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Proverbs 10:15

“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.

Proverbs 10:14

“Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.” This proverb contrasts the wisdom of acquiring and preserving knowledge with the folly of speaking carelessly and recklessly.

Storing Up Knowledge

If we are going to be wise, we have to pile up knowledge as one would pile up gold.

Wise people actively pursue learning through reading, studying, or engaging in discussions/debate.

This acquired knowledge is then “stored up” for future use – as wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge while also foreseeing difficulties in the future so we can make changes in the present

Preparation for War

Having a stockpile of knowledge allows us to make the best decisions possible even in the face of difficult circumstance.

Greater knowledge leads to a clarification and crystallization of base values, allowing us to make rational decisions based on those values.

Sharing Wisdom

When we store up knowledge, we can hep others. We can share wisdom tactfully and help others make wise decisions when looking to the future.

The Danger of Foolish Speech

In contrast to the wise person, the foolish person speaks rashly and without thought, causing harm to those around him.

Damaging Relationships

Foolish words can hurt others, strain relationships, and create resentment. While there is a time for direct and forceful speaking, it is rare.

Revealing Secrets

Fools may inadvertently share sensitive or confidential information. This creates unnecessary stress on the fool and those around him.

Inviting Trouble

Reckless speech can generate anger or even physical danger. Other Proverbs articulate this, that the “Mouth of the fool calls for blows”.

Practical Application

Cultivate a Love for Learning: Actively seek knowledge through reading, listening to lectures and debating.

Active Listening: Listen attentively to others [even when the information seems uninteresting] to understand additional perspectives and gain new insights.

Use Restraint in Speech: Before speaking, pause and consider the consequences of your words. Determine if what you are about to say is intelligent and serves your ultimate goals.

Guard Confidential Information: Respect the privacy of others. Do not share secrets or gossip. Not only is it evil, but it will creates volumes of unnecessary stress and difficulty in your life.

Seek Wise Counsel: Surround yourself with wisdom if you want to be wise. you will absorb whatever is around you – including behaviors, mentalities and wisdom

Conduct yourselves like men.

Proverbs 10:16

The labor of the righteous leads to life, the wages of the wicked to sin.” This proverb contrasts the positive outcomes of righteous work with the detrimental consequences of ill-gotten gains.
Proverbs 10:16

We’ve all heard the saying, “Honest work pays off.” But what does that really mean in our day-to-day lives?

And is it always true?

Let’s take a look:

The Fruits of Honest Labor

Imagine coming home after a long day, tired but knowing your work may one day yield an eternal reward even if it does not profit in the short term.

That’s the essence of righteous work.

Here’s why it matters:

You may sleep better at night: When your work aligns with your values, you’re not tossing and turning over ethical dilemmas. You’re at peace, knowing you’ve done right by yourself and others.
Your work can be your legacy: What do you want to be remembered for? Your work, when done with integrity, becomes a part of your life story that you can be proud of. Even though you may be forgotten, something you did in this life can outlast you. That may not be satisfying answer or thought to some of you, but to others it can serve as motivation.
You’re building more than just a career: With every day’s work, you’re developing skills and discipline.

The Hidden Costs of Cutting Corners

Taking shortcuts or bending the rules might seem tempting, especially when you see others getting ahead this way.

But here’s the reality:

It’s a slippery slope: Once you start compromising your values, it becomes easier to justify bigger ethical breaches. Before you know it, you might not recognize yourself.
The stress isn’t worth it: Living with the fear of being caught or exposed is exhausting. Is that extra cash or shortcut worth the constant anxiety?
Relationships suffer: Trust is hard to build and easy to lose. Dishonest actions in the workplace will damage your ascent by damaging your relationships which as key for career growth.

The Practical Side

Find a reason for each action: Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you in your work. Connecting your daily tasks to a bigger goal can transform even mundane jobs into focused work.
Use integrity tactics: Before making decisions, ask yourself, “Would I be comfortable if everyone knew about this?” If the answer is no, it’s time to reconsider.
Appreciate the small progress: Recognize and appreciate the positive outcomes of your honest work, no matter how small.
Invest in your skills: Instead of looking for shortcuts, focus on becoming really good at what you do. The progress of mastery is far more rewarding than any quick win.
Build a support network: Surround yourself with people who share your values. Having a community that encourages ethical behavior can be a powerful motivator when the war becomes difficult.

The Long Game

Building a life and career based on righteous work is a marathon.

There might be times when it feels like others are getting ahead faster, but keep your eyes on your own path.

The cemented progress you’ll create are worth far more than any short-term gains.

In the end, it’s not just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it.

Choose the path of righteous labor, you’re not just earning a living – you’re building discipline.

Why Christians Should Be Wealthy

The Case for Christian Wealth

If you are involved in the church, you are aware that discussions about wealth spark controversy and emotionalism.

Many Christians have the absurd notion that if you earn a large income, you must automatically be worldly or less focused on spiritual matters than the poor.

However, there’s a compelling argument for why Christians should aspire to be wealthy, not from a prosperity gospel standpoint, but from a moral and practical perspective.

Wealth in Christian Context

When we say Christians should be wealthy, it’s crucial to understand that this doesn’t imply an automatic bestowal of riches or a divine promise of financial prosperity.

Instead, it suggests that Christians, guided by moral principles, are well-positioned to be responsible stewards of wealth.

While Joel Osteen might suggest that money will rain on your head if you do what he says, that isn’t what the Bible teaches nor does it follow the basic principles of the world – such as supply and demand.

We earn income based on how valuable our service is. Many Christians do not provide valuable service. they provide average service so they earn average income. There’s nothing wrong with that. But there isn’t anything right about it either.

