Being Wise About Finances and Money – Proverbs 6:6-11; 21:20; 11:24-25
Being Wise About Finances and Money – Proverbs 6:6-11; 21:20; 11:24-25
by Pastor Lee Hemen
March 2, 2007 AM
Major financial decisions, such as buying a house, require careful thinking. Multitudes live under financial pressure, some through no fault of their own. However, many are under pressure because they have not managed their money and finances well. By adopting a lifestyle beyond their means, they not only spend all they make but also use credit, spending money they do not have. Thus they have no funds for those who seek their help. God does not want His people to be victims of poor financial management. The Lord wants His people to be good managers and generous givers.
I grew up in a family situation where my parents could not afford to buy games, toys, or comic books outside of Christmas or birthdays. In fact, there were times when we did not have much for these either! It taught me to be wise about finances and the money I earned. Today’s sermon is going to deal with something a bit different, we will look at three practical issues: work, debt, and generous giving. God has provided instructions for us from the Bible designed to enable His people not only to meet their own needs but also the needs of others and His church. Being wise about finances and money is a biblical principal. Let’s discover what this means for us this morning.
READ: Proverbs 6:6-11; 21:20; 11:24-25
There are a lot of sermons given on the love of God, being a Christian, or how to receive a blessing, but few on how God wants His people to be responsible with what they earn. It is a taboo subject that few pastors tackle anymore out of fear of offending someone because you have to use the word “money” in a sermon. Would it surprise you then to learn that Jesus spoke more about stewardship than anything else? Why? Because stewardship, a life lived under the influence of God’s wisdom whereby time, talent, and treasure -- glorify God! Being wise about finances and money should be one hallmark of a Christian’s life. In fact, we discover that Proverbs tells us to…
I. Work Diligently (Proverbs 6:6-11)
1. It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t! This verse is one of my favorite in the Book of Proverbs. I probably like it because I was raised with a strong work ethic. Rather than pointing to a human example of diligent work, the writer noted the industrious ant. They seem to work diligently. A slacker or sluggard, by contrast, does little work. Wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, often uses moral lessons learned from nature. Without any apparent chain of command, that the writer could see, ants work hard. Some people today work hard only when their boss or supervisor is in sight. When the coast is clear, however, they slack off. Ants demonstrate the wisdom of planning ahead as they prepare for cold weather. For us such foresight might include planning for retirement or disabilities. We should take responsibility and be proactive rather than reactive in our financial planning and not depend on others to take care of us. Notice that the slacker, by contrast, is lazy. The writer was not criticizing the legitimate need for sleep, and we know that some people are “morning people” and others are “night people!” The writer’s concern was personal laziness, which leads to ruin. “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest…” (6:10) almost sounds like a Serta sleep commercial! A lazy person typically will experience poverty in life rather than prosperity. A person who sleeps on the job or who is chronically late for work will probably be fired or demoted. God relates that being wise about finances and money begins with working diligently.
EXAMPLE: David Roper writes that the apostle Paul had some tough words for shirkers: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Some circumstances may make it impossible for us to work. But if we're able-bodied and can find work, we must work with energy and diligence. This is not just good advice but a command from an inspired apostle and from our Lord Jesus Christ (v.12). Sloth is sin. Paul also had a word for workers: “Do not grow weary in doing good” (v.13). Our work may seem mindless, offering little challenge or stimulation, but we can do it "heartily, as to the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). We get weary in our work at times and want to give up, but we can stay the course if we understand that we're working for our Lord and ultimately for His eyes only (Ephesians 6:7). He is an employer who sees and knows all we do, and He values what we do and why we do it. Knowing that God cares about our work gives meaning to all our actions, even those no one else notices or appreciates. Michelangelo, painting in some obscure corner of the Sistine Chapel, was asked by one of his helpers why he lavished such attention on a part of the ceiling no one would ever see. He replied, “God will see.”
