How can we avoid the pitfalls of "poverty" mentioned in Proverbs 21:5? Setting the Foundation Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Seeing the Two Paths • Diligent, deliberate planning → “plenty” (abundance, sufficiency). • Hasty, impulsive action → “poverty” (lack, need). What “Haste” Looks Like Today • Impulse spending—purchases made without prayer or budgeting. • Get-rich-quick schemes—lotteries, risky investments, gambling. • Chronic procrastination—rushing at the last minute instead of steady effort. • Living beyond means—credit card debt, buy-now-pay-later habits. Principles for Avoiding Poverty’s Pitfalls 1. Plan Prayerfully • Luke 14:28—“Which of you, wanting to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost?” • Set written budgets; track income and outflow monthly. • Seek counsel (Proverbs 15:22). 2. Work Diligently • Proverbs 14:23—“All hard work brings profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” • Colossians 3:23—work “with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” • Avoid idleness (2 Thessalonians 3:10). 3. Save Gradually • Proverbs 13:11—“Dishonest wealth dwindles, but whoever gathers little by little makes it grow.” • Automate savings; build an emergency fund to guard against unexpected trials. 4. Spend Wisely • Proverbs 21:20—“Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.” • Differentiate needs from wants; delay purchases 24 hours to curb impulse buying. 5. Avoid Debt Traps • Proverbs 22:7—“The borrower is slave to the lender.” • Pay off high-interest debt aggressively; live on less than you earn. 6. Reject Get-Rich-Quick Offers • 1 Timothy 6:9—“Those who want to be rich fall into temptation… harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” • Research investments; seek steady, honest gain over speculation. 7. Practice Generous Stewardship • Proverbs 11:24-25—generosity brings blessing. • Firstfruits giving acknowledges God as Provider and guards the heart from greed. 8. Cultivate Contentment • Philippians 4:11-12—learn contentment in every circumstance. • Gratitude lists; celebrate God’s provision rather than comparing with others. Putting It into Practice This Week • Review last month’s expenses; identify one area of hasty spending to cut. • Set a specific savings goal (“USD50 from each paycheck”) and automate it. • Schedule an hour to organize or upgrade your budget spreadsheet/app. • Choose one Scripture above to memorize; recite it when tempted by impulse buys. |
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