Proverbs 21

“The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.” Proverbs 21: 20

Some people, and I used to be one of them, are credit poor. What I mean by that is… Easy credit has made many people live on the edge of bankruptcy. There’s no denying that Solomon is instructing us to save for the future. When I really think about this proverb, I can clearly see that the desire to keep up with appearances and to accumulate more ‘stuff’ is so strong, it drives some to spend every penny they earn, and they stretch their credit to the limit.

Can anyone relate? I know you can relate, just by looking at our economy and thinking about how we got to this place. I remember all the warnings I received from my parents about not being able to keep up with all the credit cards that I had. I just laughed everyone off, and assured them that would never happen to me. Lo and Behold….what does the proverb say? It happened exactly the way Solomon said…”fools spend whatever they get.” I’ll say it again… “The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord.” A wise person puts money aside for hard times. God approves of foresight and restraint. God’s people need to examine their life-styles to see whether their spending is God-pleasing or merely self-pleasing. I have to tell you, I still like to spend (LOL)! But praise the Lord…He gave me a husband who sets money aside and is wise with money.

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent.” Proverbs 21: 27 (NKJV)

The kind of worship (“sacrifice”) described in this proverb is no better than a bribe. How do people try to bribe God? They may go to church, tithe, or volunteer, not because of their love and devotion to God, but because they hope God will bless them in return. But God has made it very clear that He desires obedience and love more than religious ritual. God doesn’t want our sacrifices of time, energy, and money alone; He wants our heart—our complete love and devotion. We may be able to bribe people, but there’s no bribing God. 

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” Proverbs 21: 31

This proverb refers to making preparations and plans. All our preparations for any task are useless without God. But even with God’s help we still must do our part and prepare. His control of the outcome does not negate our responsibilities. God may want you to produce a great book, but you must learn to write. God may want to use you in foreign missions, but you must learn the language. God will accomplish His purposes, and He will be able to if you have done your part by being well prepared:)