Prov 10:2—”Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.”
From an external perspective it seems the more money you have, the better condition you’re in. It seems that in this world riches are most important, morality—not so much.
God your Creator says otherwise. He says that gaining wealth by illegal, sinful, or otherwise dishonest means is a waste, living only for the moment, failing to take the long look. In other words, if you’re not living for unending eternity, you’re living for the soon-to-pass present (cf. 1 John 2:15-17). It might indeed be a treasure, but if it’s gained by wickedness it’s worthless. How much did treasures help Belshazzar in Daniel 5:1–30 or the rich man in Luke 16:19–31?
In contrast to this is righteousness, conforming to God’s character and will. When you live to be and do right by God’s character and commands, that shows you’re in the narrow way that leads to life. Be sure of this: you don’t have eternal life because you’re doing right. Salvation from sin comes by relying on Christ alone for forgiveness of sins. But if you are on the narrow road leading to life, your life will be “righteous,” consistent with God’s character and commands.
All kinds of thought and effort go into gaining wealth by wickedness; how much thought and effort do you put into living a life characterized by righteousness? Don’t evaluate life by what you can see (or count), make decisions and judgments by God’s character and commands. Character is more important than currency, godliness then gold, faithfulness than followers.
- What is the focus, aim, and desire of your life? Compare Matt 6:25–34.
- How important is money to you? What will that do for you 100 years from now?
- What do you view as valuable and important? How will that “weigh” on God’s balance scale?
- What you live for tells and teaches others what you think is most important. What is your life telling and teaching?
