In the Bible Book of Proverbs the overarching theme is that God is the source of true wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 2:6 - For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 9:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Another related thread is that wisdom is extremely valuable and that the wise are more likely to find themselves on the path that leads to blessings. Proverbs 3:13-18 - Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed. Proverbs 16:20 - Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
The Book of Proverbs also gives us some interesting insight by contrasting the wise man and the foolish man. Proverbs 12:15 - The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Psalm 14:1a – The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." Proverbs 1:22 - How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Proverbs 10:8 - The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Proverbs 10:14 - Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. Proverbs 10:23 - A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom. Proverbs 15:14 - The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
If we are not wise then why would God choose to bless us with financial resources? Without wisdom we would not make the correct choices in our stewardship of His resources. Proverbs 17:16 - Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?
Of course wisdom implies correct action. We can have all the knowledge in the world but if it is not coupled with correct actions our great learning is meaningless. Solomon tells us at the conclusion of the Book of Ecclesiastes: Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. (Eccl 12:13 NIV)
If a person focuses on getting more money then he or she is on the wrong track. The correct course of action is to focus on developing a deeper relationship with and knowledge of God through Jesus Christ. Click here to learn more.
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Biblical Financial Principle #15 - Do not love money
Do not love money, trust money or focus on getting more money:
The world tells us that we need to strive to get ahead, make money and be successful in business. "Go for the gusto" is the mantra of secular society. We are focused on getting ahead and planning for the future instead of being focused on Jesus.
God's word tells us in Proverbs 11:28 -"Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." The Apostle Paul told Timothy: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Tim. 6:10) So according to Paul if we focus on finding our fortune it could damage our most important relationship.
Many people get so focused on making money that they literally work themselves to death. Some have spent a lifetime planning for retirement and gone to the grave before they left their job or shortly thereafter.
Solomon tells us in Proverbs 23:4: "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." So stop working through your vacation time and find a ministry project where you can be a part of building up the Kingdom of God. Then you will be storing up treasure in heaven.
Paul gave very strong instructions to Timothy: "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
Put God first in everything and if you have not begun a relationship with the Lord CLICK HERE to discover how to take this important step.
The world tells us that we need to strive to get ahead, make money and be successful in business. "Go for the gusto" is the mantra of secular society. We are focused on getting ahead and planning for the future instead of being focused on Jesus.
God's word tells us in Proverbs 11:28 -"Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." The Apostle Paul told Timothy: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Tim. 6:10) So according to Paul if we focus on finding our fortune it could damage our most important relationship.
Many people get so focused on making money that they literally work themselves to death. Some have spent a lifetime planning for retirement and gone to the grave before they left their job or shortly thereafter.
Solomon tells us in Proverbs 23:4: "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." So stop working through your vacation time and find a ministry project where you can be a part of building up the Kingdom of God. Then you will be storing up treasure in heaven.
Paul gave very strong instructions to Timothy: "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
Put God first in everything and if you have not begun a relationship with the Lord CLICK HERE to discover how to take this important step.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Biblical Financial Principle #14 - Be Patient and Wait On God
Be patient – God does things in His timing – Do not act hastily:
In our culture of "instant gratification" we may be tempted in interact with God as if He was a "Designer Diety." We pray as if to "our butler in Heaven." But this approach does not work in God's economy. Let's see what God's Word has to say.
Prov. 13:3b – "…he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." Proverbs 19:11 - "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."
David was a great example of patience. He was annointed as the new king of Israel as a teenager but did not actually gain the throne for more than a decade. Psalm 37:7 tells us - "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
Solomon got impatient and decided to try every possible road "under the sun" to find happiness and satisfaction. Here is some of his inspired, sage advice from Eccl.7:8 - "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."
Proverbs 14:15 - "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps." Proverbs 21:5 - "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." So we need to give thought to our steps, not rush into financial decisions and if we are diligent we are apt to be lead to profit but if we are hasty we are very likely heading towards poverty.
Paul includes patience as part of the fruit of the spirit - the evidences of true conversion: Gal. 5:22 - "…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…" When we exhibit patience it is one of the outward signs that our heart has been changed through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
How about you? Are you a patient person? Do you wait on God's timing? Do you have a personal relationship with God? CLICK HERE to discover more.
In our culture of "instant gratification" we may be tempted in interact with God as if He was a "Designer Diety." We pray as if to "our butler in Heaven." But this approach does not work in God's economy. Let's see what God's Word has to say.
Prov. 13:3b – "…he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." Proverbs 19:11 - "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."
David was a great example of patience. He was annointed as the new king of Israel as a teenager but did not actually gain the throne for more than a decade. Psalm 37:7 tells us - "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
Solomon got impatient and decided to try every possible road "under the sun" to find happiness and satisfaction. Here is some of his inspired, sage advice from Eccl.7:8 - "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."
