14th May 20193rd June 2019 Travis Snode

Wise Financial Management – Prov 6:1-11

Devotions

Another area in which all of us need wisdom is in regards to our finances. Solomon addresses this in Proverbs 6:1-11. He deals with two different aspects – 1) how we manage our income (v.1-5) and 2) how we work to gain an income (v.6-11).

The first area to consider is how we manage the money we have. If we are constantly getting involved in foolish financial dealings, such as co-signing on high-interest loads for our friends, we will get ourselves in trouble. We should do everything in our power to be delivered from such foolish arrangements. Without wisdom in money management, no amount of income will ever be enough.

If we are constantly getting involved in foolish financial dealings, such as co-signing on high-interest loads for our friends, we will get ourselves in trouble. We should do everything in our power to be delivered from such foolish arrangements. Without wisdom in money management, no amount of income will ever be enough.

• How could we be more wise in our financial dealings?
• Are we putting the Lord first in our finances through giving?
• Are we avoiding debt and foolish financial dealings?
• Are we saving up for the future?
• Are we living on a budget?

The second area Solomon addresses is our work ethic. Sometimes our problem is not how we manage our money, it is that we won’t work hard enough to earn what we need. We are lazy, sluggards who sleep too much, whose poverty comes with certainty. Instead, we should learn from the ant who works hard without any one overseeing him. The ant also works at the right time, in advance, before winter comes, saving up so that he has what he needs.

• What is our attitude toward work?
• Do we only work when others are watching us and telling us what to do?
• Do we work and save up before the need arises?
• Do we work hard or are we continually obsessed with rest and sleep?
• What small concessions are we making that will lead to certain poverty?