According to the Book of Proverbs, people who are able to work should do their jobs well. However, the Bible does not teach that all poverty is due to laziness or that all wealth is a result of hard work. Some people are poor due to circumstances beyond their control, and others are wealthy because they inherited it. We find that Paul urged believers to “do everything for God’s glory” (1 Corinthians 10:31). A job well done glorifies the Lord! We may work just to pay our bills, however, in being wise about finances and money we should also…
II. Avoid Debt (Proverbs 21:20)
1. A wise person plans for their future! Notice that the person who does their house will be full of treasure and oil. A wise person’s diligence and restraint allows them to save resources for future needs and to give generously. In contrast, a foolish person consumes their income. Many families spend all they make as rapidly as they make it. If more money comes in, they raise their level of consumption! Such families may never plan ahead. They lack a contingency plan for emergencies. Paul would remind us to “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8) It is estimated that individual credit card debt is around $9,000 for those who have at least one credit card, according to CardWeb. The news is full of stories on the huge default on home loans right now. In fact, some folks are finding they owe more on their loans than their house is actually worth! Paul reminds us that we are to “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5) Notice Paul equated greed with “idolatry!” Greed is simply the desire for more of what you do not have. This is why many get into heavy personal debt. We are to avoid debt because it enslaves us and tempts us to sin. God would say that this is simply being wise about finances and money.
EXAMPLE: Almost every week someone in my family receives a credit card application. We even got one for our old dog Brownie! Usually the person is “preapproved” for the credit card. Signing the application or making a phone call will activate the card. Not all debt is avoidable. A medical emergency, for instance, could force someone to take out a loan. Some people lose their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control. Major purchases, such as a house or a car, typically require indebtedness. Nevertheless, much debt could be avoided if people managed their money more wisely. In being wise about finances and money Christians should avoid debt.
Christians need to work to minimize their indebtedness. If we follow the principles laid out in the Book of Proverbs, we will be less likely to incur unwise debts. We also need to recall James’ advice to consider the transience of life when we make financial decisions: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14). Spending all we earn and unnecessarily going into debt is not wise. In fact, one of the major hindrances to generous giving in the church today is excessive personal debt. In being wise about finances and money the Christian should also…
III. Give Generously (Proverbs 11:24-25)
1. Some people in our society are oriented to getting instead of giving! Such individuals view giving money away as foolish. The writer noted that when we give freely, we will prosper. Why? It is an attitude of the heart. It reflects who we are in Christ. Believers must also remember that there are rewards for giving that are intangible. The Apostle Paul encouraged Christians at Corinth to share out of their bounty: “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11). God is most certainly concerned about both the rich and the poor: “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.” (Proverbs 22:2). Rich and poor are on an equal level before God; one is not favored over the other. God expects every believer give with a generous spirit. He does not look at your checkbook. This is why the writer states: “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (v. 11:25) It does not say a “rich” generous man. This verse reinforces our responsibility to be generous with our resources. Our contemporary mind-set tends to view generosity can only come when we can afford it. God entrusts some of His people with wealth that they might use it to help others, yet He does not excuse our meager means as a reason not to give! Remember the widow’s mite? (Mark 12:41-44) In fact, nowhere in this incident does Jesus say she was wrong to give or that she should not have given! We learn that in fact she was praised for giving all she had from a devout heart! Jesus taught: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38) In being wise about finances and money Christians are to give generously out of love for God, no matter what their financial circumstances.
EXAMPLE: I have heard and read many stories about the Great Depression of the 1930s. Few families had a car, plumbing, or electricity! However, most had a house, a well, an outhouse, wood for fuel, adequate clothing, and enough food. I grew up poor but never realized it, until much later, just how poor we actually were. How much money does a person need to be considered rich? And how much money does a person have to give away to be considered generous? It's hard to say, isn't it? In fact, it may be impossible to give a specific answer to those two questions. The apostle Paul did not set a percentage as a rule for giving, nor did he say that only the rich should give. Instead, he challenged the Corinthian Christians by telling them about the Macedonian believers who gave out of their “deep poverty” and “beyond their ability” because they “first gave themselves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:2-5). He reminded his readers of their Savior, the Lord Jesus, who exchanged the riches of heaven for poverty on earth so that they might be rich for all eternity. In being wise about finances and money Christians are to give generously out of love for God, no matter what their financial circumstances.
Conclusion:
In being wise about our finances and money, Christians are to: Work diligently, avoid debt, and given generously.
