“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

Proverbs 10:4
The dynamics behind poverty in our modern economy are complex and tangled, and the book of Proverbs does not pretend to solve it all. That said, the father who wrote these words wants his children to know the basic operating principles behind poverty and wealth and where they come from.

God has designed His world and designed us as His image-bearers in such a way that the resources we need to live must be gained through diligent work. This was obvious for those like Solomon living in an agrarian society. Crops do not get planted, watered, weeded, harvested, threshed, and sold on their own! Even though that connection is somewhat diminished in our monetary-based economy, and there are always those exceptions to the rule, God’s principle remains: He provides through diligent work.

God created and redeemed us to glorify Him. We employ our gifts in this world not only to provide for ourselves and our families, but to serve others as our gracious God has served us in Christ—wealth worth far more than silver or gold.



Scripture Focus

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Insight

“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may… share with those in need.” (Ephesians 4:28)

Bible In A Year

  • Jeremiah 15-16
  • Psalm 111
  • Romans 13-14

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