If Your Money Could Talk - Proverbs 3, 11, 13, 15, 16 and 23 - June 29,2008

Sunday School Lesson – If Your Money Could Talk – June 29, 2008

This is our final lesson in our series of study.

Our scripture is Proverbs 3:9-10; 11:24-26; 13:11; 15:16-17; 16:11; 23:4-5.

To me the essence of this lesson is in the title, if “YOUR “money could talk. Our attitude regarding money and our possessions reflect our relationship to our LORD. When our relationship with HIM is where it should be, our attitude toward the possessions HE allows us to manage for HIM will be in proper perspective. It is vital that we allow HIM to direct our giving and use of our resources. Often we try to show GOD how generous we are by giving or how we use our resources. Giving is good but we need to give as HE directs. Give without expecting to obtain more possessions. We must manage our possessions wisely by seeking GOD’S guidance which means our relationship with HIM is vital.

GOD gives to those who give but it may not be a monetary gain. It may be the joy of being obedient to what HE has asked us to do. In fact GOD may test us at times to let us see the attitude of our hearts toward giving. Many of us give with the expectation of our money or resource source not running out. When our money or resources being to dwindle, often, we become disappointed or discouraged and question the care of the LORD.

We as humans are very much performance oriented. We do what is expected and we in turn expect to be rewarded in tangible ways. God blesses us with the ability to earn money and manage our resources. GOD can also send us a message when things seem to go south. We might need to refine or change our management skills or earning skills. We may be relying on our own abilities and leaving GOD out of our decision making process. We may be depending on GOD to do all the work. If we invest in a “dog” (meaning no good to begin with), it will respond accordingly. There are times GOD may make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear but most often HE teaches us
to work hard to find the silk.

If our money could talk, and it does, it might tell us that we are not being wise in our use of it or our ability to manage it. Our money could tell us that we are relying more on the care that our money can give us versus relying on our LORD to care for us. I had to ask myself the question regarding my resources during the preparation of this lesson. It was most revealing and I need to make some changes, which I am in the process of doing.

The Bible is very clear earning money and managing our resources is what GOD expects from HIS children. We need to be careful when we give on our own because we may be enabling people to trust in us rather than trusting in the provision of the LORD. That is why we need to seek GOD’S guidance when we give. This is true whether our help or giving is to an organization or individuals.

Let’s read Proverbs 3:9-10 and 15:16-17:

9 Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest;[9] Lv 23:9–14 10 then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine.[10] Mal 3:10

16 Better a little with the • fear of the Lord than great treasure with turmoil. 17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.[13] Ps 37:16; 16:8,19; 17:1

I love the word “honor.” It means to “to make important.” God wants us to honor HIM and reflect HIM when we use the resources HE has allowed us to obtain, as HE directs us. When we make HIM important, it causes us to focus on HIM and HIS provision and sufficiency for us. When our relationship is right with HIM, we want to show our appreciation and gratitude to HIM for HIS care for us and our family. HE wants us to give HIM the first fruits of the entire harvest - spring, summer, fall and winter from a grateful and faithful heart. Regardless of when we harvest, HE wants us to have a generous heart because HE has been generous to us. When we give the first fruits to GOD, it honors GOD as the giver of these resources and shows our faith in HIM to provide bounty until all the resources are harvested.

We as humans must be careful not to give because we fear if we do not give we will lose what we have. What are our hearts and our money telling us? Are we giving for to honor GOD?

GOD allows the rain to fall upon both the just and the unjust. When the rain stops or the crops fail, how do the “just” respond versus the “unjust” respond? Tough times are challenging to both. The difference is the “just” have their hope and faith in the care of the LORD. This is a witness to the “unjust”.

In Solomon’s day the major harvest were grains, fruits such as grapes and animals. GOD tells us to plan for the future and store up but for the right reasons. When believers maintain the proper relationship with GOD their bounty will be used as HE directs and for HIS glory. Sometimes bounty can change a person’s attitude and heart but when GOD is “honored” it helps him or her to keep the proper perspective when their barns are full and their vats are overflowing. They recognize and acknowledge that GOD is their sufficiency and not themselves.

