When It Comes to Money, Wisdom is the Key!

A pair of French men said their 35-year friendship has ended due to a dispute over a $1.3 million winning lottery ticket.

Messouad Boudissa, 79, and Cheikh Guendouzi, 73, from the village of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, said they ended their friendship following a dispute about the winnings from a $26 lottery ticket. Guendouzi said he loaned Boudissa the money to buy the ticket in July 2011, with the understanding that they would share any winnings, The Local.fr reported Monday.

Boudissa said there was no such agreement and he felt "betrayed" when Guendouzi took him to court.

"I won, just me. I bought the ticket and I won. No one else was playing with me," Boudissa said.

Half of the winnings have been seized from Boudissa's account pending the outcome of an appeal. -UPI, April 23, 2012

People often have conflicting ideas about money. Some say that it's sinful to be rich; others, that it is a virtue to be poor. Many others think that money provides the ultimate security. You can see how confusing this can all get!

So how do we know which idea is correct, or not? Well, it just so happens that the Bible says a great deal about money. It speaks about earning and spending, saving and giving. It even warns about wasting our money! The Book of Proverbs in particular discusses issues related to money; such as wealth, poverty, generosity, and greed.

What wisdom can be acquired from Proverbs concerning money? To answer this question, I feel that we should first consider what is said regarding wealth and poverty.

First, in regards to wealth. Wealth does have its advantages. For example, it offers a degree of security (Proverbs 10:15; 18:11; e.g., 13:8); companionship of 'friends' (Proverbs 14:20; 19:4,6-7); power or influence (Proverbs 22:7); and the ability to speak more freely (Proverbs 18:23).

But wealth doesn't provide everything. It does not deliver us from death (Proverbs 10:2; 11:4). In fact, those who trust in their riches will fall (Proverbs 11:28).

Now, regarding the acquisition of wealth. It must be gained honestly, such as through labor (Proverbs 13:11). It is best if it is acquired by labor, not inherited (Proverbs 20:21). Wealth is also best if gained gradually, not with haste (Proverbs 28:20,22). Additionally, wealth acquired unscrupulously is temporary and bitter (Proverbs 20:17; 21:5-6; 28:8).

Let's try keeping wealth in perspective. Don't overwork to be rich (Proverbs 23:4) because riches can easily disappear (Proverbs 23:5)! Wealth can be a blessing, but it can easily become a curse; wisdom makes the difference!

Regarding poverty, we are aware that some are poor because of circumstances beyond their control. It might be due to the greed of others (Proverbs 30:14). Or maybe even due to bad loans and extortion (Proverbs 28:8).

Others are poor because of their own sinful conduct. This can be: laziness (Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4; 14:23; 20:13; 24:30-34); refusing to heed, or listen to correction (Proverbs 13:18); pleasure seeking (Proverbs 21:17); drunkenness, gluttony (Proverbs 23:21); even wasting time on frivolous things (Proverbs 12:11; 28:19). Keep in mind that poverty is not always self-inflicted, but in many cases it is!

On the other hand, poverty also comes from other causes (natural disasters, God's chastisement, persecution, even voluntary choice). But as most Christians today are blessed with relative wealth, let's now consider what wisdom can be learned from Proverbs regarding the use of our money.

To make this easier to understand, let's break this topic up into two categories: generosity and greed. First, let's take a closer look at generosity, specifically the expression of generosity. This is reflected in the expression of generosity toward the needy (giving to the poor) (Proverbs 28:27). And toward the Lord (honoring Him with our first fruits) - Proverbs 3:9.

One might ask, "This is all well and good. But, what are the benefits of generosity?" For starters, how about the natural benefits (the inherent joy of giving) (Proverbs 11:17; 14:21). Then, there is the Divine benefits (the blessing of the Lord) (Proverbs 3:10; 11:24-25; 19:17). For true happiness, with the Lord as our Benefactor, we must be generous!

Next, in regards to greed, there are a couple of items to explore a little further. First, there are the qualities of greed:

a. Insatiable desires (like a leech) (Proverbs 30:15-16)
b. Laziness (Proverbs 21:25-26)
c. Hypocrisy (Proverbs 23:6-8)

Secondly, there are the dangers of greed, such as:

a. Troubles in one's self (Proverbs 1:19)
b. Troubles in one's family (Proverbs 15:27)

It's plain to see that in order to avoid misery, for ourselves and others, we must not be greedy!

In summary, with the aid of the Book of Proverbs, we can have wisdom regarding wealth, poverty, generosity, even greed! With the blessing of the Lord, we can experience both wealth that comes from honest labor; and generosity. This is generosity that springs from a merciful heart.

Certainly there is no place for arrogance and abuse when we have been materially blessed. The rich and the poor have this in common, The LORD is the maker of them all. (Proverbs 22:2). May the Lord give us the wisdom and grace to use our wealth properly!

Let's pray:

Dear Lord, as I go through my day;
help me to remember your teachings, and
remind me that I should apply what I know
towards others, in everything I do;
In this small way, I will help spread your message
of love, understanding, and compassion wherever I go,
and in whatever I do. Amen

Have a blessed day!

T.J.