CHRISTIAN? READ ON…RICHES AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

The LORD God Almighty, through the wise-man of old, had written it down for us, about the futility of riches, and what we actually need to life a full and fruitful life, in Proverbs 11:4…
– “4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death.”
1- Observe the contrast being drawn between riches and righteousness.
2- Riches may be of some use, but ultimately it is the righteousness, that helps us.
3- Righteousness is of God, never of our own. It is good for us to remember always, that it can never ever be of
our own.

Let us see a bit closer, what all this comparison is about, between riches and righteousness. The Word of God says…
– “4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath…” – Proverbs 11:4a
Riches have a strange sway over human beings. Many a man had bitten the dust, running after it, erroneously thinking, that riches can quench and satisfy the burning thirst deep within his soul. Sadly, man doesn’t seem to learn his lessons regarding riches. Even today, the story is still the same. Rather, it is much worse that what was in the past; and a lot many people seem to worship “Manon” than ever in the history of man.
– “21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21
– “24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” – Matthew 6:24
– “25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” – Matthew 6:25

Man runs after riches to secure his life and his loved ones. It is a deeply insecure state of mind, that seeks provision and protection in prosperity. Money never was, and never will be the solution, to any and every problem, that man has. Sadly, man in not interested in the solution that can solve all his problems. He is interested in solving his problems, in his own way. This doesn’t work…look at the world today, and where man stands.

The solution to seeking safety and security in riches, is found in seeking righteousness of God. The Bible makes it amply clear.
– “…But righteousness delivers from death.” – Proverbs 11:4b

A few more verses from the Bible gives us greater insight, and proper and balanced perspective, into the righteousness that is from God, in contrast with our insecurities, and our desire for money.
– “6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” – Matthew 5:6
– “31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:31-33

Let us learn to seek the LORD, for our safety and security, and not money. The love for money will destroy us. 
– “6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Let us be careful, and let us wisely tread the path before us. *May we always make God our source of security, and never ever, money.* Even so, the LORD help us.