Verses 16 and 17 reinforce the idea of whether the LORD has blessed a person with much or little to honor the LORD with what he or she has. The important thing to GOD is not the size of what we possess but that we have a heart that honors HIM.
We must remember the widow’s mite. With GOD, it is always the attitude of the heart that is important, not the size of the gift. JESUS said even a cup of cold water will not go unnoticed with the FATHER.

Let’s read Proverbs 23:4-5:

4 Don’t wear yourself out to get rich; stop giving your attention to it. 5 As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.[4] Pr 13:11; 20:21; Jr 17:11

Solomon tells us not to focus on earning great wealth because it will ruin our health and it will flee from us. Seek first the relationship with HIM. Those who seek wealth always want more. How much is enough? It is easy for the wealthy to trust in their wealth to take care for them versus GOD caring for them. GOD sees the beginning and the end, HE sees the things hidden and the things revealed and HE has the power to alter that which needs to be altered. All the resources in the world cannot do that.

Do not focus on the power of possessions but focus on GOD, WHO is the power of the universe. This does not mean not to try to earn a living but to focus on that which is the “most important.” Don’t focus on earthly treasure that you will leave behind the moment you take your final breath. Focus on being obedient to GOD and store up treasure in heaven.

Let’s read Proverbs 13:11 and 16:11:

11 Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle,[11] Pr 10:2; 20:21; 23:5 but whoever earns it through labor[12] Lit whoever gathers upon (his) hand will multiply it.[13] Pr 10:4; 21:5–6

11 Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag[16] Merchants kept the stones for their balance scales in a bag. are His concern.[17] Pr 11:1; Lv 19:36; Ezk 45:10; Mc 6:11

Solomon deals with possessions obtained by fraudulent means. Such ill-gotten wealthy will fade away but those who make an honest living will see their wealth multiply. We live in a world where most young people want fast money. That is why scams, schemes, fraud, drugs, prostitution, shoplifting, to name a few ways to get quick money, are so prevalent today.

Honest work seems to be the slow way to earn money and obtain possessions. But in the long run honest work is the best way to gain wealth. Young folks need to look at various money investing and savings instruments just to see what they can accumulate over a lifetime.

In Solomon’s day there were those who would cheat people because they had scales or weights that were not correct. In the old days many of us heard of the dishonest grocer that either adjusted their scale to weigh wrong or they would place their thumb on the scale to make what you were purchasing weigh more. GOD will be the final judge.

Let’s read Proverbs 11:24-26:

24 One person gives freely, yet gains more;[26] Pr 11:25; 21:26; Ps 112:9 another withholds what is right, only to become poor.[27] Pr 13:7; 22:16; 28:27 25 A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.[28] Pr 3:9–10; Mt 10:42 26 People will curse anyone who hoards grain, but a blessing will come to the one who sells it.

Again, we cannot out give GOD. Often we are tempted to hold back when things become tight. Again, we must manage our resources but why are we holding back? Do we trust more in our resources than we do in GOD’S provisions for us? Our money can tell us.

We must make wise decisions of how, when and where we use our resources. We receive many requests for money. Many are worthy requests but if we gave to all soon our resources would be depleted. This is why we must give as GOD directs. This is not to say that HE may ask us to deplete our resources.

In Solomon’s day, water was scarce during May thru September. Therefore, sharing even a cup of water would not go unnoticed by GOD.

Solomon mentions hoarding. Hoarding can be done to drive the price of a commodity higher; Simple supply/demand. Today this is practiced in a variety of commodities such as wheat, corn and crude oil. If supply is increased then the cost of that commodity is reduced. It was the same in Solomon’s day.

The point Solomon is making is a person can put aside commodities but there is a time they need to sell them. The seller will make money and those who purchase them can use them for themselves and give some to the poor. But those who have should not hoard to the detriment of others.

GOD expects HIS children to use what HE has blessed them with to bring honor to HIM. It is not for HIS ego but for our benefit. It keeps us focused upon HIM during times of plenty and prepares us for the hard times. Having things is not wrong but the love of things over GOD is the problem.

If our money could talk, what would it tell us? It does talk we need to observe and listen to what it is saying as the HOLY SPIRIT searches our hearts. We must use our resources wisely. Honor HIM by seeking HIM first.

Word Power Made Wise - Proverbs 17, 18, 25, and 26 - June 22, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – Word Power Made Wise – June 22, 2008

This is lesson four (4) in our series of study.

Our scripture is Proverbs 17:27-28; 18:20-21; 25:11-12; 26:20-22, 28.

It is hard for most of us to realize the power words have. We often hear children saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me.” Words do hurt and often make or break people, particularly children and young people. Words of encouragement build up, the wrong type of criticism can be a problem for many.

During my career I have seen opinions formed by managers about employees that followed them during their career and even when the problem had been corrected. A good manager needs to correct poor performance. If that person cannot perform, after counseling and attempts to correct them, he or she needs to be terminated. This is true of poor performing managers.

Words can be used for encouraging and building up or they can be used as weapons to discourage and tear down. Likely most of us have said things we wish we could take back but once released, they do their work whether good or bad. GOD tells us that HIS Word is like seeds. Once HIS Word is distributed it either falls upon good soil, poor soil, rocky soil or among weeds. Let GOD till the soil of your heart so HIS Word will produce fruit that will glorify HIM and others.

Let’s read Proverbs 17:27-28:
27 The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head[23] Lit spirit is a man of understanding. 28 Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning, when he seals his lips.[24] Pr 10:19; Jms 1:19; 3:2

Proverbs 15:28:
28 The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.[22] Pr 15:2; 18:13

Often it is hard to restrain our words. I have been in meetings and heard people go on and on about nothing. This wastes the time of all sitting around listening to the person talk. Sometimes it is the boss and you are captured.

It is often best not to speak, especially when you are upset or angry. However there are times a person needs to be firm. The key is to listen, think and respond as needed. I admire my wife, children, sons-in-law and daughter-in-law for the way they handle matters. I wish I could claim credit but they acquired these skills on their own.

Solomon tells us it is often better for a person to keep silent. Silence even works to the benefit of a foolish person. When Solomon uses the word “fool”, he means the opposite of “wise.”

As mentioned earlier, words can be used as weapons. Our human nature is to defend and we use words to defend. The Bible is clear we do have the right to defend. There are times very stern words need to be said. But let’s think for a moment about when we take matters into our own hands and use words as weapons. GOD tells us in
Romans 12:19:
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

I am convinced that when we take matters into our hands we take it from GOD’S hands, so to speak. I think GOD allows us to do it our way to let us see where that leads until we finally throw up our hands and turn matters over to HIM.

Romans 8:28 tells us:
28 We know that all things work together[16] Other mss read that God works together in all things for the good[17] The ultimate good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

GOD is in all things working to bring about the right results for HIS children. Silence is good but be careful not to let your silence build to a point of exploding. Seek wise counsel when you feel the tension building in your life about a matter that needs to be addressed. Address the matter when you are in control of your emotions, if possible. Ask GOD to provide you with the wisdom, constraint, power, courage and words that you need. Ask HIM to reveal a verse of scripture to you that can be used to help keep you focused on HIM and HIS provision for you as you address a matter. Ask HIM to provide a person you trust who can stand with you as you deal with this matter. Do you want your “pound of flesh” or do you want to address the matter to resolve it? Retaliation is using the situation to attack and it will likely result in the escalation of the matter.

Let’s read Proverbs 18:20-21:
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips.[20] Pr 1:31; 12:14; 14:14 21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.[21] Pr 13:2; Mt 15:11,18–20; Jms 3:8

The mouth takes in food and processes it so it will nourish our body. The body benefits from the right use of the mouth to take in the right food. By the same token the mouth, especially the tongue, can be used to produce good or evil.

