Wealth Can Buy 'Almost' Anything

Upper elementary school. The late 1960’s. Howard Hughes.

My school buddies and I enjoyed bringing up the name Howard Hughes. We might have known that he set multiple world air speed records or that he built the ‘Hughes H-1 Racer.’ And who wouldn’t want to talk about the Spruce Goose, the nickname given to the famous wooden aircraft built by Hughes? But his name was most often mentioned in reference to his status as a millionaire.

We talked about Howard Hughes as if we were well-informed. It gave us a sense of pride to throw out a fact about this famous film producer, pilot, engineer, businessman. He was a millionaire and the average annual U.S. household income in the 1960’s was under ten thousand dollars.

If you work out the math, my dad would have had to save all his money for more than 100 years just to make his first million. Of course, Howard Hughes had many millions. In fact, he died a billionaire; but in 1968, that was not a part of our vocabulary.

Wealth is alluring and intoxicating. I think most people believe that life would be better if they just had a little more money. Even Solomon seems to agree:

Men prepare a meal for enjoyment, and wine makes life merry, and money is the answer to everything.

—Ecclesiastes 10:19

Remember, however, that in the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon was looking only at the created universe and asking the question, “Where can I find meaning?” So, looking only at this life, his comment about money is not surprising.

However, Solomon also wrote a number of warnings against hoarding money and against placing one’s trust in money. Here are a few insightful proverbs about wealth:

It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it.

--Proverbs 10:22

He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.

--Proverbs 11:28

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. The rich and the poor have a common bond, The Lord is the maker of them all.

--Proverbs 22:1–2

Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.

--Proverbs 23:4–5

Do you remember how Jesus spoke about wealth? When observing the gifts that people were bringing to the temple treasury, He took notice of a poor widow. He commended her gift over the gifts of the wealthy because she had given from that which she needed. The wealthy had given, but only from their excess.

Even more startling was His beatitude. Do you remember it? Do you grasp the failure of wealth? The poor of this life who are disciples of Jesus live in true bliss now because they are citizens of the kingdom of God. Money may be the answer to everything in this life, but money simply cannot buy life eternal!

Blissful are you who are poor, 

for yours is the kingdom of God. 

—Luke 6:20

Mark Stinnett

December 19, 2021

An Enticing Prospect

My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.
--Proverbs 1:10

The ‘sinners’ in this verse are described more fully in the next four verses:

If they say, "Come with us,
   Let us lie in wait for blood,
   Let us ambush the innocent without cause;
Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,
   Even whole, as those who go down to the pit;
We shall find all kinds of precious wealth,
   We shall fill our houses with spoil;
Throw in your lot with us,
   We shall all have one purse...."

The ‘sinners’ appear to be violent. For many of us, it is quite difficult to think of ourselves or our friends as people of violence. In most areas in our country we enjoy relatively peaceful surroundings. ‘Sinners’ we are exposed to are more likely to be people who gossip, lie, become drunk, cheat on their taxes, etc.

Let's take a closer look.
They say, "Let us ambush the innocent without cause." The idea is that there is no reason for doing what they are doing. Other translations bring this out in a more descriptive way:

• Let's ambush...for no reason at all. (ISV)*
• Let's ambush...just for fun. (CSB, NLT)**

That's a lie! The sinners are masking their real purpose. They seem to be acting aimlessly and to some degree they probably don't have a well thought out plan. Yet, they have a purpose, and that is to take advantage of those who have possessions and take those possessions by force to get rich!

Could the ‘sinners’ in this teaching also apply to those who through clever manipulation of circumstances ‘force’ others to give up their possessions? Would the following list also fit this description of ‘sinners’: 

• Embezzlers?
• Dishonest salesmen?
• Those who defraud others through insurance scams?
• Doctors who knowingly make false diagnoses or knowingly prescribe unnecessary medications?
• Those who lie about services needed (mechanic, handyman, plumber, electrician, heating/AC repairman, etc.)?
• Those who use their position to obtain favors or take unfair advantage of those under their authority?

Be wary of questionable schemes to make quick money. The get-rich-quick fantasy will generally lead to disappointment, and often, evil. Be wary of questionable schemes that manipulate others or use force to gain a benefit. How can we 'love our neighbor as we love ourselves' if we are taking unfair advantage of them???

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than he who is crooked though he be rich.
--Proverbs 28:6 (NASB95)

Shortcuts are often enticements of Satan in disguise.

Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

October 25, 2020

  *ISV - International Standard Version

**CSB - Christian Standard Bible

    NLT - New Living Translation

Would You Be Content with Wealth?

Have you ever noticed what the Apostle Paul said about contentment and wealth?

I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
—Philippians 4:12 (NASB95)

You saw it, right?

Paul said that he knew how to “live in prosperity” and had learned the secret of “being filled” and of “having abundance”!

If Paul had not said the same thing in three different ways, I’m not sure that I would have paid attention. I think that is the point: "Attention!" He wants us to think about wealth in a way that is not natural to the human mind.

Solomon acknowledged the power of money:

Men prepare a meal for enjoyment, and wine makes life merry, and money is the answer to everything.
—Ecclesiastes 10:19 (NASB95)

It is natural to think that lots of money, living in prosperity, being filled and having abundance will guarantee an easy (or at least, easier) life. In fact, if there are no financial worries, plenty of food and an abundant supply of everything else, then…

I guess that’s the question…“Then… what???”
(Read this slowly.)

• “This is life???”
• “We’ve got it made???”
• “Rest easy now???”

Solomon was looking at the reality of life on this globe we call earth. When you look at people who have no relationship with God, you most often see people who are in one way or another chasing the ‘almighty dollar,’ or at least, something the dollar will provide.

We are tempted to think that contentment belongs in the conversation with poverty, not wealth. However, Paul was dealing with the reality of human nature.

When people get money their character is most often revealed. Whether money tempts a person to chase more money or to waste it with frivolous spending, attention is focused on self.

When you get money back on your tax return do you plan ahead on how you will spend it for yourself? Invest it for yourself? 

Have you ever thought beforehand that you would like to honor God with part of what you have received?

Ask yourself the same question regarding a bonus from your work, an inheritance, a substantial raise or promotion, a financial gift.

Does having money make you think about God or is it more likely to make you forget God?

Paul made an astounding statement: He said that he had learned to be content in prosperity. That means that he learned to keep his focus on God instead of himself. He did not become intoxicated with wealth. In prosperity, he remembered that enough IS enough. Contentment.

Give me neither poverty nor wealth. Feed me with food that I need for today, so that I don’t become overfed and deny you by saying, “Who is the Lord?” or so that I don’t become poor and steal, and then misuse the name of my God.
—Proverbs 30:8-9 (ISV)

Can you pray that proverb with sincerity?
Only if you are content.

Mark Stinnett

August 4, 2019

Something Better Than Wealth

Indulge me for a moment…

What is your dream?

Go ahead...give yourself a moment...dream!

Was it that two-story house with a wrap-around porch set on ten acres with a nice pond with a wooded area beyond? (My wife has the house; the pond and wooded area are mine.) Or perhaps your dream is simpler: a BIG bank account. Some might think about career or retirement or dream vacations. I wonder if anyone thought about good health.

I’ll bet most folks think only of themselves, but some might have thought about something for family or friends. I would not be surprised if your ‘dream’ was influenced by the fact that the question appeared in a religious context.

Whatever the case, whatever you might have dreamed, do you think anyone thought about their name?

Don’t feel bad if you didn’t, but reflect with me for a moment about the value of a good name.

There are people we know about who have a terrible reputation. They may only be known for one event in their life, but that event defines them and gives them a bad name:

• Adolph Hitler
• John Wilkes Booth
• Charles Manson

We could make a contrasting list of people with good names, but what does it take for a person to have a good name?

• People do not trust a liar; a liar will not have a good name.
• Someone who gossips will not have a good name.
• A person who is self-centered will not have a good name.
• A person who manipulates other people will not have a good name.
• A person who uses others to get ahead will not have a good name.
• Someone who cheats will not have a good name.
• Someone who complains all the time will not have a good name.
• Someone who is short-tempered, gruff, unkind, or uncaring will not have a good name.

What does it take for a person to have a good name?

A good name is the result of good character. Good character is nothing other than godliness, that is, God-like-ness.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
--Galatians 5:22-23

Though not an exhaustive list, these qualities will certainly produce a good name.

A good name is to be more desired than great riches,
Favor is better than silver and gold.--Proverbs 22:1

Look back at your life for a moment--What have you been pursuing?
Now, look to the future...Do you see the value of a good name, or do you still believe the illusion of wealth?

Be Wise.

Don't Use Your Imagination

Our nation is driven by money. Many people believe that with a little more money, they can ‘get ahead.’ If they can just get ahead, things will be better.

“With more money will come security,” many think. They will not have to worry about juggling bills and skimping on necessities.

