How should Job 27:19 influence our daily decisions regarding wealth and possessions? The sobering image in Job 27:19 “ ‘He lies down rich, but will do so no more; when he opens his eyes, wealth is gone.’ ” (Job 27:19) What the verse teaches about wealth • Riches can disappear between nightfall and morning; no human control shelters them. • Possessions offer no ultimate security; only God does (Proverbs 11:28). • Death or disaster can strip earthly treasure without warning (Luke 12:20). Daily mindset shifts prompted by the verse • Hold every asset with open hands, remembering its temporary status. • Measure worth by faithfulness to Christ, not by the size of an account. • Invite God into financial planning, asking, “How can this resource advance Your kingdom?” Practical choices to live by • Budget for generosity first: give before you spend (Proverbs 3:9). • Limit lifestyle creep—when income rises, maintain contentment and raise giving. • Declutter regularly; release items you no longer use to bless others (2 Corinthians 9:7-11). • Keep a written “legacy plan” that assigns resources to gospel-centered causes should you “open your eyes and wealth is gone.” A longer view: storing treasure in heaven • Matthew 6:19-21—“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19—Command the rich “to be rich in good deeds…so that they may lay hold of that which is truly life.” • Job 27:19 reminds us that only investments in God’s eternal work survive the night. Heart checkpoints throughout the week • Monday: Am I trusting my savings more than my Savior? • Wednesday: Did I pause to thank God for every possession I used today? • Friday: Who benefited from my resources this week besides me and my family? • Sunday: If I lost everything overnight, would my joy in Christ remain intact? |
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