What God Says about Your Money, Quine

Matters of Your Money

Now that we know the benefits of work, and the work ethic of the believer, we can expect to make some money.  It naturally follows that from work comes money.  What do we do with our money? How can the believer who desires to serve God in every area of life, honor God with money? Proverbs speaks of at least three wise uses of this commodity.

1.      Glorify God with Your Money

This is an overall principle.  It comes from Proverbs 3:9-10. To "honor God" is a general reference to the righteous use of money.  The word honor also involves "give" or "pay" (See Isaiah 43:23).  In other words, we are to "give to God with our wealth;” use our money in a way in which. He would approve.

Notice, nothing specific is said in this passage.  There is, for example, no reference to the Mosaic Law's requirement of the tithing tax here.  It is just a general principle of using your money righteously (which would include giving today, or  tithing then).  This does not preclude spending money for things like entertainment, but it may effect the ways in which we are entertained.  We are to spend our money with God's own character in view, so that by its use He will be honored.  Proverbs does mention some specific ways in which we can honor the Lord with our money.

2. Generosity, Giving, and Benevolence

One way to "honor the Lord with your wealth" is by being benevolent to those who are poor.  Read it for yourself in Proverbs 3:27-28 and 11:24-25.  Generosity was a sign of righteousness and an act of one rightly related to the Lord.  It fulfills the general principle of Proverbs 3:9.

Notice in these two passages another truth: by honoring the Lord with your wealth through generosity the Lord will honor you! The fact that the Lord is generous to the generous is more clearly stated in another passage.  Read Proverbs 19:17.  The Lord repays! Read on in Proverbs 22:9 and 28:27.  This is not prosperity theology (that if you are a believer He will bless you), but does confirm the principle in Proverbs 3:5,6 that the Lord takes care of those who trust in Him.

It is unfortunate that Christians are not known for their generosity.  Our giving is considered first a tax deduction, and second a burden.  We find it difficult enough to give to the church, let alone ever consider giving to the poor!  What we give is what we don't need; what is left over, rather than being the "first of all our produce,” Proverbs 3:10.

David and Jeannie were on furlough from their missionary work in Kenya, traveling the country to visit and thank those who had supported their work.  One Sunday they walked into a supportive church wearing what we would consider rags.  David had on a badly worn jacket with blown out pockets and holes in the elbows. Jeanie wore stockings which gathered around her ankles and had several runs in them.  Her dress was filthy; its color was faded. They began addressing the congregation by thanking them for their support and for the care packages they received.  "In fact," David said, "to show our appreciation we thought we would wear for you the clothes you have sent us."  Christians are cheap.  Who would ever think of getting the size of a missionary and buying them a new coat or dress.  Instead, we give what we don't need--what we have left over.

Christians today are not known for their generosity.  Yet Proverbs is clear. One way to "honor the Lord with your wealth" is our generosity, giving or benevolence.

3.    Grow it For the Future

Besides giving, Proverbs also teaches that the accumulation of money for the future is a legitimate way to "honor the Lord with your wealth."  But, first, three quick warnings:

-          Do not overestimate your financial abilities, Proverbs 28:11.  You may need some help.

-          Do not overestimate the value of money, Proverbs 11:4,28. Its accumulation is not to be your preoccupation in life.

-          Do not weary yourself to gain riches, Proverbs 23:4,5.  Our efforts are not to be spent pursuing wealth in itself.

So, in addressing the legitimate accumulation of money, these three warnings should be kept in mind.

If the accumulation of wealth is legitimate, (with these limitations) then how does the Christian do it? Again, Proverbs is specific in how to grow money.

A.    Be Honest and Diligent in Your Work

These two aspects of the Christian Work Ethic discussed above also apply here.  Those verses which mention the blessing from honesty and diligence are certainly one way to grow money.  These are combined in Proverbs 13:11.

B.   Minimize Borrowing

Turn to and read Proverbs 22:7.  If there ever was a verse addressing the spendthrift yuppie generation it is this one.  We somehow think we can spend ourselves rich.  We want right now what our parents worked a lifetime for.  And there is a quick way to get it--charge it.  So quickly we mount huge debt.  Through the use of plastic it doesn't even seem like spending money, but a $7,000 or $10,000 limit is quickly reached.  We are financially enslaved to our bank cards. 