Just as food satisfies hunger, speech satisfies both the wise and the foolish. The wise use of the mouth can bring healing or bring light to that which is hidden and can solve matters. The foolish blurt out a volume words but such a release of words only satisfies the foolish.

Both the wise and the foolish are accountable to GOD. GOD delights in the wise but despises the foolish.

The Bible tells us that every word we utter will not escape the ears of GOD and we will be held accountable to HIM.

Matthew 12:36-37:
36 I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.[13] Lit will speak 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Let’s read Proverbs 25:11-12:
11 A word spoken at the right time is like golden apples on a silver tray.[8] Or like apples of gold in settings of silver [9] Pr 8:10; 15:23; 16:16 12 A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.

Solomon used things of value to compare them to right words spoken at the right time. These valuable words include words of correction when the hearer receives them with the intent of taking them to heart.

It takes a person with a cool head and a wise person to speak these golden words. These golden words come from a life that is in relationship with GOD. In fact the believer uttering these words may never realize the tremendous positive impact they have had on a situation or life until the day GOD rewards those obedient to HIM.
Sadly a believer may never realize the negative impact harsh words had on a person until eternity.

The hearer also has a responsibility. He or she needs to have a receptive ear or listening ear. A listening ear is a person who listens with the intent of putting into action the wise counsel they are receiving.

Proverbs 15:4:
4 The tongue that heals is a tree of life,[4] Pr 11:30; 13:12 but a devious tongue[5] Lit but crookedness in it breaks the spirit.
How do we want to be remembered, a believer with a healing tongue or a devious tongue? May our speech be as golden apples that glorify our LORD.

Let’s read Proverbs 26:20-22, 28:
20 Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down. 21 As charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.[11] Pr 15:18; 16:28; 22:10 22 A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.[12] Lit to the chambers of the belly [13] Pr 18:8

28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.

Solomon in essence is saying without fuel a fire goes out. When we hear gossip, we have a choice to fuel it or let it die. Gossip can be true or untrue. If gossip reveals a situation that has the potential of endangering others, check it out. If true, then you need to take action. You can approach the person who is the subject of the gossip. Of course, I know of a situation where a person was accused of molesting boys. He was approached and denied it but when the facts came out, he was guilty.

Here it seems Solomon is addressing false rumors. In those cases we do not need to pass them along but we need to let them die with us.

Solomon addressed a lying tongue. This carries the idea of lying under oath, such as in a court of law. In Solomon’s day if a witness was caught lying, they received the same punishment as the person being charged.

Gossip boils down to an attitude of the heart. Gossip is talking about people behind their backs. The gossiper is not under an oath to “tell the truth and nothing but the truth” thus they feel no restraint to embellish what he or she hears. However, he or she forgets that GOD is their judge and he or she is accountable for every careless word he or she speaks.

Solomon speaks of a lying tongue in the context of undeserved flattery. Often we praise people because of their position in society and we flatter them when they do not deserve it.

Whether or not we spread gossip often boils down to relationship. When we hear of something someone has done wrong, do we delight or does it break our heart? A measure of our relationship to our LORD is when the things that break the heart of GOD also break our hearts. Then we know we have the right relationship with our LORD. Is our first response to pray for that person or to pick up the phone to pass what we have heard onto others?

The Bible has much to say about our tongue. The book of James has much to say about the tongue:
James 1:26: 26 If anyone[8] Other mss add among you thinks he is religious, without controlling his tongue but deceiving his heart, his religion is useless.

James 3:1-12:
Controlling the Tongue
1 Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment; 2 for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says,[1] Lit in word he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.[2] Lit to bridle the whole body 3 Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal.[3] Lit whole body 4 And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So too, though the tongue is a small part [of the body]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our [bodies]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. ; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by • hell. 7 For every creature—animal or bird, reptile or fish—is tamed and has been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our[4] Or bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine [produce]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.

