Poverty and Wealth

An Outline of a Series of Sermons

1   The Bible has some things to say about money generally.

     1.1     As a general rule God blesses his people with material prosperity in this world. (Proverbs 11:31; 3:1-12, 16; Psalm 37:23-26)

          1.1.1  Prosperity does not mean having all the money we want, nor even necessarily a lot of it, but our having adequate financial resources, on a day to day basis, so that no one under our financial care (e.g. church, family, employees, etc.) is deprived of the necessities of life because of us (2 Corinthians 9:6-11, note especially verse 8, where "sufficiency" means "the state of one who supports himself without aid from others").

          1.1.2  This material provision is generally met by God's blessing our labors, rather than by money coming out of the blue.

               1.1.2.1    He rebukes the devourer so that our profits are not eaten up. (Malachi 3:11; Haggai 1:6-11; 2:15-19)

               1.1.2.2    He blesses the labor of our hands with success. (Malachi 3:11; Haggai 2:19; Psalm 1:3)

          1.1.3  Material prosperity is the general rule, as is good health; there will be exceptions.

               1.1.3.1    God's main concern for us, the good toward which he is working everything, is our being made holy. (Romans 8:29, 28; 1 Thessalonians 4:3)

                    1.1.3.1.1 God has ordained that trials and suffering work in a positive way to produce Christ-likeness in us. This can include physical sickness and poverty (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 1 Corinthians 4:9-13; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10; 11:23-29; 12:7-10)

                    1.1.3.1.2 Poverty, sickness, and other pressures often are chastisement for our unwillingness to deal with sin. (Hebrews 12:4-13; James 5:15, 16; Lamentations 3:39, 40) We ought always pray for God to show us why. (James 1:5 in context)

               1.1.3.2    We do not see the principles of Proverbs perfectly realized in this world because Jesus has not yet returned. (Hebrews 2:8; Romans 8:18-25)

               1.1.3.3    God's providence is ultimately inscrutable. A very basic element of faith is trusting our omnipotent and loving heavenly Father in the dark times. This is the fundamental message of Job. (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3; Psalm 73; Ecclesiastes 11:8; Luke 13:l-5; 16:19, 20) We must remember, however, that Job is the exception and Proverbs is the rule.

               1.1.3.4    More often than we might think, difficulties come our way so that God might miraculously deliver us. (Psalm 34:19; John 9:1-3; 11:4; Chronicles 16:8, 9)

     1.2     We must understand that money has no value in itself; it is a tool God uses.

          1.2.1  There is an absolute connection between how we manage money and our spiritual growth. (Luke 16:11)

          1.2.2  God uses money to train us for larger tasks. (Luke 16:10-13)

          1.2.3  God uses money to build our faith. (Malachi 3:10)

          1.2.4  There are other things more important than money. (Proverbs 15:16, 17; 16:8, 16, 19; 17:1; 19:1; 21:9, 19; 22:1; 23:4, 5; 27:20; 28:6; 30:7-9)

          1.2.5  God wants us to know increasingly that money cannot satisfy us, only Jesus. (Isaiah 55:1-3; Philippians 4:11-13; 1:21)

          1.2.6  Unless we have been set free from the love of money, God would curse us by sending it our way. (Psalm 105:15; Proverbs 30:7-9; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19)

2   There are things which promote wealth under the blessing of God.

     2.1     There are things which directly lead to prosperity.

          2.1.1  God blesses hard work and curses laziness. (Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4; 12:11, 24, 27; 14:23; 17:24 [failure to focus on the task at hand]; 18:19; 19:15; 20:4, 13; 21:25, 26; 24:30, 34; 26:16 [pride connected with laziness]; 27:23-27; 28:19)

               2.1.1.1    This grows out of the fall and its consequences (Genesis 3:17-19)

               2.1.1.2    And is involved in keeping the fourth commandment. (Exodus 20:9)

               2.1.1.3    Note that there is no time in our lives when we are exempt from this. (Deuteronomy 34:7; Joshua 14:10, 11)

          2.1.2  God wants us to learn the self-discipline involved in saving even a small amount of money out of earnings. If we cannot learn this, we will never be able to handle a lot of money. (Luke 16:10-13; Proverbs 20:21; 21:20; 13:11 NIV) (Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. NIV: Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. NASB: Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but the one who gathers by labor increases it.)

