Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
We live in a society that is a quick fix society. Whatever we want, we want it now and quickly. However, God is a God of principles and processes, and when it comes to wealth, these apply. Unfortunately, our current mindset about wealth is very unbiblical. We want to get wealthy as quickly and as soon as possible and, therefore, we take shortcuts. A survey done a few years ago revealed that the Kenyan youth are ready to do anything just to get money. This is why there is a proliferation of ‘wash wash deals and gambling addiction. We want wealth, and we want it now.
However, the wisdom of Scripture is that wealth is to be acquired over time. Because wealth building is closely associated with character building. If one becomes wealthy a little too quickly before their character is well formed, then the wealth is a potential destruction. But also, there is a greater appreciation and stewardship of that which has been gathered with time compared to that which lands on our laps almost as a surprise. The saying, ‘Easy come, easy go’ best describes the scenario.
We should never despise the process of wealth building established by God. Earn your money through your own sweat. Save for a rainy day. Consider avenues of investment (again beware of the investments that promise you extraordinary returns). ‘Put God to your debt’ by giving to the poor (Proverbs 19:17). Curb your appetite for pleasure and ‘fine’ things in life even as Proverbs 21:23 admonishes:
Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
Lastly, learn to be content and beware of false comparisons. There will always be someone doing better than you. Be grateful to God for what He has given you and the path He has set you on. Social media will lie to you that you are the only one who is struggling, yet perhaps you are doing far much better than most people. Heed the wisdom of God in matters wealth, and you will save yourself from much sorrow. As Paul tells Timothy:
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
Reflections
1. In light of today’s devotion, what should you do to exercise this wisdom?