Controlling our tongue is vital in serving our LORD. The tongue is a small thing but it has far reaching effects both for good and for evil.

James 1:19-20:
19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
This lesson hits us all. May our speech glorify our LORD whether we praise HIM, speak to others in the market place, at church or at home. LORD sanctify our tongue because it reveals our heart.

Proverbs 21:23 tells us - 23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.[26] Pr 12:13; 13:3

How to Stormproof Your Home - Proverbs 23:22-24:4 - June 15, 2008

Sunday School Lesson - How to Stormproof Your Home – June 15, 2008

This is lesson three (3) in our series of study.

Our scripture is Proverbs 23:22-24:4.

As we continue to study Proverbs, we see the relationship between living a wise earthly life and living our spiritual life. Our study today deals with the choices in our earthly life that seriously impact our personal life, our family life and our relationships with others. As we see the impact these choices have on our earthly relationships, we need to consider the things that either strengthen or undermine our spiritual relationship with our LORD.

Let’s read Proverbs 23:22-25:

22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when[15] Or because she is old. 23 Buy—and do not sell—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.[16] Pr 4:5,7; 16:16 24 The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly, and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him. 25 Let your father and mother have joy, and let her who gave birth to you rejoice.[17] Pr 10:1; 15:20; 17:21; 23:15–16

Again Solomon uses the father-son relationship for instruction. He tells children to respect their parents and listen to them. In Solomon’s day, the father generally died before the mother. Solomon is saying take care of your mother, especially when she becomes a widow.

Solomon urges the son to use his time to listen to his father and not let other things rob him of learning truth, wisdom, instruction and understanding from his father. Don’t let anything lure you away from listening and learning from your father.

The parents of a righteous son (daughter) or a son (daughter) who is obedient to his (her) parents rejoice, delight and find great joy in him (her).

Let’s relate this to our relationship with our heavenly FATHER. As believers, GOD’S desire is for HIS children to listen to HIM. HE wants us to listen to HIM and seek truth, wisdom, instruction and understanding from HIM. But do we allow the desires of our hearts lure us away from spending time with the ONE WHO has our best interest in HIS mind? To build a relationship with our earthly father requires a decision.

To spend time and learn from our FATHER requires a decision. The world and our flesh want to lure us away from building a relationship with GOD. But GOD asks us to spend time with HIM, learn of HIM and learn from HIM. It is all about relationship. When we choose wisely HE rejoices, delights and finds great joy in us. Do you want to bring great joy to GOD? Then read again what this scripture says pleases your earthly father and relate it to your relationship with GOD.

Let’s read Proverbs 23:26-28:

26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. 27 For a prostitute is a deep pit, and a forbidden woman is a narrow well; 28 indeed, she sets an ambush like a robber and increases those among men who are unfaithful.[18] Pr 6:26; 7:22–23; 22:14

Again, Solomon used the father-son relationship. How many fathers or mothers today can tell their children to “observe his or her ways”?

Fathers instruct your children about the things that will ensnare them. In that day, as well as today, prostitutes and loose women were out to lure you. This includes all types of sexual lures such as pornography, sexual deviations, sexual perversions, sexual abuse, internet sex and illicit sex.

The “forbidden woman” mentioned in this scripture is a married woman on the prowl. Expanding this in today’s society, it includes a married man or woman on the prowl.

There are barriers in life that once they are crossed it becomes easier to cross them again and again. In today’s society, this would be the first taste of alcohol, the first use of drugs, the first thing that is shoplifted or stolen, the first illicit sex encounter and the list goes on. These acts rob a person of their relationship with the ones they love and care for.

When we relate this scripture to our relationship with GOD, do not let the lure of the world rob you of the time you spend with GOD. This life will pass but being obedient to GOD will carry over into eternity. Seek that which is precious and that which builds you up and does not rob you of the joy of an uncompromised relationship with GOD. Allow nothing to come between you and GOD.