          2.1.3  We must carefully put our money into that which will produce more money not squander it on non-necessities. (Proverbs 14:4; 27:23-27; 31:16; 21:17; 24:27)

          2.1.4  We need divine wisdom. (Proverbs 3:13, 16; 8:18, 21; 24:3, 4)

               2.1.4.1    The Bible tells us how to get wisdom. (Proverbs 8)

                    2.1.4.1.1 We can get it by meditation on the scriptures. (Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 3:1-10; Joshua 1:8-9; Psalm 119:97-100)

                    2.1.4.1.2 We need to pray. (Proverbs 16:3; 3:5,6)

                    2.1.4.1.3 We need the fellowship of wise, godly persons. (Proverbs 13:20; 24:6; 20:18; 27:17; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

               2.1.4.2    Divine wisdom gives us practical knowledge for obtaining wealth.

                    2.1.4.2.1 We will be given foresight so that we may plan. (Proverbs 21:5; 22:3; 27:12)

                    2.1.4.2.2 We will have discernment about people and the real value of things. (Proverbs 20:14; 23:6-8)

                    2.1.4.2.3 We will understand how it is necessary and godly to show our gratitude to people by means of a gift.

                         2.1.4.2.3.1   Sometimes we need to give a gift in advance. (Proverbs 17:8; 18:16; 19:6; 21:14)

                         2.1.4.2.3.2   But we must beware of what we receive. (Proverbs 23:6-8)

                         2.1.4.2.3.3   And we should never try to get someone to do something unfair or illegal through a gift. (Proverbs 15:27; 17:23)

          2.1.5  We must think and speak positively. Rebuke or stay away from anyone who discourages you from believing the promises of God; fellowship with encouragers and encourage others. (Proverbs 12:14; 13:2; 18:20, 21; Deuteronomy 29:18-29; Numbers 13:25-14:1; Hebrews 10:23-26)

          2.1.6  Financial blessing will come as I learn self-discipline by submitting to authority. (Proverbs 27:18; Luke 16:12)

     2.2     There are things which indirectly lead to prosperity.

          2.2.1  God blesses tithing and generosity; this blessing normally includes financial prosperity. (Malachi 3:7-12; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Mark 10:28-30; Proverbs 3:9, 10; 11:24, 25; 14:21; 19:17; 22:9; 28:27 [compare 26:2])

          2.2.2  God honors humility with money. (Proverbs 22:4)

          2.2.3  God financially rewards godly living (Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 11:31; 10:22; 13:21, 22; 19:14; 15:6)

3   There are things which promote poverty under the judgment of God.

     3.1     There are things which are directly related to poverty.

          3.1.1  Ostentation of wealth is foolish. (Proverbs 12:19; 13:7)

          3.1.2  Failure to deny ourselves luxuries will keep us in poverty. Attachment to worldly goods brings poverty to our spirit regardless of our income. God gives so that we can learn self-denial and give back to him. If we lack financial self-sufficiency and indulge ourselves with non-necessities we play the fool. (Proverbs 21:17; 24:17; Luke 12:48; Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4, 9; 9:6-11)

          3.1.3  Laziness will produce poverty.

          3.1.4  Failure to exercise self-discipline in bodily stewardship is related to failure in the area of financial stewardship. (Proverbs 23:20, 21).

          3.1.5  While we may not say absolutely that all debt is sinful, debt is always viewed negatively in the Bible.

               3.1.5.1    It is possible that debt violates Romans 13:8.

               3.1.5.2    Indebtedness is slavery. (Proverbs 22:7)

               3.1.5.3    An examination of the Deuteronomic blessings and curses tells us much about debt.

                    3.1.5.3.1 If the Israelites would obey God, they would never have to incur debt. (Deuteronomy 15:4-6; 28:12)

                    3.1.5.3.2 Debt would only come about through failure to walk in covenant fidelity. (Deuteronomy 15:4-6; 28:43-45; 8:11-20)

                    3.1.5.3.3 In Deuteronomy debt is seen as slavery, a curse from God, and poverty. (Deuteronomy 15:6; 28:12, 43-45)

                    3.1.5.3.4 The ability to loan money is seen as a blessing.

                         3.1.5.3.4.1   It comes from faithful living. (Deuteronomy 28:12)

                         3.1.5.3.4.2   While it is sinful to charge interest to a brother in need of necessities, it is not sinful to charge interest otherwise. (Exodus 22:25-27; Leviticus 25:36; Deuteronomy 23:20; Nehemiah 5:10; Proverbs 28:8)

                         3.1.5.3.4.3   It was an obligation of the covenant community to loan to one's brother in need without interest;

                              3.1.5.3.4.3.1     and if he could not repay his debt within seven years, it was to be canceled. (Deuteronomy 15:1-3, 7-11; Galatians 6:10; Luke 6:34-36)

                              3.1.5.3.4.3.2     However, we should temper this with concern for a person's eternal welfare. (Proverbs 16:26; 30:15, 22; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)

               3.1.5.4    Because we live in a fallen world, sometimes the Lord's people will be in debt. Some Early Christians were slaves, too, and if we are able, we ought to get free. (1 Corinthians 7:21-23)