—
NOTE: This article is copyrighted by Pastor Lee Hemen © 2008 and the property of Pastor Lee Hemen. You are welcome to copy it, email it, or use it but please if you copy it, email it, or use it you must do so in its entirety.
by Pastor Lee Hemen
March 2, 2007 AM
Major financial decisions, such as buying a house, require careful thinking. Multitudes live under financial pressure, some through no fault of their own. However, many are under pressure because they have not managed their money and finances well. By adopting a lifestyle beyond their means, they not only spend all they make but also use credit, spending money they do not have. Thus they have no funds for those who seek their help. God does not want His people to be victims of poor financial management. The Lord wants His people to be good managers and generous givers.
I grew up in a family situation where my parents could not afford to buy games, toys, or comic books outside of Christmas or birthdays. In fact, there were times when we did not have much for these either! It taught me to be wise about finances and the money I earned. Today’s sermon is going to deal with something a bit different, we will look at three practical issues: work, debt, and generous giving. God has provided instructions for us from the Bible designed to enable His people not only to meet their own needs but also the needs of others and His church. Being wise about finances and money is a biblical principal. Let’s discover what this means for us this morning.
READ: Proverbs 6:6-11; 21:20; 11:24-25
There are a lot of sermons given on the love of God, being a Christian, or how to receive a blessing, but few on how God wants His people to be responsible with what they earn. It is a taboo subject that few pastors tackle anymore out of fear of offending someone because you have to use the word “money” in a sermon. Would it surprise you then to learn that Jesus spoke more about stewardship than anything else? Why? Because stewardship, a life lived under the influence of God’s wisdom whereby time, talent, and treasure -- glorify God! Being wise about finances and money should be one hallmark of a Christian’s life. In fact, we discover that Proverbs tells us to…
I. Work Diligently (Proverbs 6:6-11)
1. It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t! This verse is one of my favorite in the Book of Proverbs. I probably like it because I was raised with a strong work ethic. Rather than pointing to a human example of diligent work, the writer noted the industrious ant. They seem to work diligently. A slacker or sluggard, by contrast, does little work. Wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, often uses moral lessons learned from nature. Without any apparent chain of command, that the writer could see, ants work hard. Some people today work hard only when their boss or supervisor is in sight. When the coast is clear, however, they slack off. Ants demonstrate the wisdom of planning ahead as they prepare for cold weather. For us such foresight might include planning for retirement or disabilities. We should take responsibility and be proactive rather than reactive in our financial planning and not depend on others to take care of us. Notice that the slacker, by contrast, is lazy. The writer was not criticizing the legitimate need for sleep, and we know that some people are “morning people” and others are “night people!” The writer’s concern was personal laziness, which leads to ruin. “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest…” (6:10) almost sounds like a Serta sleep commercial! A lazy person typically will experience poverty in life rather than prosperity. A person who sleeps on the job or who is chronically late for work will probably be fired or demoted. God relates that being wise about finances and money begins with working diligently.
EXAMPLE: David Roper writes that the apostle Paul had some tough words for shirkers: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Some circumstances may make it impossible for us to work. But if we're able-bodied and can find work, we must work with energy and diligence. This is not just good advice but a command from an inspired apostle and from our Lord Jesus Christ (v.12). Sloth is sin. Paul also had a word for workers: “Do not grow weary in doing good” (v.13). Our work may seem mindless, offering little challenge or stimulation, but we can do it "heartily, as to the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). We get weary in our work at times and want to give up, but we can stay the course if we understand that we're working for our Lord and ultimately for His eyes only (Ephesians 6:7). He is an employer who sees and knows all we do, and He values what we do and why we do it. Knowing that God cares about our work gives meaning to all our actions, even those no one else notices or appreciates. Michelangelo, painting in some obscure corner of the Sistine Chapel, was asked by one of his helpers why he lavished such attention on a part of the ceiling no one would ever see. He replied, “God will see.”
