Misty Money

Read Proverbs 21

Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.

Proverbs 21:6

Financial matters may seem to be dry numbers, endless columns of stock quotes, boring business analysts on public television, and impersonal banks. In truth, however, money matters are highly emotional when you add to the picture siblings squabbling over inheritances, spouses arguing over debt, long-time business partners cheating each other, and a host of other scenarios. The stakes are high, God says, and he is not talking about casino odds.

The highest stakes, and therefore the suggestion of death in today’s proverb about money, are found when wealth has been created by lying. English has a variety of terms for such wealth: ill-gotten gain, dirty money, filthy lucre. Lest we think God has only millionaires in mind, we should note that an amount of money is not specified here, only the manner in which it is gained. We must be honest in all our financial dealings and teach this to children from the time they are old enough to pick up a penny found on the sidewalk. If we are faithful in small things, we can learn to be faithful with more (Matthew 25:21).

A WORD FOR TODAY

Dishonest money comes with deadly strings attached.

Lord, I know that you are the source of true wealth. Give me your wisdom and commitment to honesty in all my handling of money.