Proverbs 14:15 - "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps." Proverbs 21:5 - "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." So we need to give thought to our steps, not rush into financial decisions and if we are diligent we are apt to be lead to profit but if we are hasty we are very likely heading towards poverty.
Paul includes patience as part of the fruit of the spirit - the evidences of true conversion: Gal. 5:22 - "…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…" When we exhibit patience it is one of the outward signs that our heart has been changed through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
How about you? Are you a patient person? Do you wait on God's timing? Do you have a personal relationship with God? CLICK HERE to discover more.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Biblical Financial Principles - A Note Of Caution
Warning about false financial teaching:
Recently in this blog we have set forth ten Biblical Financial Principles. Now it's time for a note of caution. In our "something for nothing," "immediate gratification" culture we are often looking for quick fixes. Even in the community of so-called "Christian" teachings there are issues with improper Biblical interpretation.
When reading, studying and applying Biblical Principles:
1) We must be certain that we understand who is speaking. The Bible quotes Jesus and also quotes Judas and Satan.
2) We also need to know who the writer is speaking to. For example some Biblical injunctions apply specifically to the nation of Israel.
3) We need to keep everything in context of the full counsel of the word of God (the entire spectrum of Biblical teaching).
4) We must recognize figures of speech, parables, prophecy, poetry and other literary and cultural features in Scripture.
5) We need to compare Scripture with Scripture before applying Biblical teachings to our lives.
6) We must to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide our study and show us how to discern the truth.
7) We can also use conservative, evangelical commentaries to make certain we are not going off on an incorrect tangent.
Recently in this blog we have set forth ten Biblical Financial Principles. Now it's time for a note of caution. In our "something for nothing," "immediate gratification" culture we are often looking for quick fixes. Even in the community of so-called "Christian" teachings there are issues with improper Biblical interpretation.
When reading, studying and applying Biblical Principles:
1) We must be certain that we understand who is speaking. The Bible quotes Jesus and also quotes Judas and Satan.
2) We also need to know who the writer is speaking to. For example some Biblical injunctions apply specifically to the nation of Israel.
3) We need to keep everything in context of the full counsel of the word of God (the entire spectrum of Biblical teaching).
4) We must recognize figures of speech, parables, prophecy, poetry and other literary and cultural features in Scripture.
5) We need to compare Scripture with Scripture before applying Biblical teachings to our lives.
6) We must to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide our study and show us how to discern the truth.
7) We can also use conservative, evangelical commentaries to make certain we are not going off on an incorrect tangent.
At all costs we must avoid "cut and paste" theology. One of the best examples I know of to illustrate this point is to take Judges 7:17 and combine it with Matthew 27:5b. If you do this you get a paragraph that reads: "'Watch me,' he told them. 'Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do.' Then he went away and hanged himself."
We should be cautiously optimistic when listening to Bible teaching messages. Everything we hear and read must be seen through the lens of Scripture. Since God does not contradict Himself we should not accept teaching that conflicts with God's written word, the Bible. This applies even if someone claims a Divine revelation or a specific message to them from God or an angel.
When listening to secular advice (whether in person, on radio, on television or from the newspaper, books, etc.) we must be firmly grounded in Scripture and be certain to sort out truth from fiction. There is a story (perhaps an urban legend) that the way banks train tellers to recognize counterfeit bills is to instruct them primarily about the characteristics of the "the real deal." By knowing what an actual $100 bill looks and feels like, the teller is quickly able to detect a fake one.
So let's get specific, who should we listen to for sound, Biblical financial advice? Visit the Life Navigation website for some good leads. Also, Glass House Ministries and Crown Financial Ministries offer excellent resources.
Whom should we avoid? Stay away from TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) and from touted advice peddlers like Suze Orman and Oprah Winfrey. The Bible tells us that we should evaluate individuals like a fruit inspector. If you investigate the life styles, values and teachings of Suze and Oprah you will discover that they are outside the boundaries set by Scripture.
In addition steer clear of any teaching that claims to be Biblical and yet promises a formula for success. This would include teachings that might be described as word-faith, word of faith, seed faith, name it and claim it, health and wealth, the prosperity doctrine and/or positive confession. God is not "our butler in heaven." He is sovereign and that means that He is not obligated to (for example) give you a million dollars just because you gave a seed faith gift of $1,000 to help fill some television preacher's coffers.
In the final analysis all of our efforts to gain wisdom and manage our finances are fruitless unless we are basing everything we do on the foundation of a correct personal relationship with our Lord, our God and our Creator, Jesus Christ.