Read a very interesting verse, Proverbs 22:27 - If you have nothing with which to pay, then CHARGE IT!  a commercial might say.  But not Proverbs; "why should he (the lender or creditor) take your bed from under you?"  It is as if the one with “nothing to pay with” has used for collateral the very thing which gives sleep, comfort, and rest.  Perhaps it is describing the sleepless nights spent worrying about the debt accumulated from borrowing.  In a figurative way, the creditor has "taken your bed from under you."

Be careful with debt.  Don't spend more than you make.  If we complain about the huge federal deficit can we be so two-faced and spend ourselves into debt?  If in seeming uncontrolled debt then get some professional help.  Many bankruptcy attorneys offer methods in family financial planning short of bankruptcy.  Seek out some help.  The avoidance of debt, or getting our debt under control is one way to make your money grow.

C.      Save It

Another way to make your money grow is by saving it. Encouragement to saving money is imaginatively stated in Proverbs 13:22.  Read it for yourself.

An attorney friend of mine who handled many personal bankruptcy cases first fully analyzed a client's financial situation.  More often than not he was able to consolidate their debts, arrange their accounts and payment structure so that not only was filing bankruptcy unnecessary, but also provided a way for them to start a family saving program!  Admittedly, it was usually not much (maybe only $50 or $100 per month) but it was something.  More importantly was an attitude they developed.  Most people want to save, but they would not think of not paying on their accounts.  This attorney advised them to "think of yourself as one of your creditors."  Such a mindset allowed them to grow their money through savings.

Amazing things happen to savings which generate interest and accumulate over time.  Even with relatively modest amounts, figures of compound interest are sometimes startling!  Yes it is possible even with an ordinary income to make your money grow through savings, and leave an inheritance for your children.

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Quine writes of the Protestant Work Ethic

Many professions have a code of professional ethics.  Turn to Proverbs to see what the book of wisdom tells us about a Christian work ethic no matter what your business.

     1.    Honesty

The Lord takes a personal interest in the conduct of his people in the marketplace.  In the agrarian society of Solomon's Israel, this principle was communicated through weights and measures.  The Lord concerns Himself with the honesty of the weights so that He delights in a true weight, but hates a false balance.  Read this for yourself in Proverbs 11:1, 16:11, and 20:10,23.  Because the use of weights and measures were common practice in commerce, the Lord is therefore seen as taking personal interest in the commercial transactions of everyday life.

Proverbs 11:1, 20:10, and 13 inform the person in business that the Lord hates commercial dishonesty.  "Abomination" means that such practice is disgusting to Him.  He has the same disdain toward those who gain by crooked means (3:32), liars (6:16, 12:22), the wicked or even criminal in business (15:8,9), and those who pervert justice (17:15).

The dishonest will face consequences for their lack of integrity in business.  Note the parallelism between the man who does right and has "wealth," and the man who is wicked and has contrasting "trouble" in Proverbs 15:6.  "Trouble" could be shame (Genesis 34:30), death (Joshua 7:25), or general affliction (Isaiah 14:29), but is opposite to "wealth" here in Proverbs. What is true today in business was also true in Solomon's day:

What goes around comes around.  Income dishonestly gained ultimately does not profit, and will lead to discipline from the Lord.  Read the warning in Proverbs 10:2; 16 and 11:18.

Proverbs mentions few but important specific dishonest practices.  Although many feel it a legitimate business procedure, Proverbs 15:27 couples bribery with "illicit profits” Literally the word here means "to cut."  The person who uses bribery "to cut the big deal" is not outside the eyes of the Lord.  The benefit sought will really bring trouble to his own home.  Bribery is a perversion, Proverbs 17:23.

Lying may be thought of as necessary, or even legitimate sales puffing, but the prosperity it brings will only be short lived.  Proverbs 20:17 and 21:6 speaks to this.

These passages from Proverbs definitely reveal the Lord's intimate interaction with those in business.  The believer must consider honesty as part of his work ethic.

2.    Diligence

A.    Energetic Action

The believer in business is to be characterized by diligence.  "Diligence" (XXXX) in the Old Testament portrays decisiveness of action.  The diligent is one who is energetic so that there is accomplishment of the goal.  There is a sense of sharpness, and alert action with the diligent (cf. Isaiah 10:22-23; 28:22).

In Proverbs the diligent are contrasted with the sluggard, whose actions, when finally taken, are listless, inappropriate, and ineffective in securing their goal.  Diligence denotes conscientious and persistent activity, where actions are not wasted but part of achieving the goal.

