This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.
Theme
In addition to being the wisest king in all the land (1 Kings 4:29-31), Solomon was also richer than any other king (1 Kings 3:13) because of his faithfulness in asking God to provide him with wisdom to lead.
How vast was Solomon's riches? Check out 1 Kings 10:14 - it states that each year, King Solomon took in almost 25 tons of gold! That's about 50,000 pounds of gold, or at today's value of gold ($1,542.48 per ounce), approximately $1.233 billion in gold each year.
In addition to being the wisest king in all the land (1 Kings 4:29-31), Solomon was also richer than any other king (1 Kings 3:13) because of his faithfulness in asking God to provide him with wisdom to lead.
How vast was Solomon's riches? Check out 1 Kings 10:14 - it states that each year, King Solomon took in almost 25 tons of gold! That's about 50,000 pounds of gold, or at today's value of gold ($1,542.48 per ounce), approximately $1.233 billion in gold each year.
Obviously Solomon is quite capable to speak about money, and in this chapter he shares how we should handle money in our lives, both personally as well as professionally. Nine of these verses speak directly about finances, and several others contain relevant truths in regard to finance and business. Here's a summary of those nine rules to live by:
- Verse 1 - In business, be honest in all of your dealings - with customers, with vendors, your employer, and your employees.
- Verse 4 - Your earnings here on earth won't help you at all after you pass away, but while you're alive, what you do and how you do it will affect life both down here as well as up there.
- Verse 15 - Don't sign for another person's debt. So important is this truth to Solomon that he steps away from his writing style of comparing good vs. evil and states this truth twice within the same breath.
- Verse 16 - There's a correct way and a wrong way to conduct your business affairs. Eventually those around you will see who you really are - either gracious or ruthless.
- Verse 18 - Seems like verse 4 is still stirring in his mind, as he repeats basically the same thought here too.
- Verse 24 - Give to gain, hoard and lose it all.
- Verse 25 - Want a blessing? Be that blessing to someone else.
- Verse 26 - Don't take advantage of people in a time of need, but help those who need assistance. It will be remembered as time marches on.
- Verse 28 - Trust in your money and fail! Trust in God and flourish.
Key Verses For Me
Proverbs 11:25 - The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Quote
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. - Booker T. Washington
If your only goal is to become rich, you will never achieve it. - John D. Rockefeller
If your only goal is to become rich, you will never achieve it. - John D. Rockefeller
Related Scriptures
Matthew 6:19-21 - Don't store up your treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Prayer
Father I am eternally grateful with what You have graciously blessed me with down here. For what I've wasted, I humbly ask for forgiveness. I pray that I, and the money that I have, are used in Your service and for your glory.
So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?