According to the Book of Proverbs, people who are able to work should do their jobs well. However, the Bible does not teach that all poverty is due to laziness or that all wealth is a result of hard work. Some people are poor due to circumstances beyond their control, and others are wealthy because they inherited it. We find that Paul urged believers to “do everything for God’s glory” (1 Corinthians 10:31). A job well done glorifies the Lord! We may work just to pay our bills, however, in being wise about finances and money we should also…
II. Avoid Debt (Proverbs 21:20)
1. A wise person plans for their future! Notice that the person who does their house will be full of treasure and oil. A wise person’s diligence and restraint allows them to save resources for future needs and to give generously. In contrast, a foolish person consumes their income. Many families spend all they make as rapidly as they make it. If more money comes in, they raise their level of consumption! Such families may never plan ahead. They lack a contingency plan for emergencies. Paul would remind us to “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8) It is estimated that individual credit card debt is around $9,000 for those who have at least one credit card, according to CardWeb. The news is full of stories on the huge default on home loans right now. In fact, some folks are finding they owe more on their loans than their house is actually worth! Paul reminds us that we are to “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5) Notice Paul equated greed with “idolatry!” Greed is simply the desire for more of what you do not have. This is why many get into heavy personal debt. We are to avoid debt because it enslaves us and tempts us to sin. God would say that this is simply being wise about finances and money.
EXAMPLE: Almost every week someone in my family receives a credit card application. We even got one for our old dog Brownie! Usually the person is “preapproved” for the credit card. Signing the application or making a phone call will activate the card. Not all debt is avoidable. A medical emergency, for instance, could force someone to take out a loan. Some people lose their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control. Major purchases, such as a house or a car, typically require indebtedness. Nevertheless, much debt could be avoided if people managed their money more wisely. In being wise about finances and money Christians should avoid debt.
Christians need to work to minimize their indebtedness. If we follow the principles laid out in the Book of Proverbs, we will be less likely to incur unwise debts. We also need to recall James’ advice to consider the transience of life when we make financial decisions: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14). Spending all we earn and unnecessarily going into debt is not wise. In fact, one of the major hindrances to generous giving in the church today is excessive personal debt. In being wise about finances and money the Christian should also…
III. Give Generously (Proverbs 11:24-25)
1. Some people in our society are oriented to getting instead of giving! Such individuals view giving money away as foolish. The writer noted that when we give freely, we will prosper. Why? It is an attitude of the heart. It reflects who we are in Christ. Believers must also remember that there are rewards for giving that are intangible. The Apostle Paul encouraged Christians at Corinth to share out of their bounty: “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11). God is most certainly concerned about both the rich and the poor: “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.” (Proverbs 22:2). Rich and poor are on an equal level before God; one is not favored over the other. God expects every believer give with a generous spirit. He does not look at your checkbook. This is why the writer states: “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (v. 11:25) It does not say a “rich” generous man. This verse reinforces our responsibility to be generous with our resources. Our contemporary mind-set tends to view generosity can only come when we can afford it. God entrusts some of His people with wealth that they might use it to help others, yet He does not excuse our meager means as a reason not to give! Remember the widow’s mite? (Mark 12:41-44) In fact, nowhere in this incident does Jesus say she was wrong to give or that she should not have given! We learn that in fact she was praised for giving all she had from a devout heart! Jesus taught: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38) In being wise about finances and money Christians are to give generously out of love for God, no matter what their financial circumstances.
EXAMPLE: I have heard and read many stories about the Great Depression of the 1930s. Few families had a car, plumbing, or electricity! However, most had a house, a well, an outhouse, wood for fuel, adequate clothing, and enough food. I grew up poor but never realized it, until much later, just how poor we actually were. How much money does a person need to be considered rich? And how much money does a person have to give away to be considered generous? It's hard to say, isn't it? In fact, it may be impossible to give a specific answer to those two questions. The apostle Paul did not set a percentage as a rule for giving, nor did he say that only the rich should give. Instead, he challenged the Corinthian Christians by telling them about the Macedonian believers who gave out of their “deep poverty” and “beyond their ability” because they “first gave themselves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:2-5). He reminded his readers of their Savior, the Lord Jesus, who exchanged the riches of heaven for poverty on earth so that they might be rich for all eternity. In being wise about finances and money Christians are to give generously out of love for God, no matter what their financial circumstances.
Conclusion:
In being wise about our finances and money, Christians are to: Work diligently, avoid debt, and given generously.
—
NOTE: This article is copyrighted by Pastor Lee Hemen © 2008 and the property of Pastor Lee Hemen. You are welcome to copy it, email it, or use it but please if you copy it, email it, or use it you must do so in its entirety.
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