Do You Save Well?
“Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a fool consumes them.”
Proverbs 21:20 CSB
How would you describe your money habits? Are you a spender or a saver? Are you good at preparing for the future? Are you ok with delayed gratification, or do you want everything right now? How often do you find yourself in a pinch not having the money you need to pay your bills?
As we have been working our way through the book of Proverbs we have found that Solomon speaks to many different areas of life with wisdom, and here he speaks to the idea of our material goods and money. Having enough is often not as difficult as we make it out to be, especially living where we do. There is more than enough work available (have you noticed all of the hiring signs?) and plenty of food and material goods available to be purchased. Our problem is a consumption problem. The vast majority of Americans are unwilling to wait for anything. They want the immediate satisfaction of having things and enjoying things now. Because of this mentality they are in debt up to their eyeballs, living pay check to pay check, and stressed out most of the time. The sad truth is it doesn’t have to be this way. The simple advice of Solomon is, “a wise person” plans ahead, stores up and lays up provisions for when times are tight. This action is just as easy as it sounds. The hard part of this is telling yourself “no” and being ok with not having the newest “whatever is trending” thing and not being concerned with what every one else is doing.
Let me end this morning with this thought. Solomon is not talking here about accumulating stuff or hoarding things, he is referring to experiencing freedom and removing stress. Those who plan well and live their lives working the plan are able to live life at peace and give and help others as they see needs. This is really how we as Christ followers have been called to live our lives.
How about you, are you living as a wise person? Or are you consuming all you have?
-Pastor Tim