               3.1.5.5    The Bible distinguishes between God's revealed will (Holy Scripture) and his will of decree (whatever happens). (Matthew 6:10; Deuteronomy 29:29) Poverty (one form of which is debt) is sometimes decreed for the good of God's people. (Romans 8:28)

          3.1.6  Never co-sign a loan. (Proverbs 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16; 22:26, 27; 27:13)

     3.2     Wickedness in general brings about poverty supernaturally through what is called a curse. (Cf. Proverbs 26:2; 11:16 with 11:18; 13:22, 25; 15:6, 27; 19:3; 22:16, 22, 23)

          3.2.1  Sexual sin brings on a financial curse. (Proverbs 6:26, 31, 32; 5:8-10; 29:3)

          3.2.2  Stealing is cursed; (Proverbs 1:13, 18, 19; 6:31; 20:17; 21:16) it is especially cursed when it involves the dishonoring of one's parents by the theft. (Proverbs 28:24)

          3.2.3  Charging interest in violation of the obligation to provide for the poor is cursed. (Proverbs 28:8)

          3.2.4  Stinginess is cursed. (Proverbs 21:13)

          3.2.5  Those who love money are cursed with dissatisfaction. (Proverbs 23:4; 28:6, 11, 20, 22; 30:15)

          3.2.6  Rebellion against authority is cursed. (Proverbs 24:21, 22; 17:11)

          3.2.7  Gloating over others' misfortune can bring calamity to us. (Proverbs 17:5)

          3.2.8  Pride brings financial judgment. (Proverbs 15:25; 16:18)

          3.2.9  Is a government's failure to have hard money (i.e., money based on some tangible absolute) cursed as "dishonest scales"? (Proverbs 13:11; 11:1; 16:11; 20:10, 23)

     3.3     The moment we bring our sin to God we are on the path of blessing because Jesus bore both the guilt and the consequences of our sin. (Galatians 3:13, 14)

          3.3.1  In the salvation of the soul, the act of justification involves the removal of the guilt of sin and Christ's own righteousness being credited to our account, while the process of sanctification involves the removal of the consequences of our sin in our being renewed to the paradise-state, image of God.

          3.3.2  There is an analogy between the salvation of the soul and financial freedom. The moment we are conceived we assume debt, not just our portion of the national debt, but the obligations we are going to face to provide for ourselves and others in the course of time. After food and clothing, the most important, and by far the most expensive debt (obligation) we face is the acquisition of a home. How does one acquire a home.

               3.3.2.1    We must always begin with earnest prayer, scriptural meditation, and wise council. (Cf. II. A. 4. above)

               3.3.2.2    We then may receive a home debt-free by two ways.

                    3.3.2.2.1 We could receive one by a direct act of God. (This is not usually how it happens, Cf. I. B. above)

                    3.3.2.2.2 We could receive an inheritance. (This is God's ideal.) (Proverbs 13:22; 19:14; 2 Corinthians 12:14)

               3.3.2.3    If God does not provide us with a home in this way, we are still obligated adequately, safely, and healthily to shelter ourselves and those for whom we have covenant responsibility. We are de facto in debt. Should we rent or buy on time?

                    3.3.2.3.1 Purchasing a house on time allows us to work our way out of debt. We might call this financial sanctification.

                    3.3.2.3.2 Renting a house keeps us forever in debt without hope. (This does not mean everyone should be buying a house. (Cf. II. A. 4. above)

          3.3.3  Are you in debt? To the extent that you are, you are not fully enjoying God's financial blessings. But do not despair; trust and obey. The moment you do that, you are in the place of blessing.

               3.3.3.1    Debt for a necessity is not wrong

4   There are biblical principles about giving.

     4.1     God desires to bless his people financially that they might freely, joyfully, and faithfully give his blessings back to him. (2 Corinthians 9:6, 8, 10, 11) (Cf. III. A. 2. above)

     4.2     We need to give to God before we pay our other obligations. (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-3; Mark 12:41-44; 1 Kings 17:12-14)

     4.3     By faith we can give beyond our ability. (2 Corinthians 8:3; John 6:8 ff.)

     4.4     What matters is the state of my heart. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:7; Mark 10:21-31; Matthew 6:19-24)

     4.5     Legalistic, begrudging giving is cursed by God. (Proverbs 15:8; 2 Corinthians 8:8; 9:7)

     4.6     If all the Lord's people gave as they should, no work of God should ever lack. (2 Corinthians 9:12)

     4.7     Giving produces glory to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11-13)

     4.8     The Communion of the Saints involves sharing our burdens and our wealth. (Romans 15:25-28; note 15:27).

     4.9     Those who are officers in the church have a particular responsibility to demonstrate financial responsibility and freedom from the love of money. (1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:16-21; 1 Timothy 3:3, 8; Acts 8:18-20; 2 Kings 5:15, 16, 20-27; Matthew 10:8)

Bob Vincent