“A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.” Proverbs 28:11
Devotional Thought For The Day
One commentator notes that “wealth blunts, poverty sharpens, the critical power of intellect.” Another notes that wealth tends to puff people up – that because they are able to gain and save wealth they soon consider themselves experts at everything else and expect everyone else to bow to their wisdom. And they will have an abundance of underlings buttressing this self-delusion with flattery – because these sycophants feed from the trough of the wealthy. The poor man has far fewer distractions and more time to think clearly and realistically, and if he has intellect he will soon note the stupidity of the rich, famous, and powerful. Sadly, this is one of the worst mental/spiritual infections of modern people, especially in the more prosperous nations: we consider wealth acquisition the ultimate good, and virtually worship those who are most successful at this. Because of this, the ignorant wealthy exert far more negative influence than they should be allowed. But the glitz and glitter blind the ignorant. Some of the greatest human tragedies have been consummated by these dynamics – principally the large-scale wars in human history.
So, it appears a difficult choice. Poverty seems not a great choice, especially if there is no wisdom or understanding to accompany it, and wisdom often does not pay the bills. At the same time, to be wealthy but shackled by foolishness and pompousness doesn’t seem very appealing at all. One commentator observes: “See how variously God dispenses his gifts; to some he gives wealth, to others wisdom, and it is easy to say which of these is the better gift, which we should covet more earnestly.” However, there is another possibility, and that is to be wise – also in our relation to money – even if God blesses us with wealth. And I’m certain that there are a few of these among the wealthy, even though money and riches have this distorting, deluding, and destructive influence. I suspect the percentage is quite low, and it would be quite a miracle to be wealthy and yet retain one’s wisdom and sanity. The ease of life afforded to the wealthy is a powerful mind-altering narcotic. We think we would be able to maintain our wisdom, but we have no way to grasp the effects we would be battling. So the proverb, and the rest of Scripture, warns against the evils of wealth and encourages us to acquire as much wisdom as we can.
So, a couple more quotes from wise and perhaps well to do commentators. “A poor but wise man can discover (and expose) the rich and self-conceited.” The options presented obviously favor the acquisition of wisdom. “Wisdom is a gift not depending on any earthly possession.” Whereas the wealthy have access to virtually every pleasure and the poor do not, wisdom is available to all regardless of socioeconomic standing. But ironically, wealth stands in the way of acquiring wisdom, and actually erodes and dissolves wisdom. What is wisdom dependent upon? It is the gift of God, one of the “charismata,” the spiritual gifts of God. The same is true of wealth, although this is one of the most difficult things for a wealthy person to understand and keep in mind, that his wealth actually is the gift of God, neither earned nor deserved. The contrary belief, that wealth is merit based and the product of one’s own power and prowess, is almost irresistible to the wealthy, but is the height of delusional foolishness.
If “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and the wise are those who are humble and contrite, and tremble at God’s Word [Is. 66:2], and God’s Word clearly states that every good and perfect gift comes from God, and that we receive our daily bread from His hand, then surely poverty is more blessed than wealth, in that it drives us to faith, trust, and humble dependence upon God, whereas wealth makes trust in God seem optional and often drives people to unbelief and godlessness. So in all matters, we should pray God to give us more faith, more humble submission to His Word, more joy in His love, His forgiveness, and His salvation, so that we are constantly growing in the praise and thanksgiving we offer to Him. Even the simplest and poorest believers can see and understand the utter foolishness of the self-reliant and godless rich man. But faith is also the gift of God, so such wisdom does not inflate but humbles, and jealousy and indignation at the rich gives way to pity. Let us all beware!
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, grant us daily growth in wisdom and genuine piety, so that we value and pursue wisdom rather than wealth. Grant us wisdom to discern foolishness wherever it is found, and preserve us from succumbing to it. Help us to grow in humility and trust and confidence in You, looking to You for all good and perfect gifts – including salvation and eternal life, and all of our earthly needs. You alone can work this good within us, so help us we pray, Lord Jesus. Amen.