There is a perception that with more money a person will be accepted. After all, they will be able to purchase the clothing styles that are popular ‘now.’ They will be able to drive a late model vehicle. They will be able to have the latest technology, just like all their friends.

We see it all the time; people cater to the wealthy.

We put such importance on wealth that we train ourselves to believe that the wealthy are important, at least, more important than the rest of us. (And then we turn around and resent 'those' wealthy people for thinking they are better than the rest of us.)

Politicians listen to the wealthy because the wealthy contribute to their campaign. Nonprofit organizations listen to the wealthy because the contributions of the wealthy keep them in operation. Businessmen listen to the wealthy because it is good business. Some folks cater to the wealthy in hopes of receiving some sort of benefit; they want a 'piece of the pie.'

Solomon wrote:
   A rich man's wealth is his strong city, 
   And like a high wall in his own imagination.
   --Proverbs 18:11

The term ‘imagination’ is translated from a Hebrew word that meant ‘showpiece’ or ‘figure.’ It was sometimes used to describe carved images, the tangible result produced from a mental image.

Wealth, in the mind of a wealthy man, creates a mental image of strength and security, a 'high wall.'

Now, let’s back up one verse and see true reality:
   The name of the LORD is a strong tower; 
   The righteous runs into it and is safe.
   --Proverbs 18:10

Will you accept reality, or is wealth stronger than the Lord?
Will you accept reality, or is wealth better than righteousness?
Will you accept that wealth is an illusion, or have you already created your own illusion of its strength and security?

When it comes to money... Don’t use your imagination.
Be wise.

ANOTHER ILLU$ION

   Wealth adds many friends, 
   But a poor man is separated from his friend.
   --Proverbs 19:4

What does this proverb tell you about friends?

It would seem that some friends can be rather fickle. Lots of folks would love to be your friend as long as you have money. But when the money is gone, they are gone too. 

Friends like that are sometimes called ‘fair-weather friends.’ They are friends in good times (fair weather), but not in bad.
(Remember the 'friends' of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15?)

What does this proverb tell you about wealth and poverty?

At first glance, it would seem that wealth is better than poverty. After all, wealth assures a person of many friends. However, if we understand that wealth attracts fickle friends, we see the true nature of wealth. Wealth can only create the illusion of friends.

Think about marriage vows for a moment. Typical marriage vows include the lines:
   For better or for worse;
   For richer or for poorer.
In other words, the marriage vows assure the bride and groom that their relationship is based on something much deeper than money and 'fair weather' circumstances.

Wealth is overrated.
Wealth creates illusions of grandeur.
Wealth has no benefit after this life.
Have you ever watched a wealthy person die? It is not their wealth that gives them confidence. It is not wealth that calms their fears.

The lesson is not to hate wealth and love poverty. That does not make sense. Rather, we must view wealth as neither good nor evil. However, it IS an illusion.

Don’t be fooled by the illusion.
Wealth will not insure true friendship.
Those who accept you or reject you based on your wealth or poverty are not real friends. So, don't chase after wealth and its illusion.

A Shady Deal

   Ill-gotten gains do not profit, 
   But righteousness delivers from death.
   --Proverbs 10:2

Some translations read, “Treasures gained by wickedness,” or something similar. So, what exactly is Solomon talking about?

The term ‘gains’ or ‘treasures’ is not referring to a hidden treasure or a gold mine. It is literally, ‘that which you store up.’ So, you might think about your savings account, your retirement account, your Swiss bank account. (You get the point.) Your ‘gains’ might also be material possessions that you have collected and stored up.

The Hebrew term for ‘ill-gotten’ is rooted in the idea of ‘wickedness.’ So, the idea is that of possessing money or things which you have accumulated through dishonest means. Perhaps it was a white lie, fudging some numbers on your income taxes, taking supplies from your workplace, withholding information on the sale of a house or car (a shady deal); perhaps something more serious.

On the surface it would appear that you beat the system. You may have even eased your conscience by rationalizing that you were not caught; or it was so small it really did not matter; or other people do it all the time, or ________ (fill in the blank with your favorite rationalization).

It would appear that you have benefited from your gain, but consider the contrast found in the proverb: Profit is set in contrast with . . . death.

The brutal reality is that while there ‘appears’ to be a profit (benefit), there is death.

In stark contrast: Righteousness (doing what is right in God’s eyes) delivers from death.

We know the opposites: life and death. We would never choose death over life. However, Solomon sets things in a more practical language:
There is life and there is wealth gained through dishonesty.

