wealth in itself is not evil. Our attitude toward the wealth can be very evil.

Our world seems so full of get-rich schemes and plans. We tend to focus so much on what finances can bring us instead of what finances can do for God’s people. God calls us to be stewards and disciples of His kingdom here on earth. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).