We’ve all heard the stories of people who won the lottery, contest, or sweepstakes. Their pictures are plastered on newspapers or social media with gigantic checks, making us green with envy and planning all we would do with such a load of cash.
The follow-up stories are fewer and harder to find: stories of hardship, family divisions, and bankruptcies. No one wants to see the downside of a big windfall, but they are real and painfully common.
Wisdom about money
Today’s verses come from the thirteenth chapter of Proverbs, and they reveal that the temptation to get rich quick is nothing new. In fact, most of this book of wisdom shows us that nothing is new under the sun. The things that lead to sin and foolishness today are old tricks in new clothing. Let’s look at the verses.
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want. (Proverbs 13:11, 25 ESV)
I can’t get no satisfaction
The second verse gives great insight into the first. When a person wants something without making an effort, it’s an indication that he lacks contentment with what he has. “The belly of the wicked suffers want.” He suffers with an obsession for more. It’s painful, because he finds no rest in his daily bread—God’s provision for this day.
The wicked are not satisfied with what God has provided and turn toward other things and schemes to quench their desires. This is where get-rich-quick schemes come into play. We see it in gamblers who can’t pull themselves away from the tables, slot machines, or online betting sites. It begins to consume their minds and steal their time from family, work, and God.
It shows up with those who can’t get through the day without buying a lottery ticket or entering sweepstakes. They expend huge amounts of money in small increments, not realizing they are going into debt over something that has little chance of providing the windfall they seek.
Often, when the slots or sweepstakes deliver, the money is still not enough. Instead of using it for household needs or saving it for the future, the winner “reinvests” their winnings into a new “sure thing.” More often than not, that sure thing fails to deliver, and they’re back to zero. The “wealth hastily gained” has dwindled, and their belly suffers want all over again.
The blessing of satisfaction
The person who lives according to God’s commands finds satisfaction in all God has provided. He works and earns consistently and with purpose. A job well done brings satisfaction both financially and for one’s well-being. “Work as unto the Lord” is the motivating factor for the righteous, and God rewards the heart set on Him.
The righteous are not tempted by get-rich-quick schemes because they see through them and recognize the inherent evil that lurks behind the bells and whistles. Instead of trusting God for provision, the righteous know such tricks are efforts by the evil one to diminish their dependence on the Lord.
What’s your attitude toward such schemes? The temptation to bet online, buy a ticket for a horse race, or play the lottery is huge. We can’t avoid them online, at the gas station, on the radio, or while watching television. Recognize them for what they are and ask the Lord to strengthen your resolve to find your satisfaction in His provision alone. Work for what you earn. Rest in what you have.
Grace and Peace
If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.
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