Be wise.
Choose life.
Do right.

You Won't Take Anything With You...Except...

     Better is the poor who walks in his integrity,
     Than he who is crooked though he be rich.
     --Proverbs 28:6

Wealth is better than poverty: Material things.

Integrity is better than being crooked (perverse): Character.

When a man faces God he will not carry material things with him, only his character.

Choose wisely.

OUCH, OOPS, STUPID!

We live in a nation that boasts ‘independence.’ We are free men and women. We own our own lives. We decide our futures.

And yet, we know all too well, from experience...

     The rich rules over the poor, 
     And the borrower becomes the lender's slave.
                                                                         --Proverbs 22:7

If we know this proverbs to be true by our own observation and experience, why are so many of us in debt ‘up to our ears’? We are ‘owned’ (enslaved) by the banks, credit card companies, department stores, and other lenders.

Warning: "That’s hot; you’ll burn yourself."
   "I know" . . . "OUCH!"
Warning: "You are going to break it if you keep doing that."
   "I know" . . . "OOPS!"
Warning: "You’ll be a slave to your lenders if you keep borrowing."
   "I know" . . . "More money, Please."

There is no other way to put it.
When we know the consequences, but act foolishly anyway, we are...
OUCH, OOPS, STUPID.

Get out of debt.
Be wise.

"You Deserve It!"

I cringe just a little when I hear the expression, “Oh, you deserve it.”

I generally hear this sentiment when someone is about to take a few days off for a vacation. “I’m so happy for you; you deserve it.”

There is nothing wrong with taking time off for rest and relaxation. However, our society, in general, has become obsessed with entertainment and pleasure. Is that wise?

     He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; 
     He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
     --Proverbs 21:17

The pleasure seeker is not really descriptive of the hard working man or woman who is busy throughout the week with job and family, but occasional takes time off. The pleasure seeker fills every weekend and many week nights with pleasure activities. They eat out more often than not. They sit at their TV, go out to movies, concerts, sporting events; they head out to parks, museums, and amusement parks regularly. They are always looking and thinking about the next event or activity. Then they rush off to the big city for more.

None of these things, in and of themselves, are bad or wrong. Look back at the warning in the proverb: “He who loves pleasure” and “He who loves wine and oil” (symbolic of wealth and happiness). Solomon is talking about the pleasure ‘lover.’ Their mind is not oriented toward helping others. Oh, it's a nice thought, but they crave pleasure and entertainment. Their mind is not oriented toward the Lord. They have appetites to satisfy.

Solomon warns that they will become poor, yet he is not focusing on wealth. He is presenting wealth as the result of wisdom, prudence, and discipline.

The pleasure lover is out of touch with reality. He does not really know God.

Our mental image of Jesus does not have him in the fan stands wearing the bright colors of a favorite sports team cheering them on to victory. Our mental image of the Christ does not have him on a party barge at the lake or on a roller coaster at the amusement park.

Jesus: Fasting and praying; preaching and warning about God's judgment; teaching and healing and showing compassion; sacrifice. The cross.

Has our wealth skewed our perception of pleasure, what we deserve, and what is truly important? Has our wealth skewed our perception of God? Of Christ?

Go on vacation. Head out to the ball game. Ride the roller coaster. Enjoy life. But ask yourself; honestly evaluate yourself: "Am I a pleasure lover."

Entertainment and pleasure can truly make you poor, and I’m not just talking about money.

True Gems

How many times must we be told?
How many ways can it be said?
Will we ever get it?

     There is gold, and an abundance of jewels;
     But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.
     --Proverbs 20:15

Wealth is not wrong, but let’s not even begin to rationalize all the 'stuff' we own.

A person who has wealth knows quite a lot about material things; knows how to obtain material things; knows how to maintain material things; knows material things.
In the end... * poof * ...gone.
What a waste...of life.

A person who has knowledge, true knowledge, knowledge of God, knowledge of God's ways, knows God. And he knows how to truly live...
so he lives...
and he lives...
forever...
...

Wealth or Relationships?

     Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it
     Than a house full of feasting with strife.
     --Proverbs 17:1

When we read the word ‘better’ we automatically recognize that one thing is more beneficial than another. The reader is given a comparison of the value of two things. A choice is presented.

Without knowing specific circumstances, one might reason that it is not really a sin to be in a house full of feasting with strife, but it is NOT better. The word ‘strife’ in this verse indicates complaining, arguing, and even fighting (probably verbally). So, there is nothing ‘wrong’ with a house of feasting (with strife). Of course, the strife part is not good.

