Journey of the Word

The more I give away, the more I have, and that which I have is worthless.

Weird, but true.

Well, sort of. It works like this.

Say I want to use my money wisely and in a way that honors God. So I use it for good things and give a lot of it away. Same with possessions.

When I do this sort of thing, God says I’m actually building my wealth.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. Prov 3:9-10

So now I’m wealthier. Until I’m not. But then I’m wealthier. And the cycle continues.

Until I realize that all such wealth is worthless anyway.

Well, not exactly.

But any gain or profit I get from my wealth is worthless.

Well, not exactly.

But any gain or profit I get from my wealth is worthless compared to wisdom.

That’s what God says three verses later:

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Prov 3:13-15

So wisdom inadvertently builds wealth and then makes it look like a dumb idea.

Until this:

Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Prov 3:16

Wisdom has her own riches.

The moral of the story? Honor the Lord with your wealth, search for wisdom, and don’t ask questions.

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