Let’s read Proverbs 23:29-35:

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has conflicts? Who has complaints? Who has wounds for no reason?[19] Pr 23:35 Who has red eyes? 30 Those who linger over wine, those who go looking for mixed wine.[20] Isa 5:11 31 Don’t gaze at wine when it is red, when it gleams in the cup and goes down smoothly.[21] Sg 7:9 32 In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. 33 Your eyes will see strange things, and you will say absurd things.[22] Or will speak perversities or inverted things 34 You’ll be like someone sleeping out at sea or lying down on the top of a ship’s mast. 35 “They struck me, but[23] LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg read me,” you will say, “But I feel no pain! They beat me, but I didn’t know it![24] Pr 23:29 When will I wake up? I’ll look for another [drink]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. .”[25] Eph 5:18

This scripture deals with allowing alcohol or anything other than GOD to rule your life. Most, if not all, people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs want to conquer the addiction. Some do conquer their addictions but many do not. When a person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs things happen to them that they cannot explain because they are either passed out or in an altered state of mind.

Again, we can relate this to our relationship with GOD. GOD wants us to be under HIS control and influence. Satan is always ready, willing and able to lead a person down the wrong path in life to rob him or her of his or her relationship with GOD.

GOD wants all of HIS children to build and maintain their relationship with HIM. Being filled with the Spirit and not filled with something else that alters our ability to do HIS will, is what HE desires for HIS children.
Let’s read Proverbs 24:1-4:

1 Don’t envy evil men[1] Pr 23:17; 24:19; Ps 37:1; 73 or desire to be with them, 2 for their hearts plan violence, and their words stir up trouble. 3 A house is built by wisdom,[2] Pr 14:1 and it is established by understanding; 4 by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

Solomon addresses the lure and glamour of popularity. Most people like to hang with those who are looked up to or popular. Even being a member of a gang or certain clubs is prestigious. Solomon tells us not to get caught up with this false sense of being. There may be people who would like to give their lives to GOD through CHRIST and serve GOD but they do not want to be known as a “mister or miss goody two shoes” or whatever the term is used today for being a Christian.

When people are obedient to GOD they gain wisdom, understanding and knowledge which are precious and beautiful treasures. This is the only treasure that will transport to heaven. All earthly treasure will become nothing when we die.

Brother and sister in CHRIST, fill the rooms of your heart with treasure that will last. Seek the relationship and these treasures will be added to your heart. Learn of GOD by spending time with HIM and HE will teach you through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. Seek that which will benefit you here and here after.

Three Rules for Working Smart - Proverbs 6:1-15 - June 6, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – Three Rules for Working Smart – June 2, 2008

This is lesson two (2) in our series of study.

Our scripture is Proverbs 6:1-15.

King Solomon addresses work, in particular, working smart.
Most employers appreciate and try to take care of their good and faithful workers. But as with life, things can go wrong. So it is vital that every worker put a portion of their earnings into savings. Basically look out for yourself.

By the same token, every employer must practice good management to make a profit. Some Christians get disgruntled with employers because they will not let them witness for the LORD or read the Bible on the job. Breaks are generally excluded from the provisions. But every Christian needs to be the best worker an employer has – on time, hard working, not wasteful, etc. I know some reading this will have many issues pointing out the short comings of management.

Some management practices are shameful. A person told me that his boss told him, if you have a choice between doing something important for the company or going to buy a box of chocolates for the President of the company, if he or she asks him, go buy the chocolates. Often companies with this mentality fail or end up in serious trouble.

Having a good work ethic is important for every person and especially for a Christian. During your working years your colleagues at work are like your family. Dedicated workers must manage their time and not neglect their real family. Most bosses will try to work with employees to rearrange work schedules for them attend special events in the lives of their family.
Some of us have retired but we still need to manage our time. Recently, I spent a short time listening to a very energetic eighty (80) plus year old man. He runs five (5) miles a day. He was an inspiration to me. He said because of better health care humans are living longer have more time to be productive during their retirement years or bonus years than ever before. It is important for people to plan for those years by saving, taking care of their health and staying active.

