Worse Than Poverty

Read Proverbs 19

Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.

Proverbs 19:1

The comparison in this proverb may catch the reader by surprise. Why doesn’t the second line read “rich and dishonest”? Good question! Although we might tend to jump to the conclusion that riches and poverty automatically sit at opposite ends of any spectrum, the truth resides in the fact that wealth and poverty can be the companions of any number of character traits. For everyone who is rich and dishonest, there is probably someone who is poor and dishonest.

This proverb points out that poverty and honesty are not inseparable. Someone who is poor and honest is wealthy by comparison to someone who is a fool and dishonest, for the latter does not appreciate the depth of his poverty. Dishonest fools, whether rich or poor, are good for little more than to serve as negative examples. Meanwhile, the poor who are honest offer some of the best examples of genuine wisdom to the world. They accomplish a lot with little, and often work their way right out of poverty.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Honesty is a priceless commodity.

Dear Lord, help me to see and be honest about areas of poverty in my life. I desire to experience how you supply where I lack. Thank you!