How can we seek "wealth and righteousness" as described in Proverbs 8:18? Reading the Key Verse “With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness.” (Proverbs 8:18) Wisdom is speaking. When we make room for God’s wisdom, two benefits travel together: “enduring wealth” and “righteousness.” The verse sets the tone—these blessings are available, but only “with Me,” meaning in fellowship with the Lord’s wisdom. Understanding God’s Definition of Wealth • Enduring, not fleeting (Proverbs 13:11) • Accompanied by honor, not shame (Proverbs 3:16) • Rooted in the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 22:4) • Ultimately God-given: “it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18) Why Wealth and Righteousness Belong Together • Righteousness safeguards wealth from becoming an idol (1 Timothy 6:17) • Wealth amplifies righteous influence—funding good works and advancing the gospel (1 Timothy 6:18-19) • God delights to entrust resources to those who will handle them His way (Matthew 25:21) Practical Ways to Pursue Both Seek Wisdom Daily • Open Scripture first; let wisdom set the day’s agenda (Proverbs 8:34) • Pray for discernment; God “gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5) Walk in Reverent Obedience • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10) • Humility before God attracts “wealth and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4) Work Diligently and Honestly • “The hand of the diligent will rule” (Proverbs 12:24) • Honest scales please the Lord; deceitful gain robs both wealth and righteousness (Proverbs 11:1) Practice Faithful Stewardship • Budget and save—“whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow” (Proverbs 13:11) • Tithe and give—“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse” (Malachi 3:10) • Invest for the future—Joseph stored grain during abundance for coming need (Genesis 41:48-49) Cultivate Generosity • “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD” (Proverbs 19:17) • “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6) Guard Your Heart from Covetousness • “Keep your lives free from the love of money” (Hebrews 13:5) • Contentment is gain in itself (1 Timothy 6:6) Promises for Those Who Walk This Path • Material sufficiency—“all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33) • Spiritual prosperity—“wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever” (Psalm 112:3) • Eternal reward—“lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Timothy 6:19) Closing Encouragement Seek wisdom first, and let wealth follow in God’s timing and by His methods. When riches and righteousness grow together under the Lord’s guidance, both become “enduring,” blessing not only this life but also eternity. |
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