Let’s examine rules for working smart. GOD ordained work in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned, work went from being a joy to being toil. When a person accepts CHRIST as their SAVIOR, CHRIST not only restores believers to the original state of fellowship with GOD through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT but HE restores the joy of work. Work becomes a “calling.” If you are not enjoying your job, ask the LORD to either lead you to another job or help you to see the purpose HE has for you in the job you are in.

Let’s read Proverbs 6:1-5 (Be Wary of Foolish Entanglements)

Financial Entanglements
1 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor[1] Or friend or entered into an agreement with[2] Lit or shaken hands for or with a stranger,[3] The Hb word for stranger can refer to a foreigner, an Israelite outside one’s family, or simply to another person. [4] Pr 11:15; 17:18; 22:26 2 you have been trapped by the words of your lips[5] Lit mouth — ensnared by the words of your mouth. 3 Do this, then, my son, and free yourself, for you have put yourself in your neighbor’s power: Go, humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor. 4 Don’t give sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. 5 Escape like a gazelle from a hunter,[6] Lit hand like a bird from a fowler’s trap.[7] Lit hand [8] Pr 11:15; 17:18; 22:26

Solomon begins with “my son” to emphasize the father son relationship. In Solomon’s day fathers instructed their sons. In that day daughters did not transact that much business. In today’s world parents usually share in instructing their children. Also, in today’s world there are single parent households, therefore instructions can fall to either the mother or the father. In today’s world both sons and daughters both transact business. Even in today’s world GOD expects the father to be head of the household and be the spiritual leader. However, we all know that in generally many men just do not measure up to what GOD wants in their lives. Many times the father will not assume his role and the mother has to take on that role.
Now back to Solomon, any contract a person signs, money he or she borrows or co-signs tie him or her to the lending party. This is a legal entanglement and has the potential for a person to be at risk beyond his or her control. This can involve your reputation because of the person(s) you do business with.

Solomon used the word “security” which carries the connotation of co-signing a loan. It carries the idea of a person loaning his or her authority or credibility to the party with whom he or she has entered into the agreement. Thus, when a person enters into such an agreement he or she runs the risk of putting his or her reputation or credibility at risk.

We begin to see the legal implications and the potential impact such agreements can have on a person; Knowing this, consider that GOD co-signs an agreement with every believer. At the moment a person receives CHRIST as his or her SAVIOR, GOD gives the believer the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT as a security deposit (down payment) to seal the agreement of rebirth.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22:
21 Now the One who confirms us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God; 22 He has also sealed us and given us the Spirit as a down payment in our hearts.

GOD in essence has co-signed an agreement with every believer at the moment he or she receives CHRIST. Think of the cautions Solomon used when he instructs a fellow human about making an agreement with others. Yet the GOD of the universe on HIS own makes an agreement with every believer. HIS agreement comes from HIS complete knowledge that once a believer enters into the agreement, it will be HIS promise and power that ensures that the agreement is firm.

HE is the ONE WHO has given us a security deposit of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRIT is our guarantee that we are fully redeemed, have eternal life and will dwell with GOD.
Now relate this to an agreement with a fellow human being. Fortunately, GOD can be trusted and only has the very best in HIS heart for HIS children.

Agreements can be very good but Solomon wants people to stop and think long and hard before entering into an agreement with another person or institution. Beware of the fine print, the hidden motive or reputation of the other party.

Solomon stressed the importance of not entering into an agreement with someone else because when you do it gives that person control over you. Such agreements can compromise our reputation because of being associated with the person with whom we have made the agreement. This is especially true when making an agreement with a stranger. Once you agree, whether a signed document or a verbal agreement, then your lips have trapped you. Does that mean never make agreements? NO. But it does mean people need to be very, very careful before entering into an agreement. Once the deal is signed, you have forfeited some of your right of control to someone else.

