Compare Proverbs 11:7 with Matthew 6:19-21 on storing treasures in heaven. Treasure and Hope: A Contrast • Two short passages—Proverbs 11:7 and Matthew 6:19-21—place side by side the futility of earthly riches and the permanence of heavenly treasure. • Both speak literally: one verse shows what happens the moment a person’s life ends; the other shows where wise hearts invest before that moment comes. Proverbs 11:7—Earthly Hope Collapses at Death “When the wicked man dies, his hope perishes, and the hope of his strength vanishes.” • The verse pictures death as an instant extinguisher of every earth-bound ambition. • “Hope” here is tied to power, wealth, reputation—anything a person thought would carry him forward. • Once breath leaves the body, those hopes evaporate; nothing remains to cash in, because nothing was stored beyond the grave. Matthew 6:19-21—Heavenly Treasures Secure for Eternity “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 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.” • Jesus gives a direct command: stop piling up fragile riches and start investing in imperishable ones. • Earthly treasure is exposed to decay (moth, rust) and violation (thieves). • Heavenly treasure is safeguarded by God Himself; nothing can touch it (cf. 1 Peter 1:4). • The location of our treasure pinpoints the location of our heart—our deepest love and loyalty. Shared Themes and Contrasts • Certainty of Loss vs. Certainty of Security – Proverbs: loss is inevitable at death. – Matthew: security is guaranteed in heaven. • Timing – Proverbs focuses on the end of earthly life. – Matthew focuses on decisions made during earthly life. • Object of Hope – Proverbs warns about trusting in “strength,” wealth, or power. – Matthew redirects hope to God’s eternal reward system. • Moral Insight – Proverbs shows the tragedy of the wicked; their expectations die with them. – Matthew offers an invitation to the righteous; their investments live on. How to Lay Up Treasure in Heaven Today • Generous Giving: “Store up for yourselves a firm foundation for the future” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). • Acts of Mercy: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor… an inexhaustible treasure in heaven” (Luke 12:33). • Faithful Service: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart… you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). • Gospel Witness: “Those who turn many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). • Cultivating Christ-centered Affections: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Scriptures That Echo the Call to Eternal Investment • James 5:1-3—Riches hoarded on earth will testify against their owners. • Luke 12:16-21—Parable of the rich fool whose life ended before he could enjoy his barns. • Hebrews 10:34—Believers joyfully accepted property loss, knowing they had “a better and lasting possession.” • Revelation 14:13—“Their deeds will follow them.” Takeaway Summary Proverbs 11:7 sounds a sober warning: all earthly hope dies when the body dies. Matthew 6:19-21 answers with a joyful strategy: invest in heaven now, and your treasure—and heart—will be waiting for you, untouched by death, decay, or theft. |
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