SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 22
MEMORY VERSES:
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)
“Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9_
“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.” (Proverbs 22:22-23)
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.” (Proverbs 22:24-25)
“Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts.” (Proverbs 22:26)
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.” (Proverbs 22:28)
God is the Maker of both the rich and the poor. What matters most is their character. Money can buy fame but not a good name. If you are humble, God will give honor and life along with the wealth. (v. 4).
DON’TS
- Do not oppose others because of your love of money. (v. 16)
- Do not exploit the poor and crush the needy in court. (v. 22)
- Do not make friends with hot-tempered man and associate with one easily angered. (v. 24)
- Do not allow debt to put you into bondage. (v. 26)
- Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers.
WARNINGS ABOUT WEALTH:
Wealth cannot give you peace and wisdom. But it can create pride and trouble and lure unfaithful friends. Fear God and share with the needy. Beware of someone who promises to make you rich easily because those schemes will backfire and leave you poor. The way to gain wealth is through hard work and faithfulness to God.
DISCIPLINE:
Parents should train a child the right way to go. Develop the individual capabilities of each child by teaching them how to make right decision and walk in right path.
LOANS:
Never apply for a loan without carefully examining your ability to repay it. A loan that we can handle is enabling but a loan that we cannot handle is enslaving.
LAZINESS:
A lazy man always make excuses to avoid working. Don’t be lazy. Take your responsibilities seriously and get to work.
FRIENDS:
Be cautious in your choice of companions. Choose people with characteristics you would like to develop in your own life. Avoid associating with hot-tempered man or you may learn his ways.
BOUNDARIES:
In Joshua’s time, the land has been divided and boundaries were marked out for each tribe. Moses warned the Israelites not to cheat their neighbors by moving any of the marker to give them more land while their neighbors less.