Proverbs 23:4-5: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (NIV)
Focus is vital!! What is your focus in life? What is the meditation of your heart? In this passage the writer speaks of one who has a focus problem. His focus is on riches. He will work all hours to reach his goal. He is consumed with the desire for more money, more jewels, and more possessions. He will sacrifice personal time and family time, because he is out to build a kingdom ,and nothing else matters to him. His entire life is consumed with the pursuit of more.
Why does the writer say, Do not weary yourself to get rich? Because the goal is God, not riches. When a person's focus is on God, God brings abundant provision for that person walking in covenant with Him.
Proverbs 10:22 states, The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it. God is the source of our wealth. The proper focus on God will bring forth the blessing of God which will make rich.
We are not to overwork in the pursuit of riches, yet we are to be diligent in our work. Proverbs 10:4 teaches, Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring forth wealth.
These two verses teach us much about wealth. First, we see wealth comes from the blessing of God. Secondly, we see that diligent hands bring forth wealth. So which is right? Is it the blessing of God that brings forth wealth? Or is it diligent hands that bring forth wealth?
The answer is both of the above. To receive wealth in God's economy requires that we focus on Him. We seek His will and His place for us. Then we work with diligence in the task that God has given us to do. His blessing and our diligence is a winning combination that brings forth wealth.
Notice the writer says, have the wisdom to show restraint. Remember that in the economy of God, wisdom is the principal thing. And wisdom is always available. (See James 1:5-8)
Verse five relates that riches are quick to flee. A man who focuses on riches, is like the man who built his house on the sand. A man who foucses on God is like the man who built his house on the rock.
Remember in the parable that Jesus told, the house built on the sand was washed away when the storm came. But the house built on the rock stood firm. It withstood the wind of adversity and continues to provide shelter.
The storm will come. The winds of adversity will blow. Which house do you want to live in?
Don't seek riches, seek God. Be diligent, but don't overwork to be rich. Focus on God and you will not need to seek riches. Rather riches will seek you.
Wayne L. Williams
wayne@fotwm.org