The word “agreement” means to slap “to strike hands” and carries the idea of a hand shake or signing an agreement or a note. The moment the deal is done, a certain amount of control has been forfeited. A person is obligated to fulfill the requirements of the agreement.

Solomon is dealing with financial issues. In Solomon’s day, Jews were to loan money to fellow Jews without charging interest. But the person lending money could require something of value to secure the loan. For example, a person could use his cloak or outer garment as collateral. But the person holding the cloak had to return the cloak in the evening so the person could keep warm during the night. But come morning, the cloak had to go back to the person lending the money.

Things changed because we read in the scriptures about some people taking the homes of widows. Today, we see homes being taken from individuals because of interest rates escalating and because they made unwise decisions.

When a person sees that they have gotten into a potentially perilous situation, he or she needs to go immediately and attempt to get out of it. The father, in this scripture, is not telling the son to shun his obligations but to manage them. As soon as you realize you are in trouble, you need not to wait but deal with it. Delay will compound your problem. This is true for those who get behind in their credit card bills. The compounded interest will wipe you out unless you either pay it off or work out a plan with the Credit Card Company or companies that specialize in negotiating debt reduction.

Solomon’s advice is to do it quickly. That advice is just as relevant today as the day it was written.

Let’s read Proverbs 6:6-11: (Be Wise in Your Work Ethic)

Laziness
6 Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. 7 Without leader, administrator, or ruler, 8 it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest.[9] Pr 10:5; 30:25 9 How long will you stay in bed, you slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest,[10] Pr 26:14; Ec 4:5 11 and your poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit.[11] Pr 20:13; 24:33–34; Ec 4:5

Solomon used an excellent example of a good work ethic, the ant. The ant does not have to have someone pushing it to do what it knows it has to do. It gathers and prepares for the winter. Farmers do the same thing. We, as humans, need to do the same thing. Always save some of your earnings. But in our society, the mentality is spending now and worrying about paying for it later.

The best course of action is to work and save for what you want. Try to get in on sale and pay cash, then start saving again for the next thing you want. Credit card Companies are in the business of getting you to spend, spend, and spend but when you cannot pay they hound, hound, hound. Be wise and plan ahead.

Solomon is talking to the slacker. A slacker is a sluggish person. A person tied to their bed and finds every excuse not to do something. The slacker is one who knows what he or she needs to do but cannot get around to it. A person’s slackness robs him or her of what they have in their mind to accomplish.

The ants sleep seven (7) hours but when it’s time to get up, they go to work. They are diligent about work and about rest.

Now there are those who cannot work for a variety of legitimate reasons or confined to a bed. This is understandable. There are some folks in very bad circumstances but do something to feel a sense of accomplishment.

Let’s read Proverbs 6:11-12: (Be Warned About Wicked Dealings)

The Malicious Man
12 A worthless person,[12] Pr 16:27; 19:28 a wicked man, who goes around speaking dishonestly,[13] Pr 4:24 13 who winks[14] Pr 10:10; 16:30; Ps 35:19 his eyes, signals with his feet, and gestures with his fingers, 14 who plots evil with perversity in his heart— he stirs up trouble constantly.[15] Pr 6:19; 16:27–28; 28:25 15 Therefore calamity will strike him suddenly; he will be shattered instantly—beyond recovery.[16] Pr 24:22; 29:1

A “worthless” person as used in Proverbs is one who plots evil. A worthless person is a wicked person and he or she speaks dishonestly.

Dishonest people will get their just deserts sooner or later.

It amazes me the schemes that people come up with to take advantage of others. However, I have been enlightened about those who scam others. Those who scam think if people are so stupid to fall for the scam they deserve to lose their money or property. So in general, they have no conscience about bilking others out of their money or property.
We should be on the lookout for those who will take advantage of us and we, especially as believers, should not take advantage of others.

It is unfortunate that we live in times when people say they are Christians to help authenticate their plans to deceive others.

A gift of the Spirit is discernment. We as believers need discernment during these times.