Money, Part 2: A Neglected Promise

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

We love God’s promises, and they are everything to us: His promises of faithfulness, strength and help in time of need, His unfailing and unending grace, His mercies that last forever. There is almost no end to the Bible’s promises that are obvious blessings to us.

Some scriptures, however, are just as strong a promise, and don’t seem like a blessing. But they most certainly are. Proverbs 28:20 is one such promise, but one not found in most lists of promises or little promise cards we might use. To some, it might seem like a warning. But to the rest of us, it can be a lifesaver and a word of direction that can save us untold miseries.

When we are warned that a certain road contains guaranteed dangers and punishments, it’s a blessing to know. Then we can avoid it. And the scripture gives us direction about the good alternative: being faithful.

Of course, this addresses two of the central themes of Scripture: that we are called to be faithful first and foremost (as opposed to successful) and that riches are not to be sought in place of seeking the Lord (see Luke 6:24 and yesterday’s devotional).

Even the phrasing is colorful and specific enough to be a blessing. We know that folks who hasten can trip and fall, can skip over or blindly move past their real responsibilities, and can run into and hurt other people. These are things God wants to save us from. And since He does want to bless us (see the first part of the verse), he directs us instead to faithfulness.

Obviously, we can work to make money, but only in the context of being faithful to Him. And we are happily warned about the dangers of “hastening” after riches. So as we thank God for His promises, let’s remember this one and the merciful assurances and warnings it provides.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for all your promises. Thank You for the direction of this word, and Your heart that we see in it. Please stop me if I start to hasten in the wrong direction, and let me joyfully rest in the blessings that come with being faithful to You.