How can we encourage others to trust in God rather than material wealth? Key Verse “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.” — Proverbs 11:28 Understanding the Contrast • “Trusts in his riches” = places confidence, security, identity in money and possessions • “Will fall” = a literal promise of collapse, disappointment, and final ruin • “The righteous” = those in right standing with God through faith and obedience • “Will thrive like foliage” = vigorous, lasting growth sustained by the living God Why Riches Fail • They vanish (Proverbs 23:4-5) • They cannot deliver in the day of wrath (Proverbs 11:4) • They enslave the heart (Matthew 6:24) • They are uncertain and fleeting (1 Timothy 6:17) Why God Never Fails • His character is unchanging (Malachi 3:6) • His provision is daily and sufficient (Matthew 6:31-33) • His inheritance is incorruptible (1 Peter 1:4-5) • His promises are guaranteed by His oath (Hebrews 6:17-19) Practical Ways to Encourage Others 1. Share Scripture naturally ‑ Quote verses like Psalm 52:7-8 or Jeremiah 17:7-8 when money-talk arises 2. Model contentment ‑ Celebrate simple blessings; refuse envy or material boasting 3. Testify to God’s faithfulness ‑ Tell personal stories of needs met when resources looked scarce 4. Redirect conversations ‑ When friends obsess over investments, ask, “How have you seen God provide this week?” 5. Practice generous giving together ‑ Invite others to join you in meeting a need; generosity loosens money’s grip Helping Others Shift Their Hope • Invite them to read Matthew 6:19-21 aloud and discuss where true treasure lies • Walk through 1 Timothy 6:17-19, highlighting the command “put their hope in God” • Encourage budgeting that starts with honoring God (Proverbs 3:9) • Suggest journaling answered prayers to build a record of divine provision Living Testimonies That Speak Louder Than Words • Content workers who decline unethical promotions show that integrity outweighs income • Families that open their homes to hospitality illustrate kingdom investment • Retirees who volunteer time instead of pursuing endless leisure display eternal priorities Summary Thought When people see that riches crumble but righteousness flourishes, they are drawn to shift their confidence from a fragile bank balance to the faithful Lord. Proverbs 11:28 is not a metaphor—it is a rock-solid promise. Point them to that promise, live it before them, and they will have every reason to trust God rather than material wealth. |
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