The Moral Imperative of Christian Wealth

Christians, guided by principles of compassion and stewardship, have the potential to use wealth as a powerful tool for good. This stands in stark contrast to how wealth is often misused by those without a strong moral compass.

The Problem with Wealth in Immoral Hands

Consider the actions of morally bankrupt individuals or organizations when they possess significant wealth.

The U.S. Government is frequently criticized for mismanaging funds and making decisions that don’t always benefit the general population. And they certainly don’t make decisions that promote morality.

Similarly, we’ve seen countless examples of wealthy individuals using their resources for self-serving or harmful purposes.

Christians as Responsible Stewards

Think of a world where more wealth was in the hands of those committed to moral principles.

Christians with morality intact could potentially use wealth to:

Fund charitable initiatives
Support ethical businesses
Invest in community development
Provide for those in need
Advance the cause of Christ [most importantly]

Changing Perspectives on Money

To understand this concept, we need to shift our understanding of money.

It’s critical to recognize that money itself is amoral – neither good nor evil.

It’s simply a tool, and its impact depends entirely on how it’s used.

The Character Test

Having wealth or lacking it doesn’t inherently reflect on a person’s character.

What matters is how individuals manage their resources, regardless of the amount.

A person of strong moral character will strive to use their wealth, whether much or little, in alignment with their Christian principles.

The Responsibility of Wealth

With this perspective, we can see that Christians shouldn’t shy away from wealth, but rather view it as a responsibility.

The goal isn’t to accumulate as much wealth as possible only for personal gain, but to be in a position to effect positive change on a larger scale.

And by doing so they will reap the benefits of wealth along the way.

Conclusion

The idea that Christians should be wealthy isn’t about piling up riches for ourselves, but about positioning moral individuals to be influential stewards of resources.

By changing our perspective on wealth and recognizing it as a tool for good, we can work towards a world where financial resources are more often in the hands of those guided by strong moral principles.

The Importance of Physical Attraction

As a Christian man, it is critical not to overlook the importance of physical attraction when seeking a wife.

While Christian virtues and shared values are crucial, physical attraction is a fundamental aspect of a fulfilling marriage that should not be neglected.

Many Christians neglect teaching about sexuality all together, much less instructing men on what to look for in a wife beyond the standard Christian values.

The Role of Physical Attraction

Physical attraction plays a significant role in marital satisfaction.

All the good Christian qualities in the world cannot substitute for sexual arousal and physical desire.

If you don’t want your wife sexually, this is a problem.

Because you will inevitably come across women you are sexually aroused by, only they won’t be your wife.

Your resentment towards your wife may grow.
Your marital dissatisfaction may grow.

You may out yourself in a severely disadvantaged position of being attracted to seemingly every woman but your wife – as some Christian men have made known to me.

That’s a sad way to live.

And it’s a permanent way to live.

This physical attraction aspect of marriage is often overlooked by Christians, but it remains critical for a healthy and happy relationship.

Avoiding the Temptation to Settle

Many Christian men find themselves tempted to settle for someone they are not genuinely attracted to, believing that shared values and virtues will suffice.

However, it is important to wait and find someone who is very physically attractive to you.

Do not panic if there seems to be no eligible women around. They are out there.

Be sure to include God in your search, approaching him in prayer and asking for what you are seeking: a woman who is both beautiful on the inside as well as sexually arousing on the outside.

A man can help guide his wife in understanding various philosophies and spiritual matters, but he cannot change her physical appearance.

You can help her learn the flaws of religious Liberalism, but you cannot change the symmetry of her face or the curvature of her body.

It may sound shallow, but it absolutely is not.

Here’s why:

If she does not look good to you, you may be tempted to seek sexual satisfaction elsewhere, which is obviously detrimental to the marriage.

Here’s a critical litmus test for you: If you would have to ‘convince yourself’ to be attracted to a woman, you are not attracted to her.

If she doesn’t catch your eye the moment she walks into a room, you aren’t attracted to her.

Period.

Move on to the next one.

There is no shortage of attractive women.

The Advantage of Time

Men have the advantage of time when searching for a mate, as our sexual market value often lasts well into our thirties.

We simply stay attractive longer.

In fact, we become more attractive into our 30s because we become more established in our careers and lives.

And this is one of the factors that satisfies part of women’s dualistic sexual strategy.

So don’t feel like you are running out of time as you approach your 30s and even beyond. You have far more time than women whose sexual value begins to deteriorate in their 20s.

This long lasting sexual value gives us the opportunity to be patient and selective.

It is crucial to choose someone who is both very attractive and shares core Christian values.

Do not compromise on one or the other.

But recall that you can teach your wife. you cannot change her appearance.

Physical Attraction and Sexual Intimacy

Physical attraction is necessary for true physical intimacy, which is reserved for and expected in marriage.

Let’s be real: if you aren’t attracted to a woman, your ‘equipment’ will not work when it’s time to get sexual.

This intimacy strengthens the marital bond and is a gift from God meant to be enjoyed in marriage.

Ignoring physical attraction can lead to sexual dissatisfaction and temptations that could harm the relationship.

Conclusion

While Christian virtues and shared values are indispensable, physical attraction is equally important in a marriage.

Christian men should be patient and discerning in their search for a wife, ensuring that they find someone who is both physically attractive and aligned with their core values.

This balance is key to a fulfilling and enduring marital relationship.

You have all the time in the world.

You don’t have the same biological clock that limits women.

Get it in your mind that it is okay yo be selective, and patient. you have all the time in the world. And as a Christian, God is on your side in this quest.

Be very selective, remembering that as a man who will be providing, you are the prize to be sought after, not the other way around.

You are you own mental point of origin.

Treat yourself with enough respect to find a sexually attractive woman to marry.

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