B.   Results of Diligence

i.     Material Wealth

Material prosperity is the expectation for the alert and active worker.  Read it for yourself in Proverbs 10:4, 21:5, 13:4. In these verses, "soul" is used for one's desires.  The desires of the soul are fulfilled, or "made fat" for the diligent in business.

ii.       Leadership Opportunities

Leading others is also the reward of diligence according to Proverbs 12:24.  One author comments, "Through his industry a man reaches the position where he becomes the employer of labor." (Cohen, Proverbs, p.78)    The one who proves he is diligent is blessed with the greater responsibility of leading others who do not possess this alert and energetic nature. We all know someone who started out working as a janitor or some menial job and worked through the corporate ladder to become a manager, vice or even president.  The simplicity of diligence is often rewarded with leadership opportunities.

C.   Diligence versus the “Get Rich Quick Scheme”

As if written for our generation, there is a stark contrast to diligence.  Notice the reward of those who try to profit by some "get rich quick" scheme.  Read it for yourself in Proverbs 20:21; 21:5; 28:20,22.  The destructiveness of the get rich scheme is the attitude involved.  It is a mental outlook which quickly brings poverty, Proverbs 2l:5b. 28:22. The "get rich quick" attitude corrupts good practice.  Proverbs 28:22.  The word "to haste" describes one who is "unbridled...not the master of himself." (Delitzech, Proverbs, p.65)   This person ends up with an "evil eye" towards others.  In the field of law these kind are the "ambulance chasers."  They act like vultures who look at others as prey to take their money.  Proverbs condemns this attitude.

D.   Diligence versus Laziness

As greatly as diligence is extolled, sluggardliness is ridiculed.  Most frequently the consequence of being lazy is poverty.  Proverbs 6:6-11; 20:4,13; 24.30-34.  The lazy prefers just a little more sleep to hard work.  When he finally gets up and gets going it is not to perform quality work, for Proverbs 10:4 tells us that he is a negligent worker.  A sluggard would not make a good employee.

It is important to note that the poverty of the lazy is not the result of a lack of resources but due to failed use of opportunity.  In Proverbs 24:30-34 we see that the sluggard possesses a vineyard, yet fails to use it.  It is similar to Proverbs 12:27 where it is presumed he shot his game, but fails to clean, roast, and eat it.  The advantages and opportunities given a lazy person are wasted.

The sluggard therefore becomes hungry, Proverbs 19.15.  His problem could lead to a lack of quality in life, or Proverbs 21:25 possibly even indicates a premature death!  Laziness is a serious problem.

The ways of the sluggard bring shame, Proverbs 10:5.  Servitude is his future.  The sluggard should never be in management because he has never learned to manage himself, Proverbs 12:24.  He should not be trusted in business because he will cause disaster, Proverbs 18:9.

In Solomon's position as King he must have had the opportunity to see all kinds of people and evaluate the consequences of character.  The lazy go hungry, don't use their God-given talents, are on their  way to a premature death, bring shame, miss management opportunities, and bring destruction to one's business.  Solomon describes a bitter life for the lazy.

3.       The Work Ethic

While the focus of many universities and business colleges has finally turned to ethics in the marketplace, Proverbs has spoken to those in business for centuries.  No matter what our work, two basic principles directing our professional conduct are clearly stated:  Honesty and diligence.  These characteristics should follow the follower of the Lord.

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Quine Notes the Benfits of Hard Work

Work is Good and Biblical.  Here's Why!

 

I.  The Benefits of Work

First, lets look at the benefits Proverbs says comes from work.  Solomon's wisdom was not high and mighty platitudes which have nothing to do with the real world.  The benefits of work, this wise man explains, include that which is most basic.

1.    Preservation

Turn and read Proverbs 16:26 It reminds us of the bumper sticker which reads,  “Fight Poverty – Work” In it’s typical, clear, down to earth style Proverbs gives us the most basic motivation for work.  Are you hungry?  Work.  This is obviously physical hunger--satisfying that desire in the belly.  But there are other desires which are also satisfied by work.  You desire a new car?  Desire a VCR?  Do you desire to serve God?  Do you desire to build his church?  Do you desire to establish a strong Bible believing church in your town or city?  It takes work. Proverbs 16:26 covers the most basic benefit from work: satisfying the desire of physical hunger.  Admittedly, this is not a very noble incentive, but realistic for some who have no strong self-motivation to work.

