Thoughts for the Day
These verses from Proverbs exhort us to be diligent in how we handle our business affairs, because even if we have riches and fame at a point in time, that status can change. Although these verses were addressed to those who were farmers, we can relate to them today in regard to our businesses. We are to take our responsibility over the operation of them, in regard to knowing the state of our business affairs. In Bible days, much of the commerce was in agriculture and farming. They were told to watch over their flocks and herds. This meant, they were to make provision for them, keep them safe, check on their numbers to make sure none were missing, care for the wounded or sick ones, and pay special attention to the new born babies.
In verse 23 we are admonished to take care for our business likewise, including our household financial affairs. In our day, many people are filing for bankruptcies and many of these could have been avoided if they had practiced diligence. Of course, there are other factors that can lead to bankruptcy as well, such as overextending oneself because of lust or greed, or lack of sound business principles. Sometimes it is not a person's fault that they are forced into bankruptcy, as they are victims of illnesses, tragedies or weather related disasters, etc. However, those who lack diligence, and do not take care of their business, will create problems that can cause them severe financial difficulties that can lead to poverty.
Proverbs 10:4: He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Verse 24 says that riches may not last forever, just as a king will not rule throughout every generation. At some point a new king will reign as the old one passes on. I read this statement once, "Money talks, it says good-by." It can say "good-by" in numerous ways. One of those ways is, as people age, their work capacity diminishes and it usually affects their income by decreasing it. If people do not use wisdom in their financial areas, they can spend up all their money when they are young and have nothing to live on when they are old. If we listen to the Lord, and apply good business principles in regard to our finances, we can be assured that we will be taken care of when we are in our senior years. Living a life for God is one of the best insurance policies you can have. There are things that God does for you that no man can provide; one of those is good health in old age. God promises that the righteous can still bear fruit in old age. That means we will still be able to work and produce.
Psalm 92:12-14:
12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.
We must take our responsibilities and be diligent, if we desire God's blessings in our lives. We should not forget to help others along the way, too; as when we bless others, those blessings will return to us in the form of our need.
Betty Miller shares her daily devotional based on the book of Proverbs. King Solomon, who wrote most of the Book of Proverbs, was endowed with both spiritual and practical wisdom that he received from God. We can have that same wisdom by studying this great book of wisdom and following its advice.
Proverbs 16:16: "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!" If you are a new reader you may