“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.”
The Perceived Security of Wealth
The Bible doesn’t position wealth as evil.
In fact, when our mindset about money is correct, it provides an invaluable tool.
This proverb clearly articulates that wealth can serve as protection.
Many people might become confused and say “I thought God was supposed to provide protection”. They are confused because they assume everything God does is mystical and ethereal. When in fact, God may have very well provided protection by providing this money!
The protection and gifts that God offers are not only spiritual, they are physical in nature.
God has always taken care of His people’s material needs.
There are multiple advantages to wealth:
Financial Stability:
Having a stockpile of resources can provide a buffer against economic uncertainties and emergencies.
It is the fool who does not prepare for unexpected expenses and says to himself “God will take care of these things”.
Perhaps God already took care of it by giving you a functional brain to take care of it yourself!
Access to additional Resources:
Wealth provides access to better education, healthcare, and other valuable resources that improve our quality of life.
No one would go to the slums of a city or to a third-world country and suggest that this is the way people should be living in the modern world.
The totality of our security does not solely come from our material wealth.
There are multiple times when Proverbs outlines the fact that wealth can be fleeting.
But more often than this, the Proverb writer warns against developing an emotional relationship with wealth. We are warned about “trusting in riches” [Pr 11:28] or “loving silver”.
It’s when we make money an idol or a master that we suffer.
The Weakness of Poverty
The proverb warns that poverty can be a source of ruin for the poor.
Poverty presents multiple life difficulties:
Lack of Basic Necessities:
Limited financial resources can make it difficult to afford adequate food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential needs, leading to a lower quality of life. No one debates this. It’s an economical fact.
Increased Risks:
Poverty can expose individuals to greater risks, such as poor living conditions, inadequate education, and limited access to healthcare, which can perpetuate a cycle of generational poverty.
Emotional and Psychological Strain:
The constant struggle to make ends meet can take a toll on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. There are reasons why money trouble is one of the top reasons for divorce.
Vulnerability to Exploitation:
Those in poverty may be more susceptible to exploitation, crime, or engaging in unethical activities out of desperation.
The Proverbs teach time and time again that wealth is a valuable tool and it is worth working to develop some level of wealth.
All the while we have to avoid the temptation to worship money and become emotionally attached to it.
This is one of the most difficult challenges in all of Scripture.