2.    Profit

Solomon mentions more positive motivations and benefits to work.  There is profit.  Read Proverbs 14:23 the word for "labor" here refers to labor, toil, or physically hard work.  It is also used in Genesis 3:16 to describe the pain and work of childbirth.  In Psalm 127:2 it is associated with sun up to sun down labor.  When Solomon mentions “work” he isn't just talking about dabbling in something.  He means hard, difficult, exhausting work. That's why it's "work". Even if not physical, effective work of the executive can be just as draining and exhausting.

The word for "profit" in our verse indicates abundance and gain. It is not merely financial gain--although that is certainly involved--but general advantage of any kind.   In Ecclesiastes 3:19 and Proverbs 21:5 this word also describes general advantage. Contrast this with the last half of the verse. The person who is full of hot air, who just talks about all the things he is going to do, is impoverished.

Finally, notice here that physical work is the primary focus. We may despise tedious, menial tasks, but God is much wiser and approves of such work and effort.  The Lord's approval should affect our work product, or our supervising or management techniques.  We are to treat our workers with the same respect God does, for they are doing what God says is of great profit to them.

3.       Promotion

Another benefit of work is promotion.  Not all of us are born millionaires with a silver spoon in our mouths.  Not all of us went to the best schools, or rub elbows with the elite people. Proverbs addresses us: the average, everyday person who has to work (Of course, you millionaires have to work too!).  We don't have a certain diploma (whichever one that is) to open those doors, or know the people in prominent positions to pull us in. If we are not born a Kennedy, or Hunt, or Nordstrom, we can improve our position by our skillful conduct in business and work. Read it for yourself in Proverbs 22:29.  The skilled worker does not go unnoticed.  When God gives us a job, we are to do it (that alone is difficult for some!), do it right, and do it well.  Always work hard at the work the Lord provides' for you, and more likely than not, you will be promoted and gain prominence.  After all, someone has to mow the lawn at the White House.  It might as well be you.

I have a friend I graduated with from High School.  In high school he was a box boy at the supermarket.  He worked there his sophomore, junior, and senior high school years.  When many of us went off to college, he didn't, but stayed to work full time at the store, now in the produce department.  After a couple of years I saw him again.  He had bought a house in Seattle, and had become the manager of the produce department.  I was looking to go on to three more years at law school.

By the time of our 10th high school reunion, he had a cabin on an Island in the Sound, was renting out his first house, buying another, and was manager of the store.  I was three years out of law school, planning to go to seminary.  My high school friend reaped the benefit of good, steady, hard work--promotion (which allowed him his goodies as well).

4.    Prosperity

Another positive motivation of work is the acquisition of wealth.  Read it for yourself in Proverb 13:11.

There are many advantages to wealth.  Proverbs 10:15 tells us that in wealth there is protection.  However, this protection is not absolute.  In wealth there is also power, Proverbs 22:7.  The danger with wealth is that it becomes one's preoccupation.  Money is a great servant, but a cruel master.  Jesus said you cannot serve it and Him (Matthew 6:24).

Because of wealth's limitations, Proverbs 23:4 warns against engaging in wearying and exhausting effort to gain wealth for its own sake, to the exclusion of all other goals.  The next verse (23:5) tells us why--it vanishes.  Ask countless former millionaires who have personally lost great fortunes.  Wealth easily vanishes.  So, Ironside said, "Earthly treasure is often dissipated far more easily than collected.  Riches seem possessed with wings.  Like eagles, they fly away, leaving him whose mind was set upon them, disappointed and heart sick."

With work can come wealth, and with wealth can come many good things.  But even the protection afforded by wealth is incomplete. Just as it is true that governmental or societal problems can't be solved with money so it is true for us personally.  The danger of wealth is that too easily we exaggerate it’s protective power and consider it impregnable against attack, Proverbs 18:11. Rather than trust the Lord, Proverbs 18:10, the rich may think their wealth is omnipotent.  But it is not.  Ultimately, wealth cannot save, Proverbs 11:4, 28.

Conclusion

Proverbs describes many benefits of work.  We can satisfy our desires, be they as basic as hunger or our desire for things.  It provides profit.  It provides prominence.  It provides a limited degree of power and protection.  All this can come from work.

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