Do Not Trust in Riches

With the recent stock market volatility, many are concerned about their savings, investments, and retirement accounts.

Andy Sochor in a post on his Daily Bible Notes page offers some thoughts about our attitude toward riches that provides  a helpful perspective. We share it with a few additional thoughts.

“There is a degree of security and independence that is possible through wealth. Because of this, many are tempted to trust in their riches and ignore their need for God.”

“The proper response to this is not to conclude that money is, in and of itself, evil. Instead, we simply need to guard against turning it into an idol. The wise man said, “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf” (Proverbs 11:28)

“Riches are temporary. While we may possess them now, they could be lost or stolen from us at any time. Trusting in riches, rather than in God who blesses us with all things in this life (cf. James 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:17), is a recipe for disaster. If we put our hope in our wealth, eventually we will fall and our riches will not save us.”

“However, the wise man does not contrast the one who “trusts in his riches” with one who is poor. Rather, he contrasts him with “the righteous.” This is one who puts His trust in God and does His will. In some cases, this individual could even be rich; but if he is, he does not trust in riches. Neither poverty nor wealth is an accurate measure by itself to determine if one is righteous or not. This can only be determined by whether or not one is following the Lord.”

“So do not trust in riches. Whether we are rich or poor, let us make sure our hope and trust is in the Lord and then faithfully do His will.”

Wealth is relative. Most Christians I know don’t consider themselves rich by the world’s standards. Yet, compared to people in many other countries, we would all be considered rich by their standards.

Andy’s exhortation offers a perspective which reminds us that it is our attitude toward riches which is important. In that regard Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe offers this insight. “Money is a marvelous servant but a terrible master. If you possess money, be grateful and use it for God’s glory, but if money possesses you, beware! It is good to have the things that money can buy, provided you don’t lose the things that money cannot buy.”

An unknown author also spoke in a similar vein when he wrote, “Money molds men–in the process of getting it, of saving it, of using it, of giving it, or accounting for it. Depending on how it is handled, it proves a blessing or a curse to its possessor; either the man becomes a master of his money, or the money becomes the master of the man.”

For Christians the proper attitude toward and the use of money revolves around our stewardship. God owns everything. It’s all His. And He has entrusted us with the use of material possessions. That said, consider these 12 Biblical bullet points that speak to money, the proper use of it, and our attitude toward it.

◆Our Money is a Gift from God. Haggai 2:8

◆Money is neither Good Or Bad. 1 Tim 6:10

◆Money should be used to Support our Families 1 Tim. 5:8

◆Money should be used to Help those in Need. Eph 4:28

◆Money should be used to Pay our Taxes Rom 13:8

◆Money Should be Used to Pay our Debts. Rom 13:8

◆Money should be used to Supply Future needs–i.e. savings or investments.. Prov. 6:6-8;31:16

◆Money should be Used to Support the Lord’s Work. 1 Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 8-9

◆Money Should be Used to Give Gifts to Others. Jn. 12:3-7; Ps 37:21

◆Money Should be Used for our Personal Enjoyment. Eccl 3:12-13

◆Money Should be our Slave, not our Master. Matt 6:24

So, regardless of the amount of money you possess, or the fluctuations of the stock market, don’t put your trust in money. We would all do well to remember Paul’s exhortation in 1 Timothy 6:17.

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman