How can we cultivate wisdom to avoid the folly described in Proverbs 21:20? Key verse Proverbs 21:20: “Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.” Snapshot of wisdom versus folly • The wise treat God-given resources as a stewardship, preserving and multiplying them for future usefulness. • The foolish rush to use up everything in sight, leaving nothing for tomorrow and nothing for others. Laying the foundation: the fear of the LORD • Proverbs 9:10; 1:7 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” • Psalm 119:105 — Daily Scripture intake lights the path so we recognize wastefulness before it starts. • James 1:5 — Ask God for wisdom; He gives it “generously … without finding fault.” Practicing wise stewardship • Proverbs 27:23 — Know the state of your “flocks”; create a clear, written budget. • Proverbs 6:6-8; 10:5 — Imitate the ant: save in seasons of plenty for seasons of need. • Romans 13:8 — Pay off debt quickly; refuse to live on borrowed tomorrow. • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Matthew 6:20 — Give generously and eternally; generosity breaks the grip of consumption. • Proverbs 11:24-25 — Expect God’s refreshing when you refresh others. Cultivating long-term vision over impulsive consumption • Proverbs 21:5 — Diligent planning leads to plenty; haste to poverty. • Luke 14:28 — Sit down, count the cost, and set goals before spending. • 1 Timothy 6:6-8 — Contentment plus godliness is “great gain.” • Luke 12:15 — Guard the heart from greed; life is not in possessions. Guarding the heart in a consumer culture • Proverbs 4:23 — “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Practical guards: – Limit advertising intake and social media that stir discontent. – Schedule regular fasts from non-essential spending to recalibrate desires. – Memorize key verses (e.g., Proverbs 23:21; Hebrews 13:5) to answer temptation. Inviting accountability and counsel • Proverbs 15:22; 11:14 — Many advisers bring success and safety. • Share budget and goals with a trusted spouse, mentor, or small group. • Celebrate wins together; expose hidden spending patterns before they grow. Blessings that follow wise reserve • Proverbs 13:22 — A good person leaves an inheritance to grandchildren; wise reserve blesses generations. • Proverbs 3:9-10 — Honor the LORD with firstfruits; barns fill, vats overflow. • 2 Corinthians 9:8 — God makes “all grace abound” so there is sufficiency “in everything” and an “abundance for every good work.” Living out these principles stores both material and spiritual “treasures and oil” that glorify God, provide for family and neighbor, and stand in bright contrast to the emptiness left by foolish consumption. |
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