We might be tempted to continue meandering around the words until we eventually wash out the meaning of the proverb. Let’s be reasonable; what do you think God expected us to learn by reading this proverb? What kind of response do you think He expects?

The ‘dry morsel’ and ‘feasting’ are contrasting terms that represent a measure of wealth. ‘Quietness’ and ‘strife’ describe human interaction. How often do we think about there being a relationship between wealth and human interaction?

Surely it is better to have plenty of food instead of going hungry. Feasting is better than starving. However, that is not an absolute truth; there are circumstances that might change the way we look at wealth. Solomon advises that if you are placed in circumstances in which you must choose between wealth and peace in human relationships, choose peace.

One might conclude that, in general...

The way you manage your relationships

IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN 

The way you manage your money!

Manage wisely!
Invest in friends and family.
Invest in people.

(As we approach the upcoming whirlwind of holiday fun, feasting and festivities, we would do well to remember that our relationships with friends and family and fellow believers are more important than finances and gifts.)

In My Heart of Hearts...

People are funny...in a peculiar sort of way.

The way we say things often tells more than what we say. You have undoubtedly heard someone use the expression, "In my heart of hearts...." Then the person goes on to explain a deep truth.

It has been my observation that 'some' folks lie. Their mouths tell one story but their lives tell another. Someone claims, "In my heart of hearts...," and then a serious and deeply personal statement follows, yet it does not match up with the way they are living.

I think it is good from time to time to stop and look within and evaluate our hearts. What is truly important?

• Is it money?
• Is it material possessions?
• Is it a position in an organization?
• Is it entertainment?
• Is it family?
• Is it spiritual things? 

I don't think you have to pause long to make an evaluation; just listen to the way you speak and then look at your actions. How do they compare? What story do they tell? The things in your heart come out of your mouth. Your general behavior, public and private, exposes your heart. What do you see?

All of this has led me to believe that for some folks 'in my heart of hearts' is genuine. Yet, for others it is more of a wish. It is a statement that really translates to, "When I stop and think about things, this is what I see as really important. I do not live that way right now, but I sure wish I did. It is a noble goal, an ideal."

Here is a simple thought: Would you pray for the thing that is in your heart of hearts? Would you ask of God that he grant you that desire, even if it is not really the way things are at the moment?

A wise man wrote in just such a way. It was like a prayer to God and I think it was a desire that was deep on his heart.

   Give me neither poverty nor riches;
      but give me only my daily bread.
   Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 
      "Who is the Lord?"
   Or I may become poor and steal,
      And so dishonor the name of my God.
   --Proverbs 30:8-9

It is easy to read such a statement and understand the rich wisdom of such a request...an ideal. Yet, when you look at your career, your house, your cars, your clothes, your food, your belongings, could you make that request of God in prayer with complete honesty?

Read the verses again. When you stop and think about it, could you pray:
In my heart of hearts...

Think. Think! THINK!

It is a well-known proverb that has prompted many motivational speeches, articles, and even books.

   “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

Just wait until you read the whole verse along with the preceding verse and the one immediately following. You are likely to get a very different picture. Ready?

   Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, 
      Or desire his delicacies;
   For as he thinks within himself, 
      so he is. 
   He says to you, "Eat and drink!" 
      But his heart is not with you.
   You will vomit up the morsel you have eaten, 
      And waste your compliments.
   --Proverbs 23:6-8

It is not a passage about the ‘power of positive thinking’ or the 'law of attraction.' It doesn’t really send you into a higher plane of thought to help you overcome the obstacles of pessimism. Nor does it sound like the beloved golden nugget of divine motivation as many have suggested. In reality, it is a simple saying that might actually turn your stomach. So, is there even a dry crumb of wisdom for us?

The proverb is about eating at the table of a selfish wealthy man. (Begin in verse 1 for the full context.) When it comes to riches and those who are rich, humans tend to be like a bug in the night that flies into the light. Most people are drawn toward wealth and they honor those who are wealthy in various ways. It is easy to be mesmerized by wealth and overlook the character of a wealthy person.

In this proverb, the simple warning is to be cautious when being entertained by a selfish wealthy person. He may speak with a generous tongue yet without a generous heart. So, do not be taken in and deceived by what your eyes see and by what your ears hear.

The point is that we must use discernment when the distraction of wealth is around us. Do not be deceived by another man’s wealth. Do not be lured in by the promises of a selfish man.

Think. Think! THINK!