Lesson 29: True Wealth (part 2)
 Read James 5:1-6 – www.bible.com/bible/59/jas.5.esv

God’s concern is not with actual wealth, but with our attitude toward wealth. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” We believe in hard work. And for the Christian, our motto should be: Work hard and trust God. God ordained work so that we could provide for our needs. So, work hard. But don’t be a workaholic. Keep work in balance. Work is a tool, not a goal.

We read in 1Timothy 6:9-10 “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” Paul warns us of the many problems that come with a desire to be rich. He tells us to beware; it’s a trap! Notice what Paul says and does not say here.

Let’s look first at what he does not say. He does not say that money is evil. He does not say that money is a root of evil. Rather, he says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. God’s counsel is not against people who are wealthy, but against the wrong priorities of the wealthy. In 1Timothy 6:17 we read: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.”


God is very serious about how you get your money. Don’t fill your pockets by cheating people out of what you owe them. Don’t be dishonest with people. Don’t rip them off. When you owe someone something – pay what is due.

Employees – treat your employers fairly also. Give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. If you sell used cars – do it with honesty. If you’re get paid by the hour – don’t sit around wasting time. How you get your money – matters. Proverbs says: “In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tends only to poverty.” Proverbs 14:23

The way we spend our money is also very important. James tells his readers that they are spending their money wrong: James 5:5. We are not to waste our wealth. We are not to be – overly self indulgent. The more money you make the easier it is to waste it. We tend to say, “I deserve it. I’m worth it – I might as well enjoy myself.” Just because you can afford something – does not mean you should buy it. The Bible tells us not to waste our money.

*A very rich man wrote Proverbs 11:4 – what is his advice about wealth? _____