There are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs, just right for reading one a day. The benefit of a regular reading of the Proverbs is that you are constantly coming across verses you have forgotten. The Proverbs are rich with economic wisdom. Here is a sampling from today’s chapter:
14:4 – “Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.” You’ve got to have tools to make wealth, and sometimes those tools are messy. Don’t despise a messy barn, or a messy desk, if the mess is profitable.
14:20 – “The poor is hated even by his neighbor, but those who love the rich are many.” This proverb is an observation on reality, not a prescription for behavior. If you have money, you’ll have lots of “friends,” whereas the poverty of the poor can be measured not only in material terms but also in relational terms.
14:23 – “In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Sounds a lot like II Thessalonians 3:10. Stop talking about working, and work.
14:31 – “He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.” We are called to a) do no injustice to the poor; and b) to be generous to the poor.
SDG
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