How does Proverbs 31:16 encourage wise decision-making in financial matters today? A Portrait Worth Emulating Proverbs 31:16: “She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.” Key Observations from Proverbs 31:16 • She “appraises” before she buys—careful evaluation precedes commitment. • She uses her own earnings—no presumption on someone else’s resources or reckless debt. • She reinvests—profit from one venture funds another, multiplying fruitfulness. • Her goal is a vineyard—long-term productivity rather than fleeting gain. Financial Principles Woven into the Verse • Due diligence: Investigate, compare, and discern true value. • Stewardship of personal resources: Spend what you have, not what you hope to have. • Reinvestment: Let profit create further productive opportunities. • Long-range perspective: Favor assets that generate ongoing yield over quick consumption. Bringing the Principles into Today’s Decisions • Budget before purchase—run the numbers like she “appraises a field.” • Pay with cash when possible; if borrowing, do so with a clear repayment plan (cf. Romans 13:8). • Channel surplus into assets that appreciate or produce income—stocks, real estate, skill-building. • Evaluate time horizon: Will this choice bless family and kingdom work five years from now? Safeguards Against Foolish Deals • Seek wise counsel (Proverbs 15:22) before large commitments. • Guard the heart from greed (1 Timothy 6:10); motives matter as much as math. • Count the cost (Luke 14:28) so enthusiasm doesn’t outrun ability. • Diversify rather than put all earnings in one “field” (Ecclesiastes 11:2). Scriptures that Echo the Pattern • Proverbs 13:11—“Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but whoever gathers by labor will increase.” • Matthew 25:14-30—faithful servants multiply the Master’s resources. • Colossians 3:23—work “with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Closing Encouragement Every dollar is a seed. Appraise, buy, and plant with the same prayerful intentionality the Proverbs 31 woman displayed, trusting God to bring the harvest. |
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