Here are some suggested books you may wish to consider adding to your library:
Basic Bible Interpretation - Roy B. Zuck
How to Study Your Bible: The Lasting Rewards of the Inductive Method - Kay Arthur
Biblical Financial Study, Collegiate Edition - Crown Financial Ministries
Here are some suggested web site links:
Life Navigation (a ministry of Cypress Church)
Manage Your Money God’s Way
The Life Changing Message Of Jesus
Monday, June 15, 2009
Biblical Financial Principle #6a - Cheerfully and Willingly Invest in God's Kingdom
Cheerfully and willingly invest time, talents and assets in God’s Kingdom:
One of our greatest challenges in financial management is incorrect priorities. We must put God and His Kingdom and His desires at the very top of our "list:"
Proverbs 11:4 – “Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” (NIV)
Psalm 100:2 – “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (NIV) (The NKJV says: “Serve the Lord with gladness…”)
After Israel’s battle with the Midianites the army officers came to Moses “and said to him, ‘Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one is missing. So we have brought as an offering to the Lord the gold articles each of us acquired--armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings and necklaces--to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord.’" ( Numbers 31:49-50) This was apparently a voluntary offering of all the gold taken in battle.
Deut. 16:17 – “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” (NIV)
God had given Moses the plans for the Tabernacle and it was time to begin construction. The Lord commanded that an offering be taken but did not designate who was to give or any specific amount that was to be given. “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze;… and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.” (Exodus 35:5 & 21-22)
As construction was moving forward: “They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, ‘The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.’ Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: ‘No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.’ And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.” (Exodus 36:3-7)
Mat. 6:20-21 – “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (NIV)
Gal. 6:6 – “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” (NIV)
Paul had a great heart for helping God’s people. He emphasized that our generosity must have the right attitude as its foundation when he said: "If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." (1 Cor. 13:3 – NIV)
More on Principle #6 in the next post...Visit the "Life Navigation" web site for free video seminars on the economy, finances, resumes, interview tips and more.
One of our greatest challenges in financial management is incorrect priorities. We must put God and His Kingdom and His desires at the very top of our "list:"
Proverbs 11:4 – “Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” (NIV)
Psalm 100:2 – “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (NIV) (The NKJV says: “Serve the Lord with gladness…”)
After Israel’s battle with the Midianites the army officers came to Moses “and said to him, ‘Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one is missing. So we have brought as an offering to the Lord the gold articles each of us acquired--armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings and necklaces--to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord.’" ( Numbers 31:49-50) This was apparently a voluntary offering of all the gold taken in battle.
Deut. 16:17 – “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” (NIV)
God had given Moses the plans for the Tabernacle and it was time to begin construction. The Lord commanded that an offering be taken but did not designate who was to give or any specific amount that was to be given. “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze;… and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.” (Exodus 35:5 & 21-22)
As construction was moving forward: “They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, ‘The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.’ Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: ‘No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.’ And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.” (Exodus 36:3-7)
Mat. 6:20-21 – “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (NIV)
Gal. 6:6 – “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” (NIV)
Paul had a great heart for helping God’s people. He emphasized that our generosity must have the right attitude as its foundation when he said: "If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." (1 Cor. 13:3 – NIV)
More on Principle #6 in the next post...Visit the "Life Navigation" web site for free video seminars on the economy, finances, resumes, interview tips and more.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Biblical Financial Principle #4 - We Can Discover God's Will About Money
God’s will, purpose and direction is found through Bible study and prayer:
This includes God's desires about how we are to manage our money!
Proverbs 16:16 - How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
Knowing what God desires (and then doing it) is more important than money.
Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
John 15:17 - If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
1 Thes. 5:17 - pray continually…
1 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We are called by God to do good works but we are not saved by our works. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.
Click here to discover more about "the life changing message of Jesus."
This includes God's desires about how we are to manage our money!
Proverbs 16:16 - How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
Knowing what God desires (and then doing it) is more important than money.
Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
John 15:17 - If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
1 Thes. 5:17 - pray continually…
1 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We are called by God to do good works but we are not saved by our works. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.
Click here to discover more about "the life changing message of Jesus."
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Biblical Financial Principle #1
Put God First:
God is big on "priorities." The first commandment in the Law states: ""I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:2-3)
Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Jesus taught that we should: "...seek first his (God’s) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Mat. 6:33)
When asked to give the greatest commandment in the Law Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.'" (Mat. 22:37-38)
Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
If we are truly in tune with the Lord then our desires will also be His desires.
Mat. 6:24 - No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
God is big on "priorities." The first commandment in the Law states: ""I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:2-3)
Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Jesus taught that we should: "...seek first his (God’s) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Mat. 6:33)
When asked to give the greatest commandment in the Law Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.'" (Mat. 22:37-38)
Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
If we are truly in tune with the Lord then our desires will also be His desires.
Mat. 6:24 - No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
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About Me
- Bob Koehler
- Cypress, CA, United States
- I am a U.S Navy Veteran, a Bible student and I work in the maritime industry. I attempt to represent Jesus Christ accurately on this site. My blogs are not the "official" position of any church or ministry.