True riches

True riches

(Verses 7 and 8 in Chapter 13 of Proverbs are clubbed together).

There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches (Pro.13:7).

A person who strives only to enrich himself or herself has truly nothing in this life. Money or riches are perishable. They are nothing to last for ever. But one who becomes poor by giving to others has truly great riches which last for ever. Truly, he does not become materially poor as God gives him or her enough material to live comfortably. In the sight of God, such a life of contentment is tantamount to great riches. A millionaire who becomes rich without sharing his riches with the poor does not have "great riches" in the sight of God. The millionaire concerned inherits divine curses, Abraham said to the rich man languishing in the hell, "Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented (Luke 16:25). Abraham fondly called him "son". In the sight of God, the rich man was not a sinner but one who refused to share his good things with the poor.

The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. (Pro.13:8)

By money or riches, a man can redeem his or her life from captors or robbers who demand ransom. Money can give him long life by medical treatment or by dietary costly food.

But the poor man hears not rebuke. One who is not inclined to accept rebuke from elders or from God is truly poor and not rich in spirit. He or she also becomes materially poor as wisdom eludes him or her in legally earning and saving money.

Next.....